Abstract: A blown-film textured liner having a textured surface to provide improved soil gripping properties and smooth untextured edges for improving the integrity of the joint between adjacent liner sheets. The textured liner can be used to protect soil from waste products.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for forming successive overlapping voids in the ground along a predetermined course of travel and for producing a subterranean wall therein. The apparatus includes a mandrel for forming voids in the ground, and a pattern guide templet having repeating contours arranged on the ground for accurately guiding the mandrel along the predetermined course of travel during successive mandrel insertions. The mandrel includes a plurality of downwardly projecting spaced-apart cutting teeth for facilitating penetration of the mandrel into the ground, and a plurality of downwardly projecting high pressure nozzles for discharging an injectable material (e.g., slurry material or water) into the ground as the mandrel is inserted therein.

Abstract: A pile threading device (14) for threading sheet piles (10, 12) and including a box-type frame or body (20) comprising a plurality of connected frame members. An upper slide (44) is mounted on body (20) for relative sliding movement and has a pair of opposed jaws (54, 56) thereon for clamping or gripping the undriven pile (12) for lifting the threading device (14). A pivoted stop bar (70) on the slide (44) engages a side edge (12C) of the undriven pile (12) when the pile (12) is initially positioned on the slide (44)for accurate positioning of the undriven pile (12) on the slide (44). One of the jaws (56) is held in a predetermined fixed relation by an adjustable nut (66) which is positioned at a predetermined position on externally threaded shaft (60) mounting the jaw (56). Roller frames (29, 30) carry rollers (32) for engaging opposed sides of the driven pile (10).

Abstract: PVC panels for a bulkhead are characterized by an elongated S-shaped cross section and an axial passage extending from top to bottom. The panels are joined by tenon in mortise joints, preferably via a spade shaped tenon. The assembly is capped with a channel to position and strengthen the upper ends of the panels. A stake positioned through the passage and into the earth also secures the panels. The panels are positioned by water flow through the passage during the sinking process. Soil stabilization chemicals can also be introduced through the passage. A nozzle for the lower end of the passage is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: An interlocking joint for linking sheets attached to or incorporating the joint together in a sealed manner to form a screen, the joint comprising a hook portion extending substantially along the length of a free edge of the joint, a rib portion extending substantially along the length of the joint adjacent the hooked portion and a hook receiving portion, the hooked portion and the ribbed portion defining a first space therebetween and the hook receiving portion and the rib portion defining a second space therebetween, wherein the shape of the first space substantially corresponds to the shape of the ribbed portion and the shape of the second space substantially corresponds to the shape of the hooked portion such that the interlocking joint can slidably receive a substantially identical interlocking joint.

Abstract: A hazardous waste barrier system for preventing the generally lateral, subterranean migration of certain fluid substances (including both liquid and gaseous fluids) beyond an established perimeter, while providing controlled collection of same for monitoring or disposal. The present system utilizes a barrier wall, which may be formed in-ground via horizontally rolled plastic sheeting or slidingly or otherwise engaged panels. The present system may be configured to intersect the flow path of the substance to be contained, and may be configured with additional systems to enhance containment or collection of the fluid. In use, the barrier of the present invention is installed by first making an excavation to accommodate the barrier system, and the excavation and barrier wall is implemented to a depth so as to allow for the interception with the established or anticipated migration path of the substance to be contained or collected, and/or processed.

Abstract: A process is presented for effecting sealed sheet pile constructions in which at least one of the sheet pile interlocks of a pair of sheet pile interlocks is filled with a sealing compound by moving a feeding chamber in an axial and concentric manner along the interlock. In addition, a device for carrying out the aforementioned process is presented comprising a central feeding chamber provided with a dorsal entrance bore, a longitudinal sliding guide block and a sealing compound distributing chuck. The section of the sliding guide block is identical to, but slightly narrower than that of the sheet pile interlock chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a sheet pile (10) into an earth formation utilizing a protective housing (12) releasably connected to the sheet pile (10). The driving force exerted by a vibrator hammer (58) or drop hammer is applied against the protective housing (12) which in turn applies the driving force against the upper end of the sheet pile (10) for driving the sheet pile (10) into the formation. Movable flaps (28, 29) on the lower end of the housing (12) pivot inwardly to engage the lower end of the sheet pile (10) for releasably connecting the protective housing (12) to the sheet pile (10).

Abstract: A compound water-sealing sealant comprising a non-water-swelling thermoplastic resin (A), preferably a vinyl chloride resin, and a water-swelling resin (C) obtained by kneading together 10 to 97% by weight of the non-water-swelling thermoplastic resin (A) and 3 to 90% by weight of a water-swelling material (B). The compound water-sealing sealant is molded by the conjoint extrusion molding of the non-water-swelling thermoplastic resin (A) and the water-swelling resin (C). The water-swelling material (B) is a water-swelling urethane resin which is a prepolymer having isocyanate groups in which the content of terminal NCO groups amounts to 1 to 12%, preferably 2 to 7%, obtained by the reaction of polyisocyanate with at least one polyether polyol of the formulaR[(OR.sub.1)n OH]pwherein R is a polyhydric alcohol residue;(OR.sub.

Abstract: A wide sheet pile for the formation of buildings folded or formed from a metal plate or plates or by joining modular panels. The sheet pile is of corrugated form having upper and lower webs and joined by an inclined flange and provided on opposite sides with joining members and to enable the sheet pile to be connected to adjacent sheet piles. The sheet pile may incorporate a lateral stiffener or stiffeners. There is also disclosed pile driving apparatus for driving a sheet pile member into the ground, said apparatus including a pile driving frame for supporting drive means for applying a driving force to a said sheet pile member and means for coupling said pile driving frame to an adjacent said sheet pile member in the ground.

Abstract: Methods and structural configurations of modular barrier systems and cutoff walls used to isolate contaminated soils from the environment in situ. The cutoff walls comprise plastic sheets, preferably of high density polyethylene, inserted in or adjacent to dense soil (such as bentonite modified) walls, and they are connected to each other with tubular connectors having flaps to which the plastic sheets are connected, preferably by welding.

Abstract: A joint/sealing system for interlocked, in-ground barrier members which form an in-ground containment wall, including a "U" shaped gasket (108) interfacing with a longitudinally extended male member (109) to form oppositely directed, double seals using outwardly diverging lips (181/182, 183/184) on the distal ends of the gasket, with the seals being created between at least one side of the male member and at least one leg of two legs (107), which form a female cavity (110) for the male member. The joint includes two, flanking "T" shaped, longitudinal extensions on opposite sides of the male member mating with opposed "T" configured chambers (102') on the adjacent barrier member. The joint elements preferably form an "H" nested within two, opposed "J" shapes. Six exemplary embodiments are disclosed, some single wall and some double walled. The gasket lips typically emanate out from the ends of the "U" shape, but one embodiment (501) has the lips extending out from the sides of the "U" (FIG. 10 ).

Abstract: A plastic sheath for wood bulkheads and the like which includes an elongated plastic sleeve configured and dimensioned to cover at least three sides of a generally rectangular wood board and at least the marginal edge of the remaining side thereof. The sleeve has a front panel covering a front side of the wood board, two side panels each joined to the front panel for covering opposite side edges of the wood board and at least two rear flaps each joined to an opposite one of the opposite side panels for covering at least the marginal edge of a rear side of the wood board. One of the side panels has a generally centrally disposed tongue and the other of the side panels has a generally centrally disposed groove for joining a multiplicity of so-sheathed boards together in a tongue-and-groove manner.

Abstract: A bulkhead member for assembling a bulkhead is disclosed, comprising a body having two opposed faces and first and second substantially parallel edges. The first edge includes an integral split socket and the second edge includes an integral connecting bead. At least one of the opposed faces includes a planar surface, and one of the socket and bead is mounted adjacent the planar surface. The connecting bead is angled with respect to the planar surface, and the gap in the split socket is correlatively angled, such that when the bead of the first bulkhead member is lockingly received in the socket of another like bulkhead member, the planar surfaces of the two bulkhead members may be substantially coplanar, and the connecting bead and socket of the two bulkhead members are offset from the common plane of the planar surfaces of the two bulkhead members.

Abstract: An excavation hole shoring system is disclosed which employs a plurality of shoring panels positioned between adjacent vertical soldier beams around the periphery of an excavation hole. A plurality of horizontal reinforcing members form a box frame around the hole's periphery at grade level, and each of the soldier beams is attached to an adjacent one of the reinforcing members with a metal strap. Each of the soldier beams includes a pair of longitudinal guide beams which form front and back channels for reception of front and back shoring panels. The front shoring panel is employed to shore the lower portion of an excavation hole, while the back shoring panel is employed to shore the upper portion of the hole. The two panels are therefore vertically staggered in an overlapping fashion so that holes of varying depths can be shored with the same shoring system.

Abstract: A corner adapter for use with corrugated barrier sections is disclosed. The corner adapter provides great freedom of movement in the relative angles between adjacent barrier sections. Further, an inventive cross-section for the corrugated section provides a high strength barrier.

Abstract: A hazardous waste containment system for preventing the lateral migration of hazardous fluid substances (including both liquid and gas wastes) into the water table, particularly for sites which are located over a fluid impermeable strata of clay (20) or the like. The system uses an encircling (FIG. 8) barrier containment wall (W) comprising a plurality of slidingly engaged, interlocked, vertical barrier members (501/101) which extend down to and sealingly interface with the underlying fluid impermeable strata (20). The barrier members are slidingly engaged via interlocking male and female appendages, which mate and form vertically extended, interlocking, sealed joints, in which fluid impermeable seals (508/108) are formed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to construction implements and methods for their use in the construction of retaining walls, revetments, road ways, suspended floor spans and the like. The basic element is a support sheet (1) comprising an essentially quadrangular sheet folded about at least one longitudinal axis (2) to produce at least one fold in the sheet. The basic element can be used to construct a load bearing surface at any angle. The basic element can be driven into the ground with the aid of various adapters (6) and attachments (17). Optionally, for additional strength, the sheet can be tied to the grounds by various anchor (26) (52) and rod assemblies (35). Each anchor is pivotally connected to the rod and positioned in the ground in a closed position. When appropriate tension is applied to the rod, the anchor assumes an open position and bites into the ground.

Abstract: Borer-resistant waterfront retaining bulkheads. Such bulkheads feature a wall of sheeting placed seaward of the piles, rather than landward, as in conventional structures. Alternatively, the bulkheads may employ no piles but rather be supported by anchors. These structures improve water current flow over the bulkheads and thus help eliminate marine borers which typically attack the sheeting. A number of upper and lower wales hold the sheeting in place with respect to piles with no appreciable loss in overall strength or durability of the structure. The sheeting may be formed in two or more layers of boards, some of which may be tongue-and-grooved and/or shiplapped. Outer layers of boards in the sheeting, which bear heavier exposure to wind, water and waves, may be formed of sapwood or other materials for maximum strength and durability at minimum expense. Some or all of the wales may be formed of laminated sapwood to lend additional strength and durability.

Abstract: A method for sealing the connection between two sheet piles, this connection being achieved by using claws integrated with the sheet piles. Prior to the interlocking of the sheet piles, a jointing band of an elastic, compressible and/or hydroswellable organic material is stuck to the claw of at least one of the sheet piles. The method further includes fixing a metal sheet to the free surface of the band, and then interlocking the sheet piles. The invention also provides a sheet pile comprising a claw provided with a band of an elastic, compressible and/or hydroswellable organic material, characterized in that the outer surface of the band is at least partly covered with a metal sheet which is connected to the band.

Abstract: A plastic structural panel and ground erosion barrier made therefrom in which the panel is in strip form relatively narrow compared to its length and which in general is a stretched Z-shaped cross sectional design with opposed male and female interlock edges for mating association with adjacent panel strips. The panel strip design has a "V" configuration on opposite faces and allows optional top-to-top alignment of adjacent panels for a composite deep "V" cross sectional shaped wall or alternate top-to-bottom turnover of adjacent panel strips to provide a thicker box ribbed cross sectional shape for the wall. The composite deep V-shaped cross section provides a greater breadth of coverage but less section modulus than the box ribbed construction.

Abstract: A shoreline erosion prevention bulkhead system which employs a series of interlocking fiberglass panels. Each panel has elongated male and female interlocking elements extending along the opposite side edges such that, by introducing one end of the male interlocking element of a first panel into one end of a female interlocking element of an adjacent panel and sliding the interlocking elements together, a secure panel joint is achieved. In one presently preferred embodiment, the interlocking portions are generally cylindrical; however, other configurations for the interlocking portions are also included.

Abstract: A polymeric retaining wall member with interlocking means along its edges that are universally mateable to like members, such that a plurality of like members can be interlocked to form a wall.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for the interconnection of sealing plates. Symmetrical coupling halves of the sealing plates are interconnected and welded together to form a hollow space that can be checked. Each coupling half has a free edge that is provided with a C-shaped profiled connecting part. That edge of the coupling half where it is attached to a sealing plate is provided with a notch-like part that is symmetrical to the C-shaped connecting part. A sealing strip projects into the hollow space from the transition area between the notch-like part and the adjoining wall. This sealing strip can be welded to the transition area of the cooperating coupling half between the C-shaped connecting part and the adjoining wall thereof.

Abstract: The seawall extends along and retainingly engages the ground and at its top extends above the ground level and at its bottom is projected and anchored down into the ground, below the water level. The seawall includes a series of laterally aligned elongated corrugated bulkhead strips made from a plastic material. Each strip has along one side an undercut grooves edge and along its other side a similarly shaped tongue edge, with the tongue and groove edges of adjacent bulkhead strips interlocked. The strips are of such lightweight that each strip may be lifted and assembled manually relative to an adjacent anchored strip and driven into the ground and into lateral alignment with an adjacent strip and a longitudinal interlock. A cap overlies and is secured upon a bulkhead strip. Spaced anchor strips are embedded into the ground and spaced from the seawall and connected to corresponding bulkhead strips by a series of tie rods and flexible walers.

Abstract: A system or apparatus for constructing a shoring structure of elongate, interlocking sheet piling members is disclosed which includes a workman support platform controllable by the workman thereon so as to position the workman near the upper end of a vertical piling member partially imbedded or "tacked" in the ground for guiding another piling member hoisted vertically thereabove into interlocking, threading engagement with the previously tacked piling member. A guide for aiding the alignment or threading of the interlocking piling members is disclosed. A method of constructing such a shoring structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An articulated deformable panel structure, for lining the walls of excavation trenches, formed of a plurality of individual panel elements co-planarly disposed side by side in interlocked relationship and interconnected by means of ties permitting each panel element to be displaced longitudinally relative to an adjacent panel element such as to progressively deform the panel structure by progressively displacing one panel element relative to the next one to insert the whole panel structure into the ground by applying pressure alternatively on the top of the panel element at one end or the other of the panel structure, and to remove the panel structure from the ground by pulling on the panel element at one end or the other of the panel structure.

Abstract: Problems arise when erecting a sheet pile on rock substratum and subsequently anchoring the piles. If a channel is blasted, this has the draw-back that the over burden has to be initially cleared prior to blasting and then replaced subsequently. In addition, the piles when secured in the blasted channel when refilled with concrete and the anchors in the rock substratum are not as securely supported as piles driven into normal substratum. A method of erecting sheet pile and a method of anchoring the sheet pile is disclosed where the substratum is shattered by blasting sufficiently to allow the piles and the anchors, which are also piles, to be driven into the rock substratum.

Abstract: A guide for pitching interlocking piles has a carrier with a clamp at its upper end with positive gripping elements for the bottom edge of a pile to be pitched. A pair of pivoted shafts at the lower end of the carrier have engagement rollers conforming to the profile of opposite faces of the lateral edge region of the adjoining pitched pile. The shafts are pivoted apart to position the guide on said pitched pile and the rollers are then engaged with said pile by pivoting the shafts to parallel positions. Spring biassing on the guide urges the edges of the piles into lateral alignment for interlocking engagement when the pile to be pitched is lifted above the pitched pile.