Abstract: A soil reinforced retaining wall for an earthen formation is provided by embedding planar soil reinforcing mats in the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face mats between the soil reinforcing mats. The face mats include fingers extending distally from the edges thereof for engagement with opposite sides of a complimental face mat, whereby the mats are held in general vertical alignment. Certain of the fingers are of a gently curved configuration to frictionally hold edge portions of the face mats in spaced relationship for compression toward one another to accommodate settlement of the earthen formation, without bulging of the face mats. An L-shaped starter mat is engaged within a recess formed at the foot of the formation to provide an upstanding portion engaged with the lowermost face mat to hold the mat in a generally vertical orientation. A tail is provided on the uppermost face mat for embedment within the backfill to cap the wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining a seawall disposed between a body of water and retained earth includes at least two anchoring devices installed on the seawall at spaced locations and a connecting member for rigidly interconnecting the anchoring devices to maintain the separation distance therebetween. The connecting member may have a fixed length or may be adjustable in length to adjust the separation distance between the anchoring devices. A method of maintaining a seawall involves forming a passage through the seawall from a water facing side to an earth facing side of the seawall, inserting an anchoring member in the passage, advancing the anchoring member into the retained earth to anchor an anchor of the anchoring member in the retained earth, and securing a retaining member on the anchoring member along the water facing side of the seawall to apply compressive force against the seawall.

Abstract: A soil reinforced wall earthen retaining wall for an earthen formation is provided by embedding planar soil reinforcing mats in the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face mats between the soil reinforcing mats. The face mats comprise welded wire gridworks having upper and lower portions engaged behind wires of the soil reinforcing mats which extend across the face of the formation. In one embodiment the face mats comprise paired separate face mat elements secured one above the other in edge-to-edge relationship and intermediate stabilizing anchors are embedded in the formation to hold the face mat elements in vertical alignment. In the paired face mat element embodiment, the lifts of soil between successive soil reinforcing mats are compacted in stages corresponding to the depth of the face mat elements.

Abstract: A system of composite panels comprised of resin impregnated carbon fiber sheets, on opposing sides of a fiberglass core, having structural values directly related to the thickness of the core and the amount of carbon fiber incorporated, to be used in marine conditions to resist scour or erosion while retaining soil materials behind the panel and resisting hydrostatic loads. Each panel will have high-density polyethylene (HDPE) interlocks on opposite edges allowing the panels to slide together allowing a series of joined panels to form a continuous wall. Additionally the preformed HDPE interlocks may be field-installed and removed allowing the carbon fiber panels to be cut to a specific dimension as necessary.

Abstract: A retaining wall assembly for providing a decorative barrier for flowerbeds and along driveways and sidewalks. The retaining wall assembly includes a base assembly including elongate base members being adapted to be disposed in a ground; and also includes elongate support members being spacedly attached to the elongate base members and extending upwardly therefrom; and further includes wall support members being disposed between the elongate support members; and also includes wall structures being mounted upon the base assembly and to the elongate support members and about the wall support members.

Abstract: A retaining wall system for stabilizing an earthen wall. The retaining wall system comprises a panel structure, an anchor mesh panel, and a lock member. The wall panel defines an exposed face and a rear face. An insert is partly embedded within the wall panel such that a portion of the insert is spaced from the rear face of the wall panel to define a lock opening. The anchor mesh panel comprises at least one tension member defining an anchor axis. The tension member is bent at a first edge location to define a bearing portion. The lock member is inserted through the lock opening to engage the tension member and the insert to inhibit relative movement between the anchor mesh panel and the wall panel.

Abstract: A retaining wall system for stabilizing an earthen wall. The retaining wall system comprises at least one panel structure, at least one anchor mesh panel, and at least one connecting pin. The panel structure comprising a wall panel and at least one insert. The wall panel defines an exposed face and a rear face. A first portion of the insert is embedded within the wall panel. A second portion of the insert extends from the rear face of the wall panel such that the second portion and the rear face of the wall define at least one lock opening. The anchor mesh panel defines a bearing portion and a bearing bar. The anchor mesh panel is arranged such that the bearing bar engages the second portion of the insert and the bearing portion is arranged adjacent to the rear face. The connecting pin is inserted through the at least one lock opening to inhibit relative movement between the anchor mesh panel and the wall panel when loads are applied to the wall panel.

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: 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 support post for use in the construction of a retaining wall comprises a single, rigid plate member, the bottom portion of which is pointed so that the plate member can be readily driven into the ground a distance sufficient to ensure minimal movement of the plate member. The upper portion of the plate member has at least one aperture (and preferably several pairs of apertures) in it, through which a bolt, screw or nail may be passed to hold a wall member (for example, a plank) firmly against the plate member. If the plate member is roll formed from steel sheet, it will normally have ridges or folds to improve its stiffness. A spike may extend below the plate member, and a rod may extend upwardly from the top of the plate member and be fitted with a support for a wire, cable, hose or a fence post. A support post for use at corners of a retaining wall has two half-plate members welded to a steel rod with an included angle of up to 90°.

Abstract: A wall system (10) comprising a plurality of pilings (12) and a plurality of slabs (14) supported by the pilings (12). Both the pilings (12) and slabs (14) are preferably formed of concrete and may be imprinted with one or more patterns. The pilings (12) are preferably cylindrical and include a bottom section (22) and a top section (24) supported by the bottom section (22). The bottom section (22) is preferably buried substantially below grade, while the top section (24) is located substantially above grade. The top section (24) includes at least one vertical slot (26) extending upwardly from a ledge (28) located approximately at grade to an opening (30) in a top surface (32) of each piling (12). The ledge (28) supports opposing edges (34) of the slabs (14), such that lower edges (36) of the slabs (14) are supported substantially at grade.

Abstract: Mechanically stabilized retaining wall structures are comprised of a stabilized earth mass connected to a precast concrete panel facing wall. A lengthwise adjustable turnbuckle style connector assembly accommodates horizontal and vertical offsets in the connection points. An array of the connection assemblies comprise a three-dimensional space truss that accomodates wall movement horizontally and vertically with respect to the wall face as well as perpendicular to the wall.

Abstract: A drainage unit for an earth retaining wall system to provide water drainage from a vertical drainage sheet through the retaining wall to reduce hydrostatic pressure on the retaining wall. The drainage unit comprises a drainage collector for attaching to a sheet drain to collect and discharge water that flows into the sheet drain. A drain hub is included in the drainage collector for being mounted in fluid communication with the sheet drain to receive and channel water for discharge. A discharge extension is included in the drainage collector that extends from the drain hub for discharging water through the retaining wall. A retainer is provided for engaging the discharge extension after passing through the sheet drain and securing the drain hub and discharge extension in position on the sheet drain.

Abstract: A novel wall forming system for retaining and non-retaining concrete walls (19) comprising of at least one flat wall foam panel (22), at least one radius wall foam panel (23), at least one corner wall foam panel (24) having the following features; a rod—male type connection (20) on one end and a groove—female type connection (21) on opposite end of all panels, allowing interlinking of panels in a straight line or swiveled one way or the other to form various angles or forming a radius line or forming a 90° degree angle.

Abstract: A concrete retaining wall is disclosed on which flora can be cultured and a method for constructing the same. The retaining wall has a steel skeleton constructed with basal H-beams, aerial H-beams, L-beams, structural steel tubes and steel plates. The basal H-beams and the aerial beams are arranged in a direction parallel with the earth's surface and at a significant angle to the earth's surface, respectively, at such space intervals and dimensions that the retaining wall structure has sufficient bending resistance to overcome active earth pressures. The L-beams, the structural steel tubes and the steel plates are provided as reinforcements between the H-beams. Watertight concrete is applied to the basal H-beams. Wire mesh is attached to the aerial H-beams, the L-beams, the structural tubes and steel plates. The wire-mesh-mounted structure is coated with water-permeable concrete to form a stepped or embossed external surface.

Abstract: A portable seawall system is designed to upwardly extend an existing seawall. The system includes a base bracket designed to attach to the upper edge of the existing seawall. A wall section extends upwardly from the existing seawall. Multiple triangular brace assemblies each extend above and below the base bracket and engage the wall section and the existing seawall. A membrane seals the wall section to the existing seawall. The membrane is interconnected with the wall section and with the existing seawall. Multiple wall sections may be joined end to end to form a continuous seawall.

Abstract: The system for attaching a reinforcing band to a wall (2) of a reinforced supporting structure comprises a winding support (10) for the reinforcing band and two staples (11a, 11b) for fixing the winding support (10) to the wall (2), which are formed from a loop of non-corrodible material. The placement device comprises a template for shaping the loop and forming the two staples (11a, 11b), two pairs of collars, mounted on the template and intended for laterally holding the two staples (11a, 11b) respectively along the template, and two spacers, each extending between the collars of one pair to ensure. a parallel arrangement between the two branches of each staple (11a, 11b).

Abstract: A flood barrier unit is provided for a flood barrier system. Each unit has three pillars attached to pillar footings implanted in the surrounding ground surface. For each pillar a concrete brace member footing is provided for the support of brace members compressively positioned between the pillar tops and the brace member footings. A turnbuckle connects two portions of each brace member, and when properly manipulated, will force the brace member ends into holes in the pillar footings and brace member footings. Barrier panels with tongue-and-groove top and bottom edges form a wall when attached to the pillars using a brace plate and bolts. A water-resistant vapor barrier, with a weighted bottom portion, is draped over the top of the barrier panels for fastening between the pillars and panels using a hook-and-loop fastener and the barrier panel bolts. Alternate embodiments include differing arrangements and numbers of the brace members.

Abstract: A storm shelter kit is provided including several enclosure wall panels; wall panel interconnection structures for joining the enclosure wall panels together to define an enclosure having side and top enclosure wall portions; and several soil retaining panels for placement around the enclosure for supporting soil placed around and at least partially covering the enclosure wall panels. The storm shelter kit includes at least one set of the soil retaining panels of progressively decreasing height, for placement in series in progressively increasing distances from the enclosure and for receiving soil between the enclosure and the soil retaining panels and between the soil retaining panels, to define a mound of soil of selectable shape surrounding the enclosure and at least partially covering the wall panels. The wall panels preferably are formed of corrugated steel.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for repairing a sea wall and precluding erosion drainage from occurring on the landward side of the sea wall when a filter material provided at a plurality of weep holes in the wall and at expansion and contraction gaps between wall elements degenerates. The system of invention includes a pipe-like conduit, open at both of its ends; a cap-like protective structure that is insertable over an end of said conduit; a filter assembly comprised of a sleeve-like enclosure and a filter which is situated within said sleeve-like enclosure; and an a rod-like implement insertable within said pipe-like conduit and engageable with said sleeve-like enclosure.

Abstract: A soil retaining system combining flat sheet pile walls in an open cell configuration includes integral soil anchors providing an improved earth retaining system. Another aspect of the invention is a method of designing and installing a soil retaining system with an open sheet pile cell structure having integral soil anchors. The method includes, inter alia, calculating soil forces by taking into account material strength of sheet pile, soil friction against the sheet pile in combination with the strength of the integral soil anchor, selecting sheet pile size and length based on soil forces calculation; and installation of sheet pile to form a soil retaining system. The integral soil anchors serve to provide higher load resistance to the improved earth retaining system.

Abstract: A retaining wall system (20) comprises at least one wall panel (24) and two vertical frame members (40), each frame member (40) having a web (56), two flanges (54) and an end secured within the ground. Each wall panel (24) has a face (28) with a plurality of mounting brackets (38) protruding therefrom, and is supported in mechanically retained vertical orientation between the flanges (54) of adjacent frame members (40). A plurality of connectors (46), each having a proximal end (48) secured to a respective one of said mounting brackets (38) and extending horizontally therefrom to a distal end (50) secured to a respective one of a plurality of anchors (52) is also disclosed. Optionally, a plurality of Jersey barrier panels (106) or acoustic panels are similarly mechanically retained to form a Jersey barrier or acoustic barrier, respectively. Further is disclosed a method for erecting a retaining wall according to the invention.

Abstract: An earth structure comprises a plurality of facing panels, a stabilized earth mass behind the facing panels and a plurality of supports for supporting the facing panels. The supports have rearwardly located portions and rest on their rearwardly located portions to support the facing panels during construction.

Abstract: A cellular structure, in particular a supporting or sound insulation structure plantable with greenery, one with earth, rock, or bulk material filling (Ed), arranged in particular as cells (Z) in layers, the cells being bounded at least in part by flat flexible, liquid-permeable, and corrosion-resistant material (F), in particular material in the form of netting or a grating, and having at least one dimensionally stable frontal element (FG) also in the form of netting or a grating which is connected to tension bracing (ZA) extending into the cell filling and to support bracing (ZV) ensuring the assigned frontal surface inclination and frontal surface position of the structure, the support bracing (ZV) for the individual front elements having at least one elongated bracing element (AS) which on one side is connected to a front element (FG) and on the other extends into the area of the filler.

Abstract: A sea wall anchored into ground in proximity to a body of water comprising a plurality of elongated tubular members arranged in upright side by side relation one to another forming a sea wall section, a lower portion of each tubular member embedded into, and receiving support from, the ground along an edge of the body of water and method of installation thereof. An elongated generally horizontal rebar-reinforced concrete cap extends along, and rigidly interconnects together, each upper end portion of each of the tubular members. The cap is cast formed in place after the tubular members are installed. Each tubular member is preferably rebar-reinforced and substantially filled with a cured aggregate reinforcement. A layer of filter cloth is held in place by fill dirt placed against the land or dry side of the sea wall to substantially prevent fill dirt placed against the dry side of tubular members from washing into the body of water between adjacent tubular members.

Abstract: A standardized block for forming a retaining wall, said block comprising a top and bottom and having disposed proximate the top thereof first, second and third abutment means, and having disposed proximate the bottom thereof fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means, said second and fifth abutment means abutting in a first abutting position when like blocks are placed course upon course to form a retaining wall having a substantially vertical alignment, said first abutment, said second abutment and said third abutment abutting with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment in a second abutting position different from said first position when like blocks are placed one upon the other, course upon course, to provide a substantially set-back retaining wall construction, and wherein said first, second and third abutment means abut with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means in a third abutting position different from said second or first position when like blocks are placed one upon another, course upon course, to

Abstract: A marine sheetpile system and method for providing same includes the use of plastic-coated wood wales and wood piles in conjunction with plastic sheetpile sections to provide a sheetpile configuration which is resistant to wood having and other undesirable animals or environments.

Abstract: Building materials of modules of at least one mortise and tenon and either a curvilinear side face or joinder of the modules at angles other than zero and ninety degrees. Lateral ends of the modules are flush with lateral ends of adjacent modules. Preferably, the modules are: (1) of a low density aggregate cementitious mix; and/or (2) have a hollow space extending from the mortise to the tenon and include a structural support member passing through the hollow space and a compression retainer securing the structural support member to the modules; and/or (3) have grooves circumscribing the modules and which are proximate corresponding grooves on modules placed on top or below. The modules are preferably sealed to one another with sealant placed in the grooves.

Abstract: A connecting lock and a sheet pile wall, wherein the connecting lock has a straight end and a curved end which are arranged on one side of a center piece, and a hook-shaped end which is arranged on the other side of the center piece. The hook-like end may be arranged directly across from the straight end or the curved end.

Abstract: Bearing shoes that run under the abutment's axis with cradles whose precast walls are placed over the bearing shoe assembly, so that when the concrete is poured over these bearing shoes, an integral unit of the bearing shoe integrated with the cradle is formed. For the walls, TT (double T) sections are used, which consist of precast elements of reinforced and/or pre-stressed concrete, that are able to resist the horizontal and vertical forces that could act over the bridge's abutments. These TT sections are used as abutments, wings and gravity retaining walls; as central piers, precast elements of columns with caps are used, in which rectangular-section beams are simply supported with their integrated bents. Occasionally, when the vehicles access embankment or earth fills to the bridge allow it, the abutment is anchored in order to avoid its horizontal thrust, as reinforced earth.

Abstract: In an assembly for constructing a multi-tiered retaining wall to support a backfilled embankment, at least one generally planar backfill retaining wall panel has opposed top and bottom edges, and opposed parallel side edges. Each wall panel spans between pairs of transversely spaced posts. Each post is in the form of a rigid elongate column having an upper end, a lower end and opposed side portions. An abutment forming a recessed area extends longitudinally along each side portion of the column for receiving the side edge of the wall panel. A pin element insertable into the column retains the wall panel in place between pairs of columns in the abutment prior to backfilling against a rear surface of the wall panel. A seat at the upper end of the column supports a wall panel of an adjacent higher tier. A saddle at the lower end of the column provides for free-standing support of the column on a wall panel on an adjacent lower tier prior to backfilling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a precast concrete wall consisting of a plurality of precast concrete, retaining wall segments used as a retaining wall, used to buttress against earth forces, used to abate noises, and a method of constructing such a wall. The wall can be economically constructed from the precast wall segments which are adapted to be easily and rapidly stacked and joined in series to save on the cost of labor and materials. Each of the wall segments is capable of being varied in height, width or length, but having a generally similar cross-section. The wall segments also have members which form a stay-in-place form when two wall segments are placed end to end. Cast-in-place concrete is poured into the form and, upon hardening, becomes an integral structural support column for the wall.

Abstract: Extended lengths of grid-like reinforcing sheet material are attached to precast wall panels of a reinforcing wall by a connector comb and locking clip securing end portions of the reinforcing sheet material between a pair of attachment strips partially embedded in, and extending rearwardly from, the wall panels. The comb connector includes a spine and plurality of upwardly projecting fingers engageable through aligned openings in the attachment strips and the reinforcing sheet material used for soil reinforcement. The locking clip is interengaged with ratchet-like serrated edges formed on the free ends of the fingers of the comb to secure the reinforcing sheet material to the attachment strips.

Abstract: A block for constructing a retaining wall comprises a front wall and a counterfort protruded from a back side of the front wall, wherein the counterfort is provided with a plurality of reinforcing steel bar insertion holes each of which has upper and lower ends thereof open-ended. Each reinforcing steel bar insertion hole disposed in a front wall side away from a neutral force plane is either a tapered hole increasing in diameter thereof from the upper opening to the lower opening thereof. Each reinforcing steel bar insertion hole disposed in a rear end side away from the neutral force plane is an inverse-tapered hole having a diameter increasing from the lower opening to the upper opening.

Abstract: A system and method for adjustably connecting traffic barriers and pre-cast wall facing panels to the soldier beams of a pile wall is provided, which includes a connecting structure cast-in-place between the upper ends of the beam and the panels for structurally interconnecting both a traffic barrier and the upper ends of the panels to the beam. The system further includes an anchor member projecting from the upper end of the soldier beam for securing the connecting structure to the beam, as well as a depth-adjustable array of reinforcing members that are cast within the structure for accommodating variations in the distances between the beams and panels. At least one of the array of reinforcing members projects upwardly out of the connecting structure to link the traffic barrier to the connecting structure.

Abstract: An embankment wall construction and a method for constructing the same in which the construction includes a base, a sloping wall formed of a plurality of precast modular units assembled in rows with each row setback from an adjacent lower row to form a slope angle of 30.degree. to 75.degree.. The present invention also relates to a modular unit configuration for use in constructing the embankment wall of the present invention.

Abstract: A retaining wall structure comprising a base plate having an outboard surface, an inboard surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposed side edges, a top slot formed along the top edge, a side slot formed along each side edge, a first set of symmetrically aligned eyelets extended outwards from the inboard surface near one side edge, and a second set of symmetrically aligned eyelets extended outwards from the inboard surface near the other side edge; a pair of support braces with each support brace having a central portion interconnected between a pair of eyelets; and four spikes with one of the spikes slidably disposed within the eyelets of the first set and one of the eyelets of one of the support braces, another spike slidably disposed within the second set of eyelets of the base plate and one of the eyelets of the other support brace, and the remaining spikes each slidably disposed within one of the remaining eyelets of each support brace and with the spikes securable in a recipient surface for

Abstract: A top panel for use with retaining walls for earthen formations is provided with anchors to secure the panel in place at the face of a formation and upwardly extending reinforcing bars to enable a concrete barrier to be formed on and secured to the panel. In the preferred embodiment, the anchors include soil reinforcing elements and connectors are provided intermediate the height of the panel for connection to the soil reinforcing element to the panels.

Abstract: Set of angular building elements for building visual protection, acoustic protection or detonation protection walls which can contain plants, for plant tubs, slope supporting elements, supporting pillars as well as surrounds for plots, paths and flower-beds. Molded bricks and elements, having a mainly equal-sided angular cross-section with any internal angle, mainly of 90 and 60 degrees, and equal-sided side ends, are assembled by masonry techniques with offset cross-joints into free-standing or escarped supports and walls with plants. Various walls and supports which can be statically load-bearing can thus be constructed without liquid by means of a single angular element and the hollow chambers can be reinforced and grouted with mortar. Several solutions are available for dowelling the horizontal joints, such as edge molding and connecting pins.

Abstract: A soil retention wall system 10 includes a plurality of vertical piles 12 placed in spaced succession. A plurality of hollow polymeric lagging members 14 are stacked transversely relative to, and spanning between, successive piles to form the wall. Each lagging member is formed from a shell having a major wall 106 defining top and bottom surfaces 28 and 30, and first and second endwalls 36 and 38 each adapted to be engagable with an adjacent pile. In a preferred embodiment, the shell 24 is of unitary, one-piece construction.

Abstract: An earth retaining wall and method having at least a pair of tiers of side-by-side blocks which define a receiving channel for a connector bar with spaced-apart keys that engage apertures in a lattice-like grid extending laterally from the tiers, the grid being covered by backfill for interlocking the backfill with the retaining wall, the keys distributing the load of the backfill evenly across the wall.

Abstract: A method of constructing a retaining wall structure for retaining an earth mass involves the use of a footing, at least one counterfort and a plurality of facing panels, with the facing panels and the counterfort including either a bolt cast therein and projecting therefrom or a hole formed therein. The one counterfort and the plurality of facing panels are secured together by placing each bolt through one of the holes and mounting a fixing device on the free end of the bolts. The counterfort and the facing panels are mounted on the footing so that the counterfort is vertically positioned and the facing panels are arranged vertically above one another on the counterfort to form a retaining wall structure. The retaining wall structure is then backfilled such that the rear faces of the facing panels are in contact with an earth mass to thereby retain the earth mass.

Abstract: A self-locking elongated lagging strip having a dovetail-shaped groove running along the length of the strip and in which groove there is mounted a slide fastener having a first, tongue portion of dovetail section slidable in the groove in the strip, and a second portion of generally rectangular shape disposed above the tongue portion and projecting beyond the tongue portion so as to engage a surface of a vertical beam to hold the strip against the beam pending placement of a backfill material.

Abstract: A building component for a noise barrier retaining wall which is structurally suitable for retaining materials such as earth or wind. The building component is formed to assist in the construction of the noise barrier retaining wall, and more specifically, to support and position the wall's reinforcing posts during the construction of the wall, such that the reinforcing posts can be permanently set in suitable footings after the wall has been erected. Such a method is in contrast to prior art approaches which require that such reinforcing posts be permanently and accurately in place prior to construction of the wall. Accordingly, the time, labor and costs involved in the construction of the wall are reduced, allowing for a more economical retaining wall, while retaining the structural components necessary to ensure a properly aligned and plumb wall that exhibits suitable strength and stability.

Abstract: A retaining wall 10 comprises an array of juxtaposed piles 11 and precast panels 12 mounted between adjacent piles. Laterally adjacent panels are mounted to each other and to a common pile 11 by links 38 and 39 pivotably mounted at each end to the panels so as to allow the panels to move with respect to each other and to the pile.

Abstract: A system and method for adjustably connecting pre-cast wall facing panels to the soldier beams of a tie-back or anchor wall is provided, wherein the system comprises an array of panels stacked in rows having mutually adjacent side edge portions which are spaced apart from one of the soldier beams, a connecting column cast-in-place between the beam and the adjacent side edge portions of the panels for structurally interconnecting both of the panels to the beam, and an adjustable array of reinforcing members within the column for interconnecting the adjacent side edge portions of each of the panels with the beam and for reinforcing the resulting column. The depth of the cast-in-place connecting column advantageously accommodates variations in the distances between the beams and panels. In the method of the invention, a first row of wall facing panels is stacked in front of the soldier beams, and a first section of the connecting column is cast therebetween.

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 bulk material supporting wall comprises at least two beams arranged at an angle to one another and connected in a form-locking or material-locking manner. One beam is a longitudinal beam extending substantially parallel to the wall plane and the other is a cross beam extending at an angle to the longitudinal beam. The first beam comprises at least two profile legs arranged at an angle to one another. The first profile leg forms a bulk material bearing surface which covers the central part of the longitudinal beam's cross section. The second profile leg forms a bulk material retaining surface which faces the inside space of the frame and is arranged offset to the outside of the frame with respect to the bearing surface and at an angle to the bearing surface. The first profile leg has a wedge-shaped cross-section and a substantially plane bottom surface forming the underside of the wedge-like cross-section.

Abstract: A method of progressively erecting a wall below earth grade as excavation of the volume to be walled is accomplished. Initially, a plurality of spaced, generally vertical, holes are drilled in the earth to the full intended wall height along edges of the intended excavation plus an embediment amount at the lower end. Parallel soilpier beams are secured in each hole, preferably by filling the hole around each soilpier beam with lean concrete. The interior area is incrementally excavated, including the earth between the soilpier beams, to a selected depth. After the lean concrete on at least the sides of the soilpier beams in line with other soilpier beams is chipped away to the selected incremental excavated depth, structural panels having heights substantially corresponding to the excavated depth are placed between the soilpier beams and secured to the soilpier beams. Incremental excavation is continued and panels are installed in series until the desired full depth is reached.