Abstract: A sliding seismic isolator includes a first plate attached to a building support, and an elongate element extending from the first plate. The seismic isolator also includes a second plate and a low-friction layer positioned between the first and second plates, the low-friction layer allowing the first and second plates to move freely relative to one another along a horizontal plane. The seismic isolator also includes a lower support member attached to the second plate, with a biasing arrangement, such as at least one spring member or at least one engineered elastomeric element, which can include one or more silicon inserts, positioned within the lower support member. The elongate element extends from the first plate at least partially into the lower support member and movement of the elongate element is influenced or controlled by the biasing arrangement.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: Pile cap connectors are attached to pipe piles and are secured to an existing building so that the existing building is supported by an array of the deeply driven pipe piles which serve as the foundation for the building. Alternative pile cap connectors are length adjustable to span the distance between the top of the drill driven pipe piles and the underside of the lifted existing building. The pile cap connectors are an integral part of a method using low-overhead equipment to construct a deep piling foundation for an existing building where the method involves lifting the existing building to a predetermined elevation above grade and positioning cribbing stacks to support the existing building at the predetermined elevation above grade. The cribbing stacks are spaced from each other enabling low-overhead equipment to maneuver underneath the elevated building to drill drive the pipe piles at designated locations to provide optimal support for the building.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piling apparatus for pile assembly comprises at least one walled pipe (26), a clamping frame (29) having a clamping mechanism to link to a walled pipe (26) which has been inserted into the earth, a pressing stand (24) linked to the clamping frame (29), pressing cylinders (35) having one end linked to the base of pressing stand (24), another end linked to a holding clamp (18).

Abstract: A method for supporting and securing structural members, such as girders, to remediated pilings utilizes a pipe segment and cap plate positioned on the planed top section of the piling and welded to the pipe segment. Structural member supports, such as girder brackets or lally type jacks, are secured to the cap plate. The girder is positioned on the structural member supports and is secured thereto. By this method the girder is solidly and effectively supported by a fully formed, reinforced piling.

Abstract: An elevated equipment assembly includes operating equipment situated atop a platform above grade. Piles are installed into the ground with free ends thereof extending above grade, and pile caps are coupled to the free ends of the piles. Each pile cap includes a cap plate disposed in a generally horizontal orientation. A platform is situated atop the pile caps and includes two longitudinally-extending structural beams and cross beams spanning between the two structural beams. Attachment members are secured to and extend outwardly from the outboard side of each structural beam. Each attachment member includes a generally flat attachment plate disposed in a generally horizontal orientation and secured to a cap plate of a pile cap.

Abstract: Designs and methods for a modular foundation provide a strong and secure foundation in a time efficient and cost efficient manner. The modular foundation can include a cap structure having one or more pile guides coupled together. The modular foundation can further include piles that extend through the pile guides and into the ground. The cap structure and pile guides can be configured to use both vertical and angled piles. A plurality of connectors can connect the cap structure to the piles. The resulting foundation can be used to support various superstructures.

Abstract: Designs and methods for a modular foundation provide a strong and secure foundation in a time efficient and cost efficient manner. The modular foundation can include a cap structure having one or more pile guides coupled together. The modular foundation can further include piles that extend through the pile guides and into the ground. The cap structure and pile guides can be configured to use both vertical and angled piles. A plurality of connectors can connect the cap structure to the piles. The resulting foundation can be used to support various superstructures.

Abstract: Designs and methods for a modular foundation provide a strong and secure foundation in a time efficient and cost efficient manner. The modular foundation can include a cap structure having one or more pile guides coupled together. The modular foundation can further include piles that extend through the pile guides and into the ground. The cap structure and pile guides can be configured to use both vertical and angled piles. A plurality of connectors can connect the cap structure to the piles. The resulting foundation can be used to support various superstructures.

Abstract: A composite pile is comprised of two or more rigid hollow tubes interconnected together end-to-end by a pile connector. A boring head is secured to a leading lower end of a lowermost one of the tubes. A force transmitting member is removably connectable to a top end of an uppermost one of the rigid hollow tubes to receive a driving force for driving each of the two or more rigid hollow tubes into the ground. The pile connector has opposed axially aligned projecting pile connecting members extending from opposed parallel faces of a transverse impact transfer disc and extend a predetermined distance in adjacent open ends of the tubes to maintain the tubes in alignment with one another.

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: A base for holding a wind turbine tower is disclosed. The base includes individual shaft piles, a base cap and anchoring units. The base cap includes reinforcement inserts and is connected to each of the individual shaft piles. The anchoring units are embedded in the base cap and extend in an anchoring direction from the base cap at anchoring locations for anchoring the wind turbine tower to the base cap. Each of the reinforcement inserts extend in a radial direction relative to a center axis of the wind turbine tower. At least one of the plurality of reinforcement inserts, at a radius of the center axis adjacent to an anchoring location of a respective anchoring unit, has a portion of the respective reinforcement insert extending along the anchoring direction.

Abstract: A universal end wall component for closing the open side of an arcuate end or circular void form, used for creating space between expansive soils and a concrete structure, comprising, an elongated panel having crenellated upper and lower edges forming a plurality of spaced apart tabs that are bendable to form fastening surfaces for attaching the end wall component to the upper and lower panels of the void form.

Abstract: A primary earth penetrating mandrel formed of a hollow shell steel plate octagonal in cross-section has an upper end and a blunt lower end joined by an upwardly and outwardly tapered wall. The mandrel is driven downwardly in the earth to simultaneously form a vertical tapered cavity while compacting the sidewall of the cavity to provide structural integrity. The mandrel is then moved upwardly from the bottom of the cavity and aggregate is deposited in the bottom of the cavity following which the mandrel is lowered so that its blunt lower end engages the deposited aggregate and densifies the aggregate by vertical vibratory action and static force with these steps being repeated until the pier top is near the surface of the earth at which time the upper aggregate portions are densified by either the primary mandrel or a secondary mandrel having a substantially larger lower end surface than the lower end surface of the primary mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced 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 incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material. A presented application is directed to protecting pipelines and to allowing pipeline integration or association with levees.

Abstract: A post-tensioned pile anchor foundation and method therefor creates a void or highly compressible region between a drilled or driven pile anchor surrounding a post-tensioned anchor bolt or tendon and the bottom of a foundation cap. The void or compressible region can be formed by compressible spacers or void forming elements placed between the top of the pile anchor and the concrete cap. As the anchor bolt or tendon is post-tensioned against the cap, the void forming element is compressed or crushed, allowing the cap to be pulled downwardly and the pile anchor to be pulled upwardly toward the cap against the resistance of the surrounding soil.

Abstract: A head-extended pile for supporting a load of a structure and a constructing method of the same, wherein, the head-extended pile has a reinforcement part provided at the front end thereof, the reinforcement part having a diameter larger than that of the pile so that the front end supporting force of the pile is increased.

Abstract: There is disclosed an underpinning pile to provide an efficient, simple and sure method in driving and lifting the foundation and at the same time securing the direct transference of preload without further loss of preload from the building into the newly completed driven pile. A pile anchor head (11) is provided that receives a pile (12) and is provided with a lifting means (13). The pile anchor head (11) and lifting means (13) receive the building load and transfers it to the pile (12), which allows practically any kind of material and shape of pile (12) to be used.

Abstract: A tool system is provided for aligning and plumbing a poured concrete form (e.g., a lower vertical form portion) for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a center line running vertical to the length of the tool and a two-way level system incorporated therein. The tool can be used to line up the lower vertical form portion with a layout string and plumb the lower vertical form portion square. A metering pole that can be locked in place is used to lower and raise the tool into and out of the lower vertical form portion, wherein the tool is completely rotatable about the metering pole. Once the lower vertical form portion is aligned with the tool, the earthen hole is back filled, thus holding the lower vertical form portion in place in the correct position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced 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 incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

Abstract: A device for finishing the ends of concrete posts, piers or columns has a form for imparting a smooth transitional shape to the periphery of the concrete post, piers or columns. The form may be shaped and sized to fit into a conventional prefabricated tubular form for concrete posts, piers, columns and the like. The device may also have a central finishing plate for producing a smooth end surface to the concrete posts, piers or columns. The central finishing plate may be connected to a driver, such as a drill motor and the like, to impart a smooth finish to the end surface of concrete posts, piers or columns. The central finishing plate may also be used to center an anchor bolt.

Abstract: The invention provides a structure of a pile head joint portion and a pile had fitting tubular body which can absorb an execution error for constructing a pile leading to a problem in the case of precasting a board for supporting an upper structure in order to intend to shorten a process, and can improve a strength of the pile head joint portion. A precast board (5) is manufactured by embedding a pile head fitting tubular body (2) which is constituted by a side plate (23) forming a pile head fitting tubular body (2) and a closing plate (22) closing open one end of a tube body, and forms an opening portion (26) in another end open so as to freely fit a pile head. The pile and the board are integrally formed by fitting the pile head portion to the pile head fitting tubular body (2) after constructing the pile, and charging an injection material (4) into the pile head fitting tubular body (2).

Abstract: The invention provides a structure of a pile head joint portion and a pile had fitting tubular body which can absorb an execution error for constructing a pile leading to a problem in the case of precasting a board for supporting an upper structure in order to intend to shorten a process, and can improve a strength of the pile head joint portion. A precast board (5) is manufactured by embedding a pile head fitting tubular body (2) which is constituted by a side plate (23) forming a pile head fitting tubular body (2) and a closing plate (22) closing open one end of a tube body, and forms an opening portion (26) in another end open so as to freely fit a pile head. The pile and the board are integrally formed by fitting the pile head portion to the pile head fitting tubular body (2) after constructing the pile, and charging an injection material (4) into the pile head fitting tubular body (2).

Abstract: A protective stake cover for covering the top of a metal stake. The stake cover is designed to prevent injury should someone fall and accidentally hit the top of the cover when working or playing near the stake. The stake cover includes an elongated split housing having a first housing half releasably attached to a second housing half. The split housing is adapted for receipt around an upper portion of a metal stake having a “T” shaped cross section. The split housing, when the first and second half are joined together, includes an exterior with a rounded top portion, a center portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a groove therearound for receiving one end of a rope used in holding a tree, bush, plant or other item in an upright position. The inside of the first and second housing halves include an elongated channel with an “L” shaped cross section contoured for receiving one half of the upper portion of the metal stake.

Abstract: A foundation repair piling made up of segments is post tensioned by a cable fed into the segments after the piling is installed. A cable anchor serves as a base segment of multiple concrete piling segments. After installing all the concrete segments on top of the base segment, a cable is inserted into passages in the segments. The cable is threaded through the completely installed piling segments and into the cable anchor. After the cable bottoms out in the cable anchor, upward tension is applied to the cable. As the cable is pulled, cable lock members in the cable anchor increase gripping pressure even as the cable tension increases, thereby solidly anchoring the end of the cable in the cable anchor. After the desired tension is reached, the cable is terminated at the top of the last segment. The tension is held by a termination lug at the top end of the cable.

Abstract: A jetting device for installing a piling or post includes: (a) a cap including a generally conical or pyramidal shaped, perforated, hollow main body portion, and an upper flange portion for closely fitting over a base of the piling or post, the flange portion extending upward in a generally vertical direction from the main body portion; (b) attachment mechanism for attaching the flange portion of the cap to the base of the piling or post; and (c) a threaded fitting for receiving a detachable, generally vertical line for conducting a liquid or air into the cap, the fitting being in an upper section of the main body portion below the flange portion. Also included is a rectangular-shaped cap for a bulkhead section, and a method for installing a piling, post, or bulkhead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique wherein a complex structure is adopted as a joint structure between each head of plural piles (1) and a bottom of a footing (2), and the complex structure may be selected among either a complex of a roller bearing structure (Y) interposing a sliding member (12) and a pin bearing structure (X) interposing a sliding member (32), another complex of a rigid joint structure (Z) and the roller bearing structure (Y), or still another complex of the rigid joint structure (Z) and a pin bearing structure (X). This can restrain the rotation of an upper structure (A), reduce stress concentration applied to a joint portion and occurrence of a bending moment on the pile (1) in applying a great external force such as an earthquake thereto, prevent damages or destroys of the joint portion and the pile, and also enhance excellent positional restoration performance for restoring the upper structure (A) to an initial position thereof, after the earthquake happens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a capping beam across two or more cast-in-situ piles (11), wherein a precast or preformed guide wall structure (1) having holes (5) for receiving and guiding a piling auger is placed into an excavation, forming a number of cast-in-situ piles (11) by applying a piling auger to the ground through the holes (5) in the guide wall structure (1), removing the guide wall structure (1) and filling the excavation with concrete so as to form a capping beam. This results in much improved construction times, since it is not necessary to remove excess hardened concrete before forming the capping beam, and also results in less waste, since the guide wall structure can be reused.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stress transmission device arranged between a pile head of a foundation pile and an upper structural portion for transmitting stress between the foundation pile and the upper structural portion, to a structure which employs such a stress transmission device, and to a method of constructing such a structure. In the figures, a pile head member 5 is provided to the pile head 2a of the foundation pile 2, a structure support member 6 is fixed to an upper structural portion 3, and these mutually contact one another in the vertical direction via a first contacting surface 11 which defines a portion of a first imaginary spherical surface Sv1. And a prestressing steel rod 7 is fitted to the pile head member 5 and the structure support member 6 for holding them together in contact while pressing them together via the first contacting surface 11.

Abstract: A covering plate assembly includes a bottom plate secured to an upper side of a cross reinforced plate that is in turn secured to the upper end of a pipe pile. A plurality of reinforcing rods are secured to the upper surface of the bottom plate and extend vertically from the bottom plate. The rods may be secured to the bottom plate by either welding or threaded engagement. The bottom plate may also be secured to the cross reinforced plate by either threaded engagement or welding.

Abstract: A pipe pier system for use in supporting foundations is provided. The pier system is comprised of a plurality of pipe pier sections and pipe connecting insert members. The pipe sections are adapted to be butted end to end to each other in linear arrangement with the pipe connecting insert member being placed within and connected to respective ends of the butted pipe sections. The pipe sections and insert member have aligning holes to allow for a pin to span their diameters for a stable connection. A removable guide cap is provided for the terminal end of the pier assembly to reduce friction as the pier is driven into the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique wherein a sliding member is disposed between a supporting portion formed on a head of a pile and a binding portion formed on a bottom of a footing. Thus, the binding portion of the head of the pile acts as a roller bearing structure or a pin structure, thereby making it possible to relatively slidingly move in a horizontal direction or slidingly rotate the footing and the pile. As a result, the present invention can prevent damage or destruction in applying a great external force such as an earthquake to the structure, enhance execution and achieve low-cost by means of decreasing the amount of reinforcing steel used.

Abstract: A novel piling comprises a tubular member containing a plurality of passages therein. The piling includes a first rod longitudinally placed within the inner diameter of the tubular member, with the first rod having a first plurality of blades attached thereon. The first plurality of blades will be aligned with the plurality of passages. The piling also includes a gripping member adapted for rotating the blades from the inner diameter of the tubular member to an extended position protruding through the passages. The gripping member consist of a first gripping surface formed on the first end of the first rod and a rod holder, operatively attached to the second end of the tubular member. The rod holder will contain the second end of the rod so that the first rod may be rotated by a turning of the first gripping surface. The novel piling may also include a second plurality of passages therein, along with a second rod longitudinally placed within the inner diameter of the tubular member and adjacent the first rod.

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 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 solid pre-cast prestressed concrete foundation pile and associated installation components having a single prestressing strand located on the longitudinal center axis of the pile, reinforced in the ends only with helix shaped wire reinforcement. The prestressing strand extends beyond the concrete face on the end to present an attachment point for a connection device used to transmit forces from a structure foundation and to accommodate the utilization of a unique, reusable cushion block and, where necessary a, particular internal splice device to form a continuous pile composed of multiple segments.The cushion block receives hammer blows applied to the top of the pile necessary to the driving (installation) process, affording protection to the pile top, the exposed strand and the internal splice device. The completed installation may include the optional attachment of the connection device (when required) after removal of the cushion block.

Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating earth and anchor setting device. The apparatus includes a vertical support, a plurality of spaced media consolidation plates swingably mounted to the vertical support, a rib disposed along a lower edge of respective ones of the consolidation plates and a bearing plate secured to the vertical support. The apparatus can be used to install a bearing and moment foundation having an upper surface, a lower surface and a converging side surface. The upper surface is adapted to receive a pushing force for pushing the foundation into the soil and the side surface adapted to contact the soil when a pushing force is applied to the upper surface. The anchoring device can also be used to install a pier foundation having a plug, an installation load bearing member, an installed load bearing member and a cap.

Abstract: A solid pre-cast prestressed concrete foundation pile and associated installation components having a single prestressing strand located on the longitudinal center axis of the pile, reinforced in the ends only with helix shaped wire reinforcement. The prestressing strand extends beyond the concrete face on the end to present an attachment point for a connection device used to transmit forces from a structure foundation and to accommodate the utilization of a unique, reusable cushion block and, where necessary a, particular internal splice device to form a continuous pile composed of multiple segments. The cushion block receives hammer blows applied to the top of the pile necessary to the driving (installation) process, affording protection to the pile top, the exposed strand and the internal splice device. The completed installation may include the optional attachment of the connection device (when required) after removal of the cushion block.

Abstract: An improved protective pile cap formed of a polymeric compound and a binder and a method of assembling the cap onto the top of a pile is described, wherein the cap is particularly durable and provides for excellent protection of the open grain of the top end of a pile to prevent deterioration of the pile due to exposure from various environmental elements.

Abstract: A metallic piling sleeve member filled with solidified or cured cementitious material and a hollow, cylindrical outer sleeve member having a diameter larger than that of the metallic piling sleeve member are provided. The outer sleeve member is placed generally concentrically around the piling sleeve member and the piling and outer sleeve members are vertically driven into the soil. Further metallic piling sleeve and outer sleeve members are successively vertically driven into the soil until the piling is complete and the metallic piling sleeve and outer sleeve members abut one another in vertical relation.

Abstract: A post for resisting deterioration within a body of water. The inventive device includes a central post member wrapped in a fiber mesh and sealed within a matrix resin. A glow in the dark or fluorescent painted mounting cap for facilitating coupling of the post to a pier structure and a guide cap for facilitating forced insertion of the post into a sea bed can also be provided.

Abstract: A pile cap of homogeneous material is disclosed that includes a top member part having a relatively large top area and a base member part having a correspondingly smaller bottom area. The sides of at least the bottom member part are thereby tapered. The bottom area preferably includes a recess for accommodating the top of a cylindrical pile. The shape distributes even an unbalanced load having an off-center moment of force to the top of the pile without creating potentially damaging shear stresses along the sides of the pile cap.

Abstract: A self-piloting compressible piling is provided comprising a plurality of pre-formed pile sections having bores therethrough and adapted to be arranged in end-to-end relation such that the bores are concentrically collinear. An auger plate is positioned beneath the lowest of the sections and has an upper face and lower face. The lower face of the plate has a plurality of curved blades extending therefrom. The plate further has a flared bore concentrically collinear with the bores of the piling sections through its center such that the diameter of the hole is greater on the upper face than on the lower face. A tension-bearing cable having a collapsible lock-jaw mechanism secured to one end thereof is provided which is extendable from above the highest of the piling sections through the bores of the sections and the bore of the plate and engageable with the lower face of the plate for loading the sections and the plate in compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piling apparatus for driving a tube (1) closed at the lower end by a base plate into the ground (6) to form a concrete foundation pile. The apparatus comprises a piling hammer with falling weight (4) and an impact cap (3) acting on the tube (1). The tube (1), at the lower end thereof in the vicinity of the base plate (6), is provided with an inwardly thickened edge (2), while the piling hammer (3,4,5) is provided within the tube (1) and has an impact cap (3) resting in a centered position on both the thickened edge (2) and the bottom plate (6), said piling hammer (3,4,5) comprising a self-centring guide device (9,10,11) acting on the inner surface of the tube (1).

Abstract: A driving cap for forcibly driving a wooden stake or fence post into the ground. The driving cap includes a horizontal hitting surface capable of withstanding the forces exerted manually by a hitting tool, such as a hammer, and an integrally attached sleeve member. The sleeve member has at least three vertical sides which extend downward and substantially perpendicular to the hitting surface. A central passageway is created in the sleeve member which is capable of receiving the top portion of a wooden stake or fence post. During use, the driving cap is placed over the end of the stake and fence post. A bubble level is attached to one vertical side of the sleeve member which enables the user to initially position and to maintain the stake's or post's longitudinal axis in a desired position while driving the stake or post into the ground.

Abstract: A foundation support apparatus having at least one concrete piling having a plurality of vertical piling sections surrounded by a sleeve having a plurality of vertical sleeve sections is provided. The vertical piling sections extend from the foundation to below the subsurface water table. The sleeve sections form a continuous sleeve capable of protecting the piling from uplifting soil pressure occurring in the zone of moisture change.

Abstract: An enclosure constituting a barrier for a buried segment of a pole to prevent leaching of pole preservatives into the ground. Pliable sheet material is formed into a tubular sheath by means of a lengthwise seam. A closure is formed at the lower end of the sheath by folding and a thermal weld. A band at the barrier upper end may be shrunk to close the barrier snugly about the pole.