Abstract: A method of monitoring of the level of compaction of a soil surface undergoing compaction by an impact compactor which includes a rotatable, multi-sided compactor mass that applies periodic impact blows to the soil surface when rolled over that surface. In accordance with the invention, data related to the level of compaction of the soil surface is derived, during compaction of the soil surface, from the deceleration of the compactor mass as it impacts the soil surface. This is achieved using one or more accelerometers mounted on the impact compactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for arranging at least one duct in a ground. The method is distinguished by above ground assembly of the duct; bringing the ground into plastic state; and forcing the duct into the ground. The ground is subjected to vibration in order to effect the transition to the plastic state thereof. The method is also distinguished by placing piles and fixing the duct to the piles prior to bringing the ground into the plastic state; and by subsequently forcing the piles with the duct fixed thereto into the ground. The present invention further relates to a system of ducts in a ground which comprises at least one type of duct, wherein piles fixed to the ducts are arranged in the ground.

Abstract: Backfill soil is compacted under the haunches of and up to the spring line of a pipe laid in a trench by tamping the soil in two directions with two pairs of hydraulically-operated ram plates extending from an elongate frame which is supported and moved by wheels along the pipe. The first pair of ram plates, located near the bottom half of the pipe, compact the soil under the haunch of the pipe by compacting the soil at an angle such as 45.degree. (from vertical) from either side of the pipe towards the centerline of the pipe. The second pair of ram plates, located behind the machine and above the spring line of the pipe, compacts the soil in a downward (vertical) direction on either side of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing Construction and Demolition ("C&D") disposal debris into a substitute/alternative daily/initial cover product approved by an environmental regulatory authority for use at a solid waste disposal landfill, wherein the C&D disposal debris, before processing/manufacturing, is considered a raw material/feed stock composed of a commingled inseparable mixture of solid waste components/items which are classified based on their origin as C&D disposal debris. These components are mechanically processed by screening or shredding to a predetermined specification particle size to collectively create/form a "C&D Recovered Screen Material" ("RSM") product. This C&D-RSM product is applied as daily/initial cover material covering compacted and leveled Municipal Solid Waste ("MSW") substituting the normally used sand, dirt or earthen materials at permitted/licensed MSW disposal landfills operating with a landfill leachate containment system or other approved site location.

Abstract: A tool for making holes in the ground comprises a ram tip and coupling for connecting to a drive device, such as a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated pile driving machine, or a vibrating pile driving machine. A method for making tubular foundations in the ground comprises coupling a ram tip to a drive device, selecting a location for making a hole, placing the ram tip thereat, setting the drive device into operation to drive the ram tip into the ground to form a hole, removing the ram tip out of the hole, partially filling the hole with concrete, re-inserting the ram tip into the hole before the concrete sets, setting the drive device into operation and then removing the ram tip, thereby obtaining a tubular foundation.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving a soil body against vibration and liquefaction. According to the method, a higher strength stage is formed within the soil body, and a lower strength surface stage is formed above the higher strength stage. The higher strength stage includes a plurality of higher hardness portions formed by a consolidation process. Similarly, the lower strength stage includes a plurality of lower hardness portions also formed by a consolidation process in corresponding relation to the higher hardness portions.

Abstract: In a rammer powered by an internal combustion engine, the engine is placed on a side of an upper part of a rammer main body with its crankshaft extending in parallel with the handle bar of the rammer, and the cylinder axis of the engine slanted sideways so that the overall height of the rammer may be controlled even when a relatively large engine is employed. The engine is mounted on the rammer main body so that the center of gravity of the engine is on the axial center line of the rammer main body as projected on a plane perpendicular to the crankshaft. Therefore, a relatively large engine can be used without destroying the balance of the rammer, and the rammer, therefore, would not produce any tendency to tilt during use. Thus, the rammer is easy and comfortable to handle even when a relatively large engine is mounted thereof.

Abstract: The present invention enables waste to be removed from behind a compaction wheel without having to remove the wheel from the compaction machine. The present compaction wheel allows access through the compaction wheel to a portion of the axle located behind the wheel, thereby saving the cost associated with removing the compaction wheel and improving productivity by reducing the amount of down time needed to service and inspect each compaction wheel, its axle and the portions of the compaction machine hidden by each wheel. Each compaction wheel includes an access opening disposed between a wheel hub and outer rim and operatively adapted to allow access to and permit removal of waste from around a portion of the axle located behind the compaction wheel, while the compaction wheel is mounted on the axle.

Abstract: A process for sealing soil formations, wherein a mineral sealing layer of a cohesive soil with the addition of powdery silicate of sodium is applied and mechanically compacted, and wherein: (a) firstly a homogenous mixture is prepared from a cohesive soil having a water in the wet area of the Proctor curve, with the addition of a powdery, aluminate-free soft gel-forming agent; (b) when the soft gel-forming agent has dissolved in the groundwater, powdery silicate of sodium is incorporated in homogeneously; and (c) finally the mixture is mechanically compacted.

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 method and apparatus (10) for forming improved seals in boreholes (101) formed in host rock (100) by using the apparatus (10) to introduce a feedstock (60) into the borehole (101) and simultaneously subject the introduced feedstock to both compressive and shear stresses until the borehole becomes filled and sealed.

Abstract: Compaction of a soil surface is achieved by means of a machine (10) which has a movable, wheeled carriage (20) and an impact roller coupled resiliently to the carriage so as to move together with the carriage. The impact roller has one or more out-of-round compactor masses (12) designed to apply periodic impact blows to the soil surface (36). A soil working implement, in the form of an upright scraper blade (44) is carried by the carriage in a position trailing the impact roller. The function of the blade is to scrape soil into the localized indentations (40) that are formed in the soil surface by the periodic impact blows applied by the compactor mass or masses. This smooths out the soil surface for subsequent passes and reduces the shock loading on the tractive vehicle which pulls the carriage.

Abstract: A backfiller and tamper unit (10) is disclosed which is a self contained unit that acts to both backfill and compact soil into a trench for complete restoration. The unit includes a tractor (12) which mounts a vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) and a backfill auger assembly (16). The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) is mounted on a mast (50) which is pivotally secured to the tractor for limited arcuate motion from vertical. This permits the mast to be tilted so that the compaction force of the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is most effectively directed to compact the soil in the trench. The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is free floating on the mast which isolates the tractor from vibration generated by the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly and provides greater compaction efficiency. Further, the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly can be lifted vertically on the mast by a lift mechanism (62) for storage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether soil is satisfactorily compacted. An operator delivers impact energy to the soil, and the amount of impact energy transmitted through the soil is repeatedly sensed and stored. A modelling formula, which approximates the variation of the stored amounts of impact energy, is used to generate current and target values for the level of compaction; if the current value equals or exceeds the target value, the soil is considered to be satisfactorily compacted.

Abstract: A method for increasing the capacity of a garbage dump to allow additional garbage to be dumped therein, in which a depth packing device, such as a vibrator or ram, is lowered from the surface of the dump down to a predetermined depth to form a hole surrounded by compacted garbage; additional garbage is then placed in the hole and additionally compacted by the same depth packing device used to form the hole. If a vibrator is used, the additional garbage is dispensed from the vibrator tip as the vibrator is withdrawn from the hole so that a compacted column of garbage is formed. A ram device comprising a pipe having a removable closure at the lower end may also be used. As the pipe is withdrawn from the hole, additional garbage is placed through it and out through the lower closure; the additional garbage is compacted with a weight guided through the pipe.

Abstract: Saturated sand or silt is densified at depth by applying a radially propagated lateral translation force within a region of the soil, while water is actively withdrawn from such region toward the point of application of such force. A densification device incorporating the foregoing principle has a mechanism which imparts to the region surrounding the device cyclic lateral displacements which act axi-symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the device; and, a filtered cavity and pumping mechanism for withdrawing water from the region surrounding the device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a plasma arc torch is used to vitrify and remediate a site containing contaminated soils, resulting from a hazardous material deposit or spill, or contaminated buried objects. The contaminated earthen material or subterranean deposit is pyrolyzed, melted or solidified by the plasma torch which is energized at the bottom of a cased, vertical borehole, and then gradually raised to the surface. An array of boreholes, appropriately spaced, will remediate an entire mass of contaminated material. Similarly, buried objects such as metal drums containing contaminants and underground storage tanks may be selectively remediated at their specific buried depth. Similar use is made of the plasma torch in a second embodiment with the additional step of processing at selected underground locations in the borehole array to create a sealed horizontal layer, vertical cutoff walls or a sealed basin as a barrier against further leaching of contaminants into surrounding soil and groundwater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing short aggregate piers in situ in the ground including the steps of forming a cavity in the ground, compacting soil in the vicinity of a bottom portion of the cavity to prestress and densify the soil beneath the cavity, adding a layer of loose aggregate to partially fill the cavity, compacting the layer of loose aggregate with an implement 10 adapted to reduce the height of the layer and adapted to prestress and densify the soil laterally by forcing some of the aggregate laterally into the sides of the cavity and thereby also enlarging the cavity in the vicinity of the layer, and repeating steps of adding aggregate and compacting aggregate until the cavity is filled substantially completely with compacted aggregate or is filled to the desired elevation. The resulting pier has a bulging, undulating outer surface which the surrounding prestressed soil is better able to support.

Abstract: A method of increasing the available capacity of an active above ground and/or incised landfill is disclosed that involves dynamically compacting successive layers of deposited refuse. This method increases the available volume of the landfill up to about 20 percent without damaging the liner system that protects the surrounding soil base and ground water.

Abstract: Soil nails are entrained into the ground by vibration of a beam or compacn probe into the ground and remain behind when the beam is removed to transfix a friction soil layer and anchor it to the cohesion soil layer.

Abstract: A combination vibrator, aerator, and liquid-injection device for in-situ treatment of sediments to facilitate the reduction, elimination or removal of substances by microbiological or chemical treatment. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the aerator and liquid-injection elements are attached to an internal concrete vibrator which penetrates and agitates the sediments. Air released from the aerator supplies oxygen to microorganisms in the sediments for the aerobic biodegradation of target substances. Liquids released under pressure from the liquid injector introduce microorganisms, nutrients or other chemicals such as oxidizers and detergents for degradation or solubilization of target substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrator roller for soil compaction, comprising an undercarriage having at least two roller drums disposed one after the other in the travel direction. Front and rear imbalance generators in the form of weights rotating with 180.degree. phase displacement are assigned to the roller drums, and the undercarriage carries the superstructure, via elastic resilient pads. These resilient pads are positioned at least in the vicinity of the minimum vibration of the undercarriage, so that practically total vibrational decoupling between the undercarriage and the superstructure is brought about.

Abstract: A pair of spaced walls which may be formed from corrugated metal sheets are joined together with a bottom plate being attached to the edges of the walls to form a box-like structure. A drive shoe formed by a pair of plates may be attached to the bottom of the structure. A sonic oscillator is attached to the top edges of the structure and sonic energy, preferably at a frequency which causes resonant standing wave vibration of the box-like structure, is applied to such structure so as to drive it into the ground. Successive sections of similar box-like structures are driven into the ground in end to end overlapping relationship to form an elongated box structure installed in the soil. This structure is employed to provide a barrier against the migration of soil pollutants. Further, soil samples can be taken from the area contained by the box-like structure to evaluate the effectiveness of the barrier provided by the first wall.

Abstract: A method of isolating a contaminated geological formation or aquifer is disclosed in which the formation is encapsulated by impermeable barriers. A grid of wells is drilled into the formation. A horizontal barrier is formed below the contaminated formation by creating an overlapping pattern of horizontally-oriented fractures filled with polymer radiating from each of these wells. A horizontal barrier may also be formed above the top surface of the contaminated formation if necessary. A ring of boundary wells may also be drilled surrounding the contaminated formation. The strata around each boundary well are fractured, and a polymer is then injected to form a vertical barrier around the periphery of the contaminated formation. In addition, water may be injected under pressure into guard wells between the contaminated formation and the vertical and/or horizontal barriers to further reduce any migration of pollutants into neighboring formations.

Abstract: A multiple pipe chute installation for continually and progressively excavating a trench, laying flexible utility pipe a predetermined vertical distance apart, refining and refilling the soil around the laid pipes, and compacting the refilled soil is disclosed. The installation includes a trenching chain assembly pivotably mounted to the rear of a vehicle for excavating a trench. A multiple pipe chute assembly including a plurality of chutes is pivotably attached to a support frame extending from the trenching chain assembly. A support arm is pivotably attached to the support frame and extends rearwardly of the chute. A backfiller assembly is attached to the end of the support arm and a compacting rod is attached to the support arm adjacent the backfiller assembly. A hydraulic cylinder is attached between an extension of the support frame and the support arm. The chute assembly may be selectively linked to either the trenching chain assembly or the support arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool assembly for setting earth anchor and foundation devices comprising side-by-side hydraulic motive members. Each motive members comprises a piston movable within a cylinder. The piston has a piston arm extending out of the cylinder. Movement of a piston under the pressure of hydraulic fluid causes the associated piston arm to extend from or retract into its associated cylinder. A piston arm bearing plate is secured to the extended ends of the piston arms. A cylinder bearing plate is secured to the base of the cylinders. The bearing plates are parallel to each other and an opening is provided in each of the plates midway between the motors so that said openings are aligned for the passage of a threaded rod therethrough. An adjustable nut on the rod restrains one of the bearing plates against movement along the rod while the other bearing plate can move relative to the rod to force an earth anchor or foundation device into the earth.

Abstract: A vibratory compactor is connected to a loading boom for exerting compaction forces upon trash and the like. The vibratory compactor includes a generally circular base plate having outboard bearing members located near the periphery thereof, inboard bearing members extending across the central portion thereof stiffening the base plate, gussets connected thereto and extending toward the periphery of the base plate for stiffening the base and supporting inboard bearing members, and vibration isolating means located between the connectors used for connecting the compactor to the loading boom and the inboard and outboard bearing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier for soil structures. The barrier is formed by creating a trench in a soil structure extending from the soil surface to an impervious layer in the soil. The trench is lined with a sheet of impervious material, which may be a fabric carrying a substantially dehydrated sodium-bentonite clay. The trench is especially well-suited for installation around the perimeter of a waste site from which contaminated fluids may be emanating. The barrier and the method of forming the barrier allow a toxic waste site to be easily and completely isolated from adjacent groundwater systems.

Abstract: A narrow self-propelled trench soil compactor has a vibratory frame assembly connected in a towing relation to a mobile frame having steerable front wheels. The vibratory frame assembly is pivotally connected to the mobile frame for vibratory up and down movement independently of the mobile frame. A soil compaction wheel is rotatably supported at the free end of the frame assembly for movement to a lowered operating position and is power driven to function as the propulsion means for the machine. When the compaction wheel is in an elevated or non-operating position, the machine is attachable to a towing tractor for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A tamper attachment for a vibratory plow vehicle of the type wherein a vibrator imparts vibrations to a plow which is used to plow a narrow, relatively shallow furrow to receive a line or cable. The tamper attachment comprises attachment means for attaching the tamper to the vibrating means of the plow and a housing fixedly secured to the attachment means. A tamper foot comprising a cylindrical roller is positioned below the housing in ground contacting relation for rapidly impacting the ground in response to vibrations transmitted by the vibratory means for closing and tamping the furrow opened by the vibratory plow. A pair of spaced apart, spring loaded tamper foot guide arms are connected to the tamper foot and are slidably mounted in the housing for transmitting rapid up and down movement from the vibrating means through the housing to the tamper foot. A tamper adjustment arm is connected to the tamper foot and mounted in the housing for limiting reciprocatory movement of the tamper foot guide arms.

Abstract: A landfill compaction system and method reduces the volume of landfill at an existing landfill site by essentially sealing off at least a portion of the landfill and utilizing a source of vacuum to extract gases from the sealed-off portion of the landfill, the extraction taking place relatively rapidly so as to make use of the sudden impact of atmospheric pressure upon the sealed-off portion to assist in the compaction of the landfill.

Abstract: Process for soil treatment and successive installations of a plurality of equipments at different respective locations and apparatus for implementing said process, comprising the operations of: drilling the soil by driving a tubular stem tool having an axis and a predetermined overall diameter around its axis, introducing one equipment inside the tubular stem tool, removing from the soil said tubular stem tool while leaving the equipment within the soil, modifying the soil compacity around the equipment by mechanical action during at least part of the removal of the tubular stem tool and repeating the above operations with remaining equipments at other locations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for constructing structures composed of several superposed layers of embankment mixed with a hydraulic binder, machine comprising a self-propelled chassis bearing two vibrating rammers: a first inclined rammer which compacts the slope of each layer and a second horizontal rammer which, at the same time, compacts a horizontal strip of said layer lying along the upper edge of the slope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for compacting by vibrations a soil stratum with the aid of at least one vibration-transferring member (2) which may be driven into the soil stratum, said member transferring vibrations from a vibration generating means (1) to the soil stratum. In accordance with the invention the axial extension of the member (2) is variable both before and in conjunction with the vibration compaction by the member being implemented such as to be resilient, elastic or flexible.

Abstract: The invention relates to civil engineering works.In particular, it relates to a device suitable for forming a primary column of stabilized and compacted soil, which comprises at least two parallel shafts driving in opposite directions, two parallel augers with opposite pitch, each auger being provided at the opposite end to the drive shaft with a loosening drillhead and the distance between the axes of the augers being less than the diameter of an auger, the shafts and the shanks of the augers comprising a bore connected to a source of material to be added, and at least one orifice which communicates with the said bore being provided on the shank of each auger so as to discharge the material to be added and allow it to be mixed with the loosened soil.Applicable in particular for the compaction of railroad territory.

Abstract: An improved process for reclamation of excavated mine sites and otherwise useless land using waste slimes and tailings obtained from the benefication of ore.

Abstract: A compacting apparatus is provided and includes a material supply line having an upright inlet portion and a transversely disposed lower outlet portion provided with a discharge opening at its discharge end. The lower outlet portion is supplied with high pressure air from an air supply line which includes an outlet end portion disposed coaxially within the lower outlet portion of the material supply line and is provided with a nozzle assembly for directing pressurized jets of air toward the discharge opening.

Abstract: In a method for compacting compactable soils by vibration while using a compacting apparatus comprising an elongate member having a vibrator mounted on one end thereof, and further having laterally projecting fins arranged along at least part of the length thereof, the elongate member is inserted to a given depth into soil to be compacted and there vibrated to densify and compact soil surrounding said elongate member while withdrawing the elongate member from a compacted location when the load required to lift the elongate member together with the vibrator from said location, while the member is vibrating, is at least equal to a previously established set-point value corresponding to a desired degree of compaction.

Abstract: A composition and method of its use for stabilizing plastic soils which composition comprises from about 25 to about 85 weight percent portland cement, from about 0 to about 75 weight percent of a filter and from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of a retarding agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a backfill compaction apparatus of a type particularly well suited to the puddling and compaction of loose soil around pipes laid in trenches, such apparatus being characterized by a self-propelled carriage adapted to straddle the pipe and advance therealong incrementally, a mast supported in upstanding relation on the front end of the carriage, a forwardly-extending boom mounted on the mast for vertical movement relative thereto, means operatively interconnecting the mast and boom for raising and lowering the latter, a tool-carrying platform suspended from the boom in overhanging relation to the trench to be backfilled, at least one pair of transversely-spaced combination puddling and vibrating subassemblies hanging from the tool-carrying platform adapted to enter the trench on opposite sides of a pipe laid therein, said subassemblies each including an elongate rigid nozzle for introducing water beneath the surface of the backfill and a vibrator connected to said nozzle for movement

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for compacting backfill in pipe and sewer trenches. A trench is filled with earth after the pipe is laid and an open ended tube is vibrated and lowered endwise into the backfill overlying the pipe while the pipe is substantially filled with water. The apparatus utilizes a vibrator carried by a backhoe and an open ended rigid tube suspended from the vibrator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using "red mud", i.e., slurry by-products from the Bayer process for extracting alumina from bauxite, for creating landfill. The red mud is first filtered to reduce its water content in the conventional manner and then mechanically compressed and dewatered until it has a void ratio less than 1.5, preferably, 1.0 to 1.5, and has the form of solid cakes or other bodies. The red mud cakes are easy to handle and are useful as a landfill material for reclaiming land when applied with light tamping or compacting.

Abstract: A hole is formed in soil by penetrating it with a tool comprising a shaft having a tapered point or auger of relatively small cross section attached to its lower end, and a series of outwardly pressing rams mounted on the shaft above the tapered point. The rams are effective successively to enlarge incrementally by outward compaction or displacement of the soil, the hole initially formed by the tapered point or auger. Full hole dimension above the tool is maintained by reason of the fact that the soil is incrementally compacted and compressed to resist collapse. If desired, the integrity of the hole may be preserved with the aid of a following shield, or the hole may be filled with soil stabilizing fluid such as drilling mud. After formation of the hole, the tool is withdrawn and the hole may be filled with concrete to form a load supporting column or it may be left as an open shaft.The method and apparatus may also be used to enlarge the diameter of an existing hole.

Abstract: An earthen structure for holding back a body of water has a sloped surface which is paved with an overlapping arrangement of strips constructed of castable material. Each strip is formed by conveying castable material from a mobile receiving hopper that is propelled adjacent to the base of the earthen structure. A bridge conveyor projects laterally from the receiving hopper over the slope. The bridge conveyor deposits the castable material onto the slope forwardly of a spreader device that is advanced longitudinally relative to the slope by a prime mover. A scraper blade of the spreader device is positioned at a preselected elevation by a forwardly projecting sidewall which is connected to the blade and slidable on a previously formed strip. The sidewall maintains the castable material in front of the blade, as the advancing blade spreads the material in a longitudinal strip of a preselected thickness and having a lateral edge extending a preselected lateral dimension outwardly from the sloped surface.

Abstract: An earthen structure for holding back a body of water has a sloped surface which is paved with an overlapping arrangement of strips constructed of castable material. Each strip is formed by conveying castable material from a mobile receiving hopper that is propelled adjacent to the base of the earthen structure. A bridge conveyor projects laterally from the receiving hopper over the slope. The bridge conveyor deposits the castable material onto the slope forwardly of a spreader device that is advanced longitudinally relative to the slope by a prime mover. A scraper blade of the spreader device is positioned at a preselected elevation by a forwardly projecting sidewall which is connected to the blade and slidable on a previously formed strip. The sidewall maintains the castable material in front of the blade, as the advancing blade spreads the material in a longitudinal strip of a preselected thickness and having a lateral edge extending a preselected lateral dimension outwardly from the sloped surface.

Abstract: An earthen structure for holding back a body of water has a sloped surface which is paved with an overlapping arrangement of strips constructed of castable material. Each strip is formed by conveying castable material from a mobile receiving hopper that is propelled adjacent to the base of the earthen structure. A bridge conveyor projects laterally from the receiving hopper over the slope. The bridge conveyor deposits the castable material onto the slope forwardly of a spreader device that is advanced longitudinally relative to the slope by a prime mover. A scraper blade of the spreader device is positioned at a preselected elevation by a forwardly projecting sidewall which is connected to the blade and slidable on a previously formed strip. The sidewall maintains the castable material in front of the blade, as the advancing blade spreads the material in a longitudinal strip of a preselected thickness and having a lateral edge extending a preselected lateral dimension outwardly from the sloped surface.

Abstract: An area of soil having an initial low bearing strength, such as an alluvial or sandy area, or an area formed by hydraulic fill, is compacted to provide an improved area of high bearing strength by forming a plurality of granular particulate (e.g., crushed stone, pebbles or sand) columns in pre-compacted holes in the area. The pre-compacted holes are formed by vibratorily driving a hollow probe having openable closure means set in closed position at its lower end, vertically downwardly to form each vertical hole, the soil around the probe thus being compacted. Thereafter, the probe is vibratorily extracted and granular particles are passed downwardly through the probe with the adjustable closure means open. Desirably, the granular material is compacted, i.e.

Abstract: A method of compacting granular material with continuously vibrating a hollow pipe. The vibrating pipe is lowered into the material to be compacted with a crane type apparatus, maintained in a lowered position for a period of time and then withdrawn from the material. The vibration imparted to the material is increased by a number of annular rings located along the outer surface of the vibrating pipe.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a plasma arc torch is used to vitrify and remediate a site containing contaminated soils, resulting from a hazardous material deposit or spill, or contaminated buried objects. The contaminated earthen material or subterranean deposit is pyrolyzed, melted or solidified by the plasma torch which is energized at the bottom of a cased, vertical borehole, and then gradually raised to the surface. An array of boreholes, appropriately spaced, will remediate an entire mass of contaminated material. Similarly, burled objects such as metal drums containing contaminants and underground storage tanks may be selectively remediated at their specific buried depth. Similar use is made of the plasma torch in a second embodiment with the additional step of processing at selected underground locations in the borehole array to create a sealed horizontal layer, vertical cutoff walls or a sealed basin as a barrier against further leaching of contaminants into surrounding soil and groundwater.