Abstract: A continuous connecting profile (10) for attachment of sheet piles to supporting elements has a central rib bar (16) that separates from each other two oppositely-placed attachment profiles, each having a jaw, and is a part of both attachment profiles. One of the attachment profiles is configured as a mounting profile for the supporting element, and the other attachment profile is configured as a receiving profile for a lock of an attaching sheet pile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously preloading during installation and removal of steel sheet piles, steel pilings, and casing piles, with a telescoping, articulated boom having a free end for creating the downward driving force, a weighted base to provide support and stability for the boom, a connector at the free end of said boom to engage the piling, a modified resonance-free vibratory hammer, to allow for simultaneously vibrating the piling while applying to the piling the continuous downward or upward force.

Abstract: A connecting profile of substantially uniform cross-section for interconnecting sheet piles. The connecting profile includes a central strip, from which two identical hooked profiles for hooking the locks of two sheet piles in a laterally reversed manner project in opposing main coupling directions. The hooked sections of the hooked profiles extend in a mirror-inverted manner in relation to each other. The two hooked profiles are offset relative to each other on the central strip in such a way that the main coupling directions of the sheet piles hooked into the connecting profile extend at least approximately in a common plane, when the locks engaged with the hooked sections take up the largest axial distance along the main coupling directions in relation to each other.

Abstract: Free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 that includes a plurality of sheet-pile planks 16, and optionally one or more support elements 12 that are interconnected together using one or more interlocking connectors 22, 24. The sheet-pile plank 16 has a lower edge located proximate a top surface of the ground 14 upon which the free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 is erected in an upstanding, installed configuration. The sheet-pile plank 16 and the support element 12 each constitute sheet-pile components and in the upstanding, installed configuration, a lower portion of the sheet-pile plank 16 is ground engaged and a substantial entirety of the weight of the sheet-pile plank is supported at its engagement with the ground. The engagement may be merely abutting with the plank 16 resting atop the ground, or the lower edge of the plank 16 may be buried into the ground to a certain degree.

Abstract: A combination pile wall is formed of beam elements (12), particularly T-beams and double-T-beams (I-beams), and shaped connection strips (16) directly or indirectly connecting the beam elements (12), whereby each shaped connection strip (16) that is coupled directly with one of the beam elements (12) is engaged with one of the locking elements (30) formed on the respective beam element (12). The two mutually-engaged locking elements (24, 26) of the shaped connection strip (16) and of the beam element (12) are configured with a cross section such that the two locking elements (24, 26) may pivot with respect to each other through an angular range of a minimum ±3° to a maximum ±10°.

Abstract: A levee barrier panel to form a levee retaining wall has a top and a bottom and a plurality of apertures extending from the top to the bottom of the levee barrier panel. A cutter tool extends through to the bottom of each panel to transform the levee composition into a slush whereby a vacuum removably attached to the aperture sucks out the slush thereby forming an opening in the levee. The levee barrier panel is then lowered into the opening.

Abstract: A wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes atop, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: A method of construction using sheet piling sections that includes the steps of: (a) installing a sheet piling wall in the ground to enclose a first area and a second area; (b) excavating a plurality of holes in the first area; (c) excavating the second area; (d) installing a plurality of first area structural supports; (e) leveling the first area; (f) forming a first floor in the first area; (g) excavating the first area to form a first area chamber; (h) leveling the bottom surface of the first area chamber; (i) forming a first area chamber floor; (j) repeating steps (g) through (i); (k) installing a plurality of second area structural supports; (l) forming a bottom floor in the excavated second area; (m) forming a ceiling above the bottom floor to form a second area chamber; and (n) repeating step (m) until a plurality of second area chambers are formed.

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods relating to subterranean containment barriers. Laterally adjacent tubular casings having male interlock structures and multiple female interlock structures defining recesses for receiving a male interlock structure are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The multiple female interlock structures enable the barriers to be varied around subsurface objects and to form barrier sidewalls. The barrier may be used for treating and monitoring a zone of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrugated asymmetrical sheet pile panel. The sheet pile panel is an asymmetrical about the Y-axis. The central section has a channel disposed therein for receiving a stiffening strip. The central section has two extensions, one joined to each side of the central section. Secured to each extension is a leg. The legs extend outward and away from the extensions. On the terminal end of each leg is a connector, where one leg has male connector and the other leg has a female connector. The width of the leg with the female connector is smaller than the width of the leg with the male connector. The difference is the two leg widths create a panel that is asymmetrical about the Y-axis and that is weight balanced about the Y-axis.

Abstract: A re-enforced composite sheet piling segment is disclosed. The segment of sheet piling includes multiple panels. The panels of the segment come together at an angle to form a corner. A re-enforcement is placed in the corner of the segment. The re-enforcement has a cross-sectional area that is convex shaped.

Abstract: A steel-pipe sheet pile including a steel pipe and joints for coupling the steel pipe to another steel pipe and multiple steel pipes arranged in a building direction of a steel-pipe sheet pile wall, wherein the joints include a male joint and a female joint each made of an H-shaped steel-beam coupled at flange edges to the steel pipe, and wherein the male joint is slightly smaller in size relative to the female joint so that the male joint can be fitted in a space defined by flange inside surfaces and web surface of a female joint of a neighboring steel-pipe sheet pile. The steel-pipe sheet pile is a joined-steel-pipe sheet pile including multiple steel pipes integrally coupled to one another via H-shaped steel-beams as tying members of H-shaped transverse cross-section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a support system that is temporarily placed below ground for preventing collapse of the excavated ground when a subway is constructed or a basement of a building is built. The excavated ground or load is supported by means of supporting members, the supporting members being pre-stressed by means of tensioning members and tendon support members serving to support the tensioning members. Consequently, the number of struts for supporting vertical piles and wales is considerably reduced so that obstacles in the under-ground space when it is excavated are removed. Furthermore, the constructional efficiency of the underground space is greatly improved, and the cost of construction is sharply reduced.

Abstract: A catwalk is provided for use in trenching operations that provides increased safety and improves efficiency. Methods are also provided that save time over the prior process of building multiple land bridges. Selected features include reduction in the number of ladders used increases worker safety, along with several other safety features such as catwalk railings, holding devices for ladders, etc. One catwalk is shown with a skid assembly to further increases efficiency by allowing the trench box to be towed with the catwalk in place.

Abstract: Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a sheet pile installation apparatus for inserting a sheet pile vertically into a soil formation, the installation apparatus including an elongated body configured to releasably receive the sheet pile, the body having an upper end, a lower end, a lower edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture formed at said lower end. The installation apparatus further includes a catch having a first portion and a second portion, the catch being pivotally mounted in the aperture about said pivot axis such that the first portion and the second portion are disposed on opposed sides of the lower end of the body when the catch is in an at-rest position. The first portion of the catch is configured such that insertion of the body into the soil formation rotates the first portion upwardly such that the first portion engages a lower end of the sheet pile disposed adjacent the top surface of the body.

Abstract: An elongated element (1) having a cross-sectional shape permitting the element to be interlocked with adjacent elements, the element having a basic square shape with interlocking members (4,6,8) on at least three sides of the element, wherein the proportions of the element and the interlocking members are such that the elements can be interlocked in side by side and/or overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A series of duplicate structural panels form a substantially flat sea wall, barrier wall, and the like, fabricated of synthetic resin material for driving into soils. The structural panel is elongated and of constant size and shape along its length, and is characterized by having been extruded lengthwise. The structural panel includes, in cross section, a central wall section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and opposed side wall sections. A male locking element is disposed on and extends laterally from one side section and a female locking element is disposed on and extends laterally from the other side wall section, the female locking element being configured to slidably receive and retain the male locking element. First and a second strengthening flanges are integrally formed on the inner surface, both substantially perpendicular to the central wall section and substantially parallel to each other. The first and second strengthening flanges extend along the length of the structural panel.

Abstract: A re-enforced composite sheet piling segment is disclosed. The segment of sheet piling includes multiple panels. The panels of the segment come together at an angle to form a corner. A re-enforcement is placed in the corner of the segment. The re-enforcement has a cross-sectional area that is convex shaped.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes a top, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: A method for driving a sheet pile wall into the ground includes providing a sheet pile with at least one sheet pile interlock having a longitudinal opening giving access to an interlock chamber in the sheet pile interlock. The method further includes inserting an inflatable tube device in the interlock chamber, inflating the inflatable tube so that the inflatable tube closes the longitudinal opening, driving the sheet pile into the ground, deflating the inflatable tube and withdrawing the inflatable tube from the interlock device.

Abstract: Composite sheet piling segments with supplemental fiber re-enforcement of the corners of the segment have been developed. The sheet piling segments include a series of panels that are connected at an angle and supplemental fibers that are added to reenforce that angle. The sheet piling segment may also include a connector that is used to join separate sheet piling segments together. Supplemental fibers may be added to reenforce the connector.

Abstract: A carbon fiber re-enforced composite segment of sheet piling has been developed. The segment of sheet piling includes a base material and carbon fibers that re-enforce the base material. Other fiber materials could be used in place of carbon. These materials include: aramid, kevlar, metal cords, and basalt. Additionally, a mixture of any of these types of materials could be used as a fiber re-enforcement for the sheet piling segment.

Abstract: The inventive grooved sheet pile having a though-type body is produced by cutting a cylindrical segment (1) from a round tube along the length thereof, and fixing locking elements (2 and 3) to the side edges of said segment. The segment (1) can be cut together with an annular section (15) of a tube (16) and reinforced by fixing elements (4), an internal (5) or external (6) strap, internal (8 and 9) and/or external (10 and 11) faceplates or stiffening ribs fixed thereto. Said segment can be embodied from sections of cylindrical segments welded to each other. At least one section (18) has an increased thickness or is made of a corrosion-resistant material. In order to produce an enlarged grooved pile, two or more cylindrical segments (1) cut from a tube are used. Said segments are disposed in a parallel position with respect to each other and fixed to each other with the aid of reinforcing elements (12, 13, and 14). The locking elements (2 and 3) are fixed to the lateral side of the thus obtained panel.

Abstract: A re-enforced composite sheet piling segment is disclosed. The segment of sheet piling includes multiple panels. The panels of the segment come together at an angle to form a corner. A re-enforcement is placed in the corner of the segment. The re-enforcement has a cross-sectional area that is convex shaped.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes a top, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to shoring of deep excavations such as pits or trenches. It includes vertical rail posts arranged symmetrically in pairs that are spaced from each other along the excavation, articulated trusses and/or spreaders holding opposite rail posts against each other and large shoring panels sliding between adjacent rail posts on either side of the excavation. Each rail post has on either side one channel of a stepped or non-stepped cross section guiding vertically two or more shoring panels. In one variation, the inner and outer panel guides on one side of the vertical rail post reside in the same vertical plane. The connections between the rail post and the wall panels are partially or completely open. The open connections may be performed by magnetic forces arising from thin magnetic flat bars incorporated in the posts or the panels in the area of their contact.

Abstract: A method for securing two sheet piles includes interlocking the two sheet piles by utilizing sheet pile interlocks having an axial groove formed between the sheet pile interlocks. The method further includes introducing a welding electrode into the axial groove and welding the interlocked sheet pile interlocks together.

Abstract: A method is described for removing sediments during dredging operations to minimize the release of contaminants at marine locations containing sediments that are deemed contaminated and require removal. The preferred method comprises the use of a specially designed marine vessel that establishes a negative differential pressure gradient between a dredge control zone and the external ambient water environment, thereby preventing the release of contaminants dispersed during the dredge process into the ambient water environment. The preferred method also includes the use of marine vessels to remove contaminants contained within said control zone and to provide for the management of solids collected in the process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retaining panel of one-piece construction for a body of water. A preferred embodiment of the retaining panel comprises a central portion, two side portions, and two flanges. The central portion has a first end and a second end. One side portion is integrally connected to and extends at a first angle from the first end of the central portion. Similarly, the other side portion is integrally connected to and extends at a second angle from the second end of the central portion. It is preferred that the first angle and the second angle are approximately equal. It is further preferred that the lengths of the first and second side portions are approximately equal. One flange is integrally connected to and extends at a third angle from a rear end of one side portion, and the other flange is integrally connected to and extends at a fourth angle from a rear end of the other side portion. It is preferred that the third and fourth angles are approximately equal.

Abstract: A method for building a continuous water seal, creep line increasing cutoff includes the steps of forming spaced borings into the soil in the presence of slurry; developing narrow slots between the formed borings by driving foil boards with cutting edges secured to the bottom therof between adjacent formed borings; and connecting adjacent foil board, which extend between and are recessed into a side of the borings, by means of compensating joint-pins. The steps of developing narrow slots and connecting adjacent foil boards are repeated so that the last boring is connected to the connected, recessecd foil boards forming the cutoff. A prefered embodiment of the invention may include armoring the borings by injecting concrete in the place of the slurry.

Abstract: A method for driving a sheet pile (10) into the ground comprises the steps of providing a sheet pile (10) comprising at least one sheet pile interlock (14) having an interlock chamber (20); inserting an obturating device (16) into said interlock chamber (20); driving said sheet pile (10) into the ground; withdrawing said obturating device (16) from said interlock chamber (20). Important features of the method are that said obturating device (16) comprises an inflatable tube (21); that said inflatable tube (21) is inflated after said obturating device (16) has been inserted into said interlock chamber (20) and before said sheet pile (10) is driven into the ground; and that said inflatable tube (21) is again deflated before it is withdrawn from interlock chamber (20).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the reduced skin friction bore casing is particularly suited for driving into, and removal from, soils. Preferably the bore casing is composed of a material such as steel, and includes both an exterior and interior surface that are substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis. A friction reduction coating is applied to portions of both the exterior and interior surfaces with enough strength and abrasion resistance to withstand abrasion forces applied to the bore casing during driving operations into the soils as well as extraction when required.

Abstract: A portable shoring device for securing the sidewalls of an excavation having a pair of walls or panels mutually facing each other and being held in spaced apart relationship by at least one support bar. Attached at opposite ends of each panel are vertical supports, which are arranged to pair in a substantially perpendicular coupling relationship with the corresponding vertical supports of the opposite panel. Each vertical support traverses along the height of the panel and has a female connection bracket. A plurality of panel connectors having a male connection device are slideably connectable with each panel by interlocking the corresponding female connection bracket of the corresponding vertical support with the male connection extension of the panel connector. The support bar attaches between two panel connectors on paired panels. Further, each panel connector has a bottom stop plate and a top panel lock to vertically secure the connected panel.

Abstract: A connecting element for sheet piles, particularly to join two sheet piles at an angle to each other, which includes hook strips (2, 3), whereby the one hook strip (2) is shaped as a knob section that consists of a head (4) and a basically straight neck (5) leading to the other hook strip, and includes an approximately rectangular channel (6), and whereby at least one additional hook strip (3) is formed as a C-shaped claw with a jaw (8), so that an approximately oval interior cavity (7) is formed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved Z-shaped sheet piling (15). In the preferred embodiment, the piling has a first flange (16), a web (19), a second flange (18), a section modulus of at least about 25 in.3/ft., a weight of less than about 31 lbs./ft.2, the second flange having a wale location (68), and the web, first flange and second flange being so dimensioned and configured that the transverse stress at the wale location for each psi of applied pressure load is less than about 1000 psi. The present invention also discloses a Z-shaped sheet piling in which the first flange has a span location (65) and the first flange, web, and second flange are so dimensioned and configured that the transverse stress at the span location for each psi of applied load is less than about 800 psi. The transverse stress at the wale location may be about 878 psi per psi of applied load and the transverse stress at the span location may be about 731 psi per psi of applied load or about 786 psi per psi of applied load.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a groundwater monitoring system and a monitoring system formed using said method wherein a housing containing a groundwater monitoring well is slidably attached to a sheet piling section. After the sheet piling section is inserted in the ground, the housing is withdrawn so that the groundwater can be monitored by the well.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for non-metallic piles (10) including a pair of lifting devices (26, 28) which grip opposed faces (22, 24) of the pile (10). A sling (36) supported from an overhead crane (44) is connected to the lifting arms or handles (30) of the lifting devices (26, 28) for lifting of the pile (10). The lifting handles (30) are secured to cams 72 which include gripping teeth (76) effective upon lifting of handles (30) to engage the inner face (24) of pile (10) for gripping the pile (10) between backing edge (58) and inner face (24). A modification shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides a threaded screw (86A) which is received within an opening (89A) in the pile (10) for lifting of the pile (10).

Abstract: A U-shaped sheet pile comprising a flat flange (10), two flat webs (12) connected to the flange (10) so as to be symmetrical with respect to a plane (8) perpendicular to the flange (10), and an interlocking element located at the end of each of the two webs (12). The sheet pile has a depth/useful width ratio greater than or equal to 0.18. The concave corners (18) defined by the two flange/web connections are significantly flattened by an extra thickness (26) of material so as to obtain a reduction in the resistance of the sheet pile to pile-driving. The extra thickness (26) is sufficient for a fictitious cylindrical surface (38), which has a radius at least equal to 75 mm and which is tangential to the planes extending the inner faces of the flange and the web (32, 34), to be completely located inside the said extra thickness (26) between its two tangential generators.

Abstract: A method of sealing sheet pile joints using a paraffinic product to seal the gripping elements of the sheet piles. The paraffinic products usable for sealing the gripping elements of sheet piles have a drop point lying between 100 and 140° C. and a cone penetration of between 20 and 50 mm/10. In a preferred embodiment, the paraffinic product contains at least 50% paraffin waxes, and may also incorporate mineral oils, bonding agents, antioxidants and/or other normal additives. According to another embodiment, the paraffinic products usable for sealing the gripping elements of sheet piles have a resistance to hydrostatic pressure of at least 0.12 bar/mm, preferably at least 0.22 bar/mm.

Abstract: A method for connecting a standard sheet pile equipped with a standard locking element to the flange of a standard girder (31). First the initially flat edge (39) of the flange of the girder (31) is given an undulating profile having of a longitudinal series of bosses (40,42) cantilevered with respect to the flange of the girder (31). Next a connecting profile (30) including an inwardly flaring groove (36) is slotted onto the undulated edge so that the cantilevered bosses (40,42) can fit into said groove (36) and laterally lock the connecting section (30) on the undulated edge. The connecting section (30) being used is a hybrid profile which includes on the opposite side to the groove (36) a standard locking element (34) complementary to the standard locking element of the sheet pile. Into this locking element (34) is interlocked the standard locking element of the sheet pile to form a standard sheet pile joint therebetween.

Abstract: An extruded containment barrier panel (5) for use in forming a containment barrier wall about a waste material storage or disposal site is disclosed. The containment barrier panel has an elongate body panel (10) with a top end (11), a spaced bottom end (12), and a first side edge (14) and a spaced parallel second side edge (15) extending from the top end to the bottom end of the body panel. A C-shaped female connecting member (17) is formed along the first side edge of the body panel, and a complimentary male connecting member (22) is formed along the second side edge of the body panel, both of which extend the length of the body panel.

Abstract: Structural panels (12) of extruded PVC and of stretched Z-shaped configuration and which can be driven into the ground include strengthening ribs (36-40) extending from the inner surfaces (34 and 35) of the opposed side sections (26 and 27). The ribs extend at a right angle to the side section bending planes (56 and 57) and at a right angle to the panel bending plane (64), thereby adding significant resistance to both compression and tension forces applied to the panel. The structural panels are driven into the earth to form a wall barrier, with the female locking element (43) being telescopically moved along the male locking element (42) of a previously installed panel. Distal strengthening rib (40) functions as a driving tongue to stabilize the position of the male locking element (42) during driving of the panel into the ground.

Abstract: An extruded sheet piling (20) is disclosed. The sheet piling has a planar body panel (22) with a top end (23) and a spaced bottom end (24). A first continuous side edge (26) and a second spaced parallel continuous side edge (27) extend between the top end and the bottom end of the body panel, respectively. A first planar flat (29) extends away from the first side edge of the body panel, and has an elongate continuous male locking member (31) formed along an outside edge (30) thereof A second spaced parallel flat (34) extends away from the second side edge of the body panel, and has a female locking member (36) extending the length of an outside edge (35) and which is sized and shaped to snugly receive the male locking member of an adjacent sheet piling therein. An elongate structural reinforcing rib (42) is extruded as a part of the sheet piling along the outside edge of the first flat, and is spaced from and parallel to the male locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for stabilizing sloped embankments is disclosed which utilizes interlocking barrier elements to form a step-like, cascading barrier to erosion and to provide an inexpensive, easy-to-install and aesthetically attractive landscaping wall, planter or landscaping island. The scallop or channel-like shape of the barrier elements creates filler spaces which may be filled with concrete, soil or other filler materials and in which vegetation may be planted. A row of barrier elements within the system may be locked in place by slip restraint devices which function to prevent vertical slippage of the rows. Adjacent barrier elements on the front most row are held together by frontal locking elements. Also disclosed is a barrier element, system and method. The barrier elements have complementary male and female portions. The connectors allow for use of a single barrier element shape to inexpensively create cascading slope armoring barriers, barrier walls and containment structures.

Abstract: A method and device for sealing the joint formed by the connection of adjacent sheet piling sections. Prior to installation in the ground, a housing having an open side is attached near the edge of a sheet piling section. A barrier is inserted between the open side of the housing and the sheet piling section and a sealant material is added to the housing. After the sheet piling section and the attached housing are installed in the ground, the barrier is removed and the sealant material contacts the joint to form a watertight seal.

Abstract: A reduced skin friction driven pile which reduces the downward frictional force applied to the pile by the settling of compressible soils surrounding the pile after the pile is driven, comprising a pile which may include a friction reduction coating located about a portion of the exterior of the pile which is expected to have soils settling relative to it. Additionally, a friction reduction collar may be placed at a location along the pile which will create a void between the soil and the portion of the pile above the collar when the pile is driven, so that soils may settle relative to the pile with the void providing reduced contact between the settling soils and the pile so that the downward force of settling soils is reduced.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing and repairing whereby components are mixed to form an expandable foam which is injected under pressure in an expanded state behind or into the backfill material of an existing sheetpile seawall. Upon expansion, the foam displaces water and fills and seals cracks in the seawall and fills scoured voids in the backfill material. The method is also applied to rock revetment seawalls whereby the unexpanded foam is injected under pressure into the rock revetment. Upon expansion, the foam displaces water and fills and seals spaces in the rock revetment and interlocks the rock revetment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing sloped embankments is disclosed which utilizes interlocking barrier elements to form a step-like, cascading barrier to erosion and to provide an inexpensive, easy-to-install and aesthetically attractive landscaping wall, planter or landscaping island. The scallop or channel-like shape of the barrier elements creates filler spaces which may be filled with concrete, soil or other filler materials and in which vegetation may be planted. Each row of barrier elements within the system is locked in place by slip restraint devices which function to prevent vertical slippage of the rows. Adjacent barrier elements on the front most row are held together by frontal locking elements.

Abstract: A protective housing (12) is provided for a sheet pile (10) and has a length extending beyond the upper end (10A) and lower end (10B) of the sheet pile (10). A separate force transmitting member (26) is mounted on the protective housing (12) and has a horizontal plate (28) engaging the upper end (10A) of the sheet pile (10) for driving the sheet pile (10) downwardly upon exertion of a downward force from a suitable power source (44) to force the protective housing (12) downwardly. To separate protective housing (12) from sheet pile (10) upon driving of the sheet pile (10) to a desired predetermined depth so that protective housing (12) may be withdrawn, a fluid pressure device (50) is mounted between protective housing (12) and the force transmitting member (26). Upon actuation of fluid pressure device (50), protective housing (12) is moved upwardly while sheet pile (10) remains in position thereby to initially break loose the protective housing (12).

Abstract: An apparatus, connectable to a driving machine with an articulated boom system, which is operated by percussion energy and drives into or draws up from the ground piles or walls and grasps with its gripping jaws objects (17) on the ground or objects that are to be driven into the ground characterized in that the apparatus comprises a turning equipment system that transmits percussion energy to the object in order to grip with its jaws (16) the object both with a firm hold of the jaws in the blow direction and an essentially vertical grip of the jaws and that the apparatus transmits the percussion force to the object in line with its travel direction when both grips with the jaws are used.