Abstract: The rapid consolidation and compaction method comprises (i) first driving a hollow pipe, (ii) driving a pipe with a removable end plate after filling and compacting the sandy material in it, through the hollow pipe, to required depth, creating high excess pore-water pressures in the range of 50 to 300 KPa in clayey soils, (iv) pulling out the pipe section leaving behind the removable end plate and thereby installing porous displacement piles which allows dissipation of the excess pore-water pressures horizontally to the porous displacement pile, in which the excess water flows out vertically to the ground surface, and (v) the length of the drainage path is reduced to half the spacing between adjoining porous displacement piles, allowing rapid consolidation resulting in increase in density. Installing the porous displacement piles in the layer of loose to medium dense sand layer results in the instantaneous increase in its density.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to construction of subsurface structural elements that are configured to redirect soil forces. For instance, a form may be used to construct a subsurface structural element such that the subsurface structural element redirects soil forces to vertically displace a foundation rather than have the soil forces crack or otherwise damage the foundation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a support aggregate pier having compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, includes an elongate, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end bottom head element that is forced or lowered into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted in predetermined increments. The same hollow tube is then lowered or pushed in predetermined increments to vertically compact the released aggregate in thin aggregate lifts, while forcing a portion of the compacted aggregate transaxially into the soil matrix at the sidewalls of the cavity. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted aggregate lifts comprising an aggregate pier or the process may include forming only a single lift for the aggregate pier while densifying adjacent matrix soils and imparting lateral stress in these soils.

Abstract: Provided herein are apparatus, systems and methods for use in ground construction. New ground improvement methods have been developed using pervious concrete piles, the piles having material properties of the pervious concrete, as well as positive response to different vertical loads. The methods produce piles that are superior to aggregate piles in most aspects, and that can be utilized in construction in a wider variety of soils and applications, including in geothermal heat exchange (energy pile) systems.

Abstract: There is provided a method for drilling a cased hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground. A retrievable drill bit is operatively connected to the drill string. The cased hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the drill string into the ground. The retrievable drill bit is retrieved from the cased hole following the drilling of the cased hole to the desired depth. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the cased hole following the retrieval of the retrievable drill bit. Grouting material may be discharged into the cased hole before or after the drill string is removed from the ground.

Abstract: An annular preform is constructed of predeterminable width and height and filled with a predeterminable quantity of a fluid grouting material. After setting of the grouting material and removal of the formwork a ring is placed on the surface of the set grouting material and a lower pylon segment is placed on the ring and connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the insertion of a stanchion into the ground. The apparatus comprises a first side including a plurality of connection apertures, a second side including a plurality of connection apertures, and at least one connector engaging the connection apertures to removably engage the first side to the second side. The first and second sides reposition the ground and substantially separate the stanchion from the ground during insertion. Additionally, the apparatus maintains the integrity of the hole into which the stanchion is placed during insertion of the stanchion into the ground. Preferably, the first and second sides define a substantially circular opening when engaged to one another. Additionally, each side includes a length and the connector substantially spans the length and vertically connects the first side to the second side along the length.

Abstract: A construction process for the composite pile foundation which consists of the expanded belled base and the pile shaft, the construction process comprising the steps of: a) Aligning the pile tip at the pile location and place the casing at the top of the pile tip; b) Lifting the heavy hammer to enter the casing, repeatedly lift the heavy hammer to reach the given height and back press the casing, let it fall freely to ram the pile tip and the soil until a hole forms at the pile location; c) Lifting the heavy hammer higher than the feed inlet of the casing and fill solid material from the inlet into the casing; d) Ramming the above-mentioned solid material and repeat the filling and ramming operations; e) Controlling the penetration of the last three blows; f) Filling graded aggregate or stiff consistency concrete and repeatedly ram it to form the expanded belled base; g) pull out the casing; h) Aligning the pile shaft at the pile hole and repeatedly back press and blow slightly with the heavy hammer to drive

Abstract: Installation of support piers for a structure comprises the steps of positioning a hollow tube in a soil matrix followed by removal of soil from the hollow core, filling the core with an aggregate, subsequent raising and lowering of the hollow tube, compacting the aggregate by means of a mechanical device affixed to the bottom of the hollow tube to and also applying lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity formed in the soil matrix, thereby pushing a portion of the aggregate laterally into the soil matrix.

Abstract: An underground shell-pile continuous wall job practice, which utilizes a special drill for constructing a continuous wall underground, is initiated by sinking two coupled special drills connected together by male and female connectors fixed on the main trunks of them respectively. Then, the first special drill is withdrawn while simultaneously pouring concrete into it until the first shell pile is finished. The process of sinking special drills and withdrawing and pouring concrete to build shell piles is repeated until the whole continuous wall is finished. In this way, building an underground continuous wall is rapid, economic and effective. The special drill has a simple structure which provides for simultaneous insertion and draining of displaced soil, thereby reducing the sinking drag force. Thus, earthmoving normally required to build underground walls is reduced greatly.

Abstract: A method and mechanical apparatus for installation of support pier for structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by way of a bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.

Abstract: A method and special mechanical apparatus for installation of support pier for structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by means of a special bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.

Abstract: A precast concrete beam element, used as a continuous bearing structural foundation member supporting wall and floor slab loads in soil, includes a bearing surface for spreading vertical loads into the soil and a wall section having a height sufficient to place the bearing surface at a specified bearing depth in the soil. The precast beam element also includes a formed-in notch to serve as a block ledge to facilitate weathertight wall installation. The beam element is manufactured offsite in a mold capable of changing dimension to cast elements with differing bearing heights and differing wall thicknesses as soil and loading conditions require.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installation of a support pier for a structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by a bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.

Abstract: A durable frost heave damage preventive structure of underground structures applicable easily and at low cost to many different kinds of underground structures. The frost heave damage preventive structure includes a plate-like reaction member (7) provided at the bottom of an underground structure (1) approximately in parallel to a freezing front in the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground to form a series of voids therein. The beam includes a hollow interior portion which receives a supply of granular material. The beam also has a plurality of outwardly projecting spurs on the outer faces thereof for scarfing the sidewalls of the void as the beam is extracted. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam to prevent earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. An actuating mechanism detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A pile driving system and method of operation for driving pile casings formed of a material which is a composite of fiberglass and a resin matrix. The pile casing is sleeved on a mandrel which receives driving forces from a hammer. The driving forces are directed from the mandrel into a boot plate which penetrates down as it makes a hole in the soil. The pile casing rides down with the mandrel, and as the depth increases additional sections of pile casings and mandrel segments can be added. Trapping devices are provided for trapping the pile casing relative to the mandrel so that a portion of the driving forces are directed into the pile casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground. The beam includes a top portion, an open bottom portion, and a hollow interior portion therebetween which receives a supply of granular material. In usage, the beam is inserted into the ground to form a void therein. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam. In usage, the shoe prevents earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. The apparatus further includes an actuating mechanism which detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A pile head dresser, for cast-in-place concrete piles, has an inner cylinder (2) adapated to permit a tremie pipe (16) to move in and out. The inner cylinder is surrounded by an outer cylinder (3). A top plate (1) and a bottom plate (6) interconnect the inner and outer cylinders (2, 3) so as to form a double cylinder structure (A). The bottom plate (6) has a plurality of reinforcement bar apertures (8) provided therein at equal intervals of a specified distance. Also, the top and bottom plates (1, 6) are provided with exhaust apertures (5, 9) for allowing a mixture of air and slurry to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A method for forming a foundation pile in the ground utilizing a prefabricated pile shaft, placed with clearance into a tube screwed into the bearing ground layer, which tube is provided with a screw blade. Between the wall of the tube and the pile shaft a self-hardening mass is provided. The tube can be removed from the ground in the unscrewing direction while operating as a screw conveyor. The tube may also be retracted from the ground, initially without rotation, with a thick skin of self-hardening mass being formed around the pile shaft, which mass is subsequently pressurized by causing the tube to function as a screw conveyor.

Abstract: A casting mould for keeping the cast compound together and supporting it on casting elongated objects, standing on an underlayer and extending vertically comprises a flexible elongated envelope (3) being substantially inelastic and having an opening (7) at one end thereof for supplying cast compound (6). The envelope is arranged to be held substantially vertically while being stretched by cast compound introduced through said opening (7) so as to form a casting mould having a circular cross-section, extending vertically and supporting and keeping the cast compound together.

Abstract: A method of forming a pile comprises driving a pile forming member (12, 40, 140) into the ground to a predetermined depth to form a passage of non-circular cross-section, preferably a circular cross-section (42) with fins (56) radiating therefrom, and while withdrawing the member (12, 40, 140) from the passage filling the passage with cementitious material so that then this material sets a pile if formed in the passage.

Abstract: A tubular footing form of the recoverable type for building concrete foundation piles comprises an end shutting organ destined to prevent water from the water bed from entering the footing form while the latter is being plunged into the ground and to enable the concrete casting to be performed during the step of recovery of the same footing form. The end shutting organ is installed inside the tubular footing form at a certain distance from its free end so as to create a seal chamber which, during the step of plunging of the footing form, gets filled with compacted earth, which forms a plug which tightly seals the shutting organ against the entering of water from the water bed.

Abstract: The high strength post framed enclosure provides a subsurface mechanical room or work area that is dust free, waterproof and electrically insulated. The strong outer skin conforms to the structural frame when placed under pressure and creates a lightweight composite structural system to protect the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of making a cast-in-place prestressed pile by means of a movable casing set composed of some separable casings which can be displaced vertically, and pull and push each other after displacing. Reinforcing cage and prestressing strands can be placed within the casing set. After grouting, each section, the casings can be pulled out one by one with an external force to overcome friction between the earth and casings till complete removal of all casing, a cast-in-place pile is then formed, and the movable casing set can be used at another spot.

Abstract: The invention is related to a kind of fabrication method and device of hollow reverse circulation piles of which the central hollow portion is installed with a movable sand barrel between which and the surrounding reinforcing cage, positioning device for movable sand barrel is installed. For starting the work, grouting to scheduled height from bottom of pile bore is made first and then grouting between pile bore wall and outer wall of movable sand barrel is conducted. Meanwhile, sands are poured into movable sandbarrel. By virtue of sensors on the inner and outer walls of movable sand barrel, the pressure between concrete grout and sand will be kept in equilibrium to avoid reverse grouting due to opposite pressure. Then, the sand barrel is pulled up step by step so that the pile poured with sand at its central part is primarily completed. Water is finally poured into the central part and sand is suctioned out to complete the hollow-typed reverse circulation pile.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of constructing a footing and a foundation wall thereon, and form therefore in a hardenable building material for use in a continuous, perimeter type building foundation. An improved shape for the footing and foundation wall is disclosed which allows the use of a novel formwork system, thus permitting both elements to be cast simultaneously in a monolithic arrangement. Additionally, the cast shape of the foundation system is such that the basic function of transmitting superimposed building loads to the earth is an improvement over the more traditional types of foundation systems. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, much of the formwork is expendable and is permanently left in place, being removed only where visable in the finished structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a stone column in the ground is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of concentric tubes (2,3) the inner one (2) of which is open at both ends, and at or near its lower end may be connected to the outer tube (3) by an outwardly extending wall portion (4). A driving plate (14) is attached at or close to the upper end of one of said inner and outer tubes, so as to extend around said one tube, so that the apparatus may be driven into or against the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion of the inner tube (2), the outwardly extending wall portion (4) and the lower portion of the outer tube (3) together define a cavity comprising an upper, relatively narrow portion (7) and a lower, relatively wide portion (9). A method of forming a stone column using the apparatus is also disclosed. After driving the apparatus into the ground, it is withdrawn in stages, after each of which a compacting force is applied in order to consolidate the stone column.

Abstract: A ground rod installation device having an auger fixedly mounted on the lower end of an elongated drive shaft. A pilot drill projects downwardly from the lower end of the auger. The shaft, auger, and pilot drill have aligned axial passages into which the ground rod is inserted. A releasable fastener then secures the ground rod in place inside the shaft. The shaft is rotated in one direction, thereby causing the auger to draw the shaft into the ground. After the releasable fastener has released the ground rod from the shaft, the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, thereby withdrawing the shaft from the ground while allowing the ground rod to fall through the passages in the auger and pilot drill and remain in the ground.

Abstract: To lower ground water in the region of foundation bodies, such as foundation piles and the like, a water-pervious layer of filtering concrete, in particular of uniform-grained concrete, is arranged below an upper water-impervious part which is made of standard concrete. From this layer the entering ground water is sucked through a pipe which extends through the foundation body and is designed as a water-pervious filter pipe in the region of the layer of filtering concrete. The layer of filtering concrete is preferably reinforced by reinforcing irons. After lowering of the ground water level, the filtering concrete is injected with a hardenable injection material, thus enabling the lower end of the foundation body to better absorb the pressures transmitted from the upper part.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a concrete pile in the ground with an enlarged base, including a tube having a diameter, and an upper and a lower end, a shoe provided at the lower end of the tube and having a larger diameter than the tube so as to form a gap between the tube and the ground, a longitudinal outer casing having a diameter substantially equal to the shoe diameter so as to define a space between the tube and the outer casing, the casing also having a lower end attached to the shoe, and an open upper end so as to allow a free flow of concrete into the space between the tube and the outer casing, a sliding joint provided so as to slidably attach the outer casing to the tube so that a predetermined length of sliding exists between the tube and the outer casing, a pile having a free-falling hammer, the tube, with the outer casing attached, being drivable into the ground by the pile to a depth greater than the length of the outer casing so as to form an opening in the ground and define the gap between the t

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing in-situ concrete piles with enlarged bases. The method includes the steps of: driving into the ground a tube provided at its lower end with a shoe which is larger than the diameter of the tube, and with an outer casing attached around its lower portion; filling fresh concrete into the gap between the tube and the soil as fast as the opening in the soil is formed; expelling the shoe and a plug of concrete to form the enlarged base; and extracting the tube together with the outer casing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved self-anchoring fence post characterized by an anchor member in the form of a rigid blade substantially bisected by a vertically-disposed groove for use in initially detachably clamping same to a driving tool for both burying it in the ground and simultaneously producing a posthole therebeneath. Following removal of the driving tool, this same groove is employed to permanently clamp the anchor member to a fence post passed down alongside thereof into the posthole. The invention also includes an apertured disc which is placed on the end of the driving tool and precedes same down into the ground so as to produce an oversize hole from which the tool can be removed as well as a permanent base upon which to rest the fence post. The invention further encompasses the method of installing the post by using the disc to drive an oversize posthole while simultaneously burying the anchor member.

Abstract: The apparatus includes two tools for forming holes in the subsoil without excavating it, which tools being coaxially mounted on a drill column. To the end of the drill column there is attached a hollow tool which is concealed when a skirt is in a lower position and exposed when the skirt is in an upper position. A soil displacing body is mounted on the drill column and above the tool. The soil displacing body is a hollow structure and has an upper opening wherethrough its inner space communicates with a concrete feeding tube and a lower opening closable by the skirt in its upper position. To construct a tubular pile the apparatus is driven into the subsoil whereby a design hole is formed, then the apparatus is withdrawn from the hole with a simultaneous filling of the hole with a concrete mix through the concrete feeding tube, the soil displacing body, and the lower opening provided therein.

Abstract: A hollow mandrel has a chute at one side near its top through which concrete is poured, and an open top through which re-inforcing steel is inserted. An expansible closure having an air conduit leading to its lower end is lowered into the mandrel below the chute and expanded, and air is forced into the mandrel while a lifting force is applied to it.

Abstract: A device for the control of the internal pressure in a drill pipe or tremie is disclosed. The tremie is used in footings and especially in the construction of compressed concrete footings. The tremie has a valve located in a lid that serves for the tight seal of the tremie. The valve is subjected to a counter-pressure which is greater than the effective power of the internal pressure of the tremie. A hoisting cable is connected to the valve stem and the power of the hoisting cable under normal operating conditions in combination with the internal pressure of the tremie is large enough to overcome the counterpressure. The valve is shifted to vent the internal pressure of the tremie when the same is rapidly removed from the footing bore due to a decrease in ground friction.

Abstract: This invention comprises a technique for constructing concrete foundation columns in underwater locations, wherein the steel casing members used to form the columns may be recovered for subsequent re-use. In the technique, an inner and outer casing are partially imbedded in the ground submerged in the water and in concentric relationship with one another. The annulus formed between said inner and outer casing is filled with unconsolidated sand, while the inner casing is filled with reinforcing material and concrete to form the column. The inner casing is then vibrated at a suitable frequency to reduce the friction between it and the sand and concrete, whereby the inner casing may then be drawn upwardly and from between said concrete and the sand. The sand will then support the concrete until after said concrete has hardened, whereupon the outer casing may then be removed, either by vibration or by conventional techniques.