Abstract: Corrugated net thermoformed in a variety of differently shaped upstanding projections disposed on opposing surfaces of the netting to provide flow channels for draining ground water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for simultaneously driving a plurality of drain boards, radially aligned about a common center, to stabilize and improve terrestrial and submarine foundation soils and submarine soils. This method, using standard width drain boards, can cover a wide absorption and drain area with a relatively small number of drain board driving operations.

Abstract: High density polyethylene sheets are sealed at their lateral edges to form a sheath or envelope for sandwiching a drain mesh. A plurality of spaced apart bore holes is formed along the line of the cut-off and drain barrier and a coupling member is positioned, one in each bore hole, respectively, each coupling member having at least one locking keyway slot formed in a side thereof. These coupling members have stainless steel keyway protectors or cement stops so that cementious material cast in the bore holes so as to stabilize the coupling members do not fill the keyways. After the cementious material has set, the space between bore holes up to the keyway slots is excavated including the cementious material between the facing edges of the keyway material. Then the drain barrier with rigidifying perforated pipes secured in the ends thereof is inserted into the excavated slot with the perforated pipes being telescopically received in and retained by the keyway slots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered water sealing article of manufacture including a layer of a flexible sheet material adhered to a layer of a composition comprising a non-hydrated water-swellable clay intimately contacted with a polypropene, polybutene, or mixtures thereof particularly useful as a water barrier. The water swellable clay composition can be adhered to the flexible sheet material in any manner, such as by extruding the composition in sheet form onto a layer of sheet material. The clay composition layer is sufficiently tacky to adhere to the sheet material on one major surface, and is sufficiently tacky for adherence to a wall, conduit, floor, roof, or other structure to be protected from water contact, on an exposed major surface in areas of potential water flow to prevent the seepage of water through the bentonite clay composition layer.

Abstract: An insulative waterproof drainage material is presented. The insulative drainage system comprises, in part, a plastic sheet having a plurality of alternate valleys and raised portions in the sheet defining a core. Preferably, the core leads to a slotted pipe. The core has two opposing surfaces. One surface has a water previous fabric material attached thereto while the other surface has a layer of thermally insulative material, preferably a polymeric foam material thereon. The foam or other insulative material has a pre-selected thickness which provides a sufficient R (thermal) value. This insulative drainage system is formed into panels and then adhesively applied to the exterior of a foundation or other retaining wall using any suitable and well known adhesive. Preferably, each panel is provided with interlocking joints which permit a watertight fit between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A sheet of material is laid in the ground by digging a trench in the ground by means of a trench digger and unwinding the sheet of material from a stock roll above ground level, passing it into the trench in a downward direction and diverting it in a direction essentially parallel to ground level. In order for the protective housing which is attached downstream of the trench digger and has to keep the trench open over its length not to be designed too long the sheet of material is passed into the trench folded double and is unfolded via three return rollers or rods or flanges, and passed in the unfolded state in an approximately vertical plane in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A drywell structure for receiving drain water from a ground surface and directing it to subterranean levels for leaching the water into the subterranean soil is provided with a water filtration and intake assembly which filters silt and other foreign matter from the received drain water prior to its being directed to the subterranean soil.

Abstract: A device is provided for draining ground in depth. Each drain includes a tube having perforations in its middle part (1) with solid walls and closed at its lower part so as to form a cup (2), and with solid walls and open at its upper part (4). A siphoning tube (6) is permanently immersed by its lower part (3) in the cup (2), rises inside the tube (1) and leaves through a side duct (5) to drop down again towards an outlet (8). The outlet (8) is at the same level as the upper edge of the cup (2) so that the end (3) of the pipe (6) is always immersed and so that the siphon cannot be unprimed even during a dry period and requires no intervention.

Abstract: A drain system for use in hillsides for preventing or remedying landslides is provided. The system includes a porous walled conduit positioned within the hillside substantially parallel the face of the hillside, i.e. tangent the contour lines of the hillside. The system may include a saddle section or chamber which essentially surrounds the conduit and provides a region of increased permeability contiguous the conduit. A second high permeability region configured as an upper extension or neck, positioned superior to the conduit, is also provided. An apron positioned adjacent the conduit functions to prevent water from moving beyond the vertical axis of the conduit. Means for installing the drain system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to embed paper drain material in water-laden soil by means of a mandrel driven into the soil by power means. The paper drain material is intermittently treated with a substance detectable by a signal emitted electronic sensing means secured to the lower end of the mandrel. When the paper drain is believed to be in place, the mandrel is withdrawn. During mandrel withdrawal, as each sensing means passes by each detectable substance, the signal from the sensing means is modulated, thereby indicating that the paper drain is embedded in place and the mandrel has disengaged from the paper drain. If the paper drain adheres to the mandrel and is being withdrawn with the mandrel, no modulated signal will be generated, thereby indicating that the paper drain is not properly anchored in the soil.

Abstract: Drainage mat comprising three-dimensional openwork covered on at least a major surface with a water permeable fabric having a permittivity from 0.2 seconds.sup.-1 to 2.0 seconds.sup.-1 and exhibiting a dynamic permeability after 10.sup.6 loadings of at least 10.sup.-4 centimeters per second.

Abstract: In a sea, lake or other body of water, sedimentation of sedimentary solid material may be obtained in desired areas by reducing the hydraulic pressure in the sea floor or lake bottom layer in the respective area. Such reduction of the hydraulic pressure causes water to flow from the lake or sea into the porous bottom or floor layer whereby material suspended in the water or transported along the bed settles on the floor or bottom. The reduction of the hydraulic pressure is obtained by pumping water from underground drain tubes or other drainage devices extending along and adjacent to the coastline. The method may be used for coast protection and reclamation of land.

Abstract: Subsoil drain strip or sheet elements comprising a core surrounded by a polymer or glass fibre filter cloth. The core has a generally planar configuration with hollow formed-in flat topped projections on one or both sides which create internal volume for flow of water as well as supporting the filter cloth against imposed soil loads. The depth of the supporting projections on each side of the core and their relative spacing is to be such that the surrounding filter cloth is restrained against being forced into the hollow interiors of the projections so that adequate longitudinal flow of water can take place in the strip without the need for additional drainage tubes to be provided. The depth of the projections may be greater than one quarter of their closest spacing. Additionally, the average diameter of the projections may be between 0.2 and 0.35 of their closest spacing.

Abstract: To lower ground water in the region of foundation bodies, such as foundation piles and the like, a water-pervious layer of filtering concrete, in particular of uniform-grained concrete, is arranged below an upper water-impervious part which is made of standard concrete. From this layer the entering ground water is sucked through a pipe which extends through the foundation body and is designed as a water-pervious filter pipe in the region of the layer of filtering concrete. The layer of filtering concrete is preferably reinforced by reinforcing irons. After lowering of the ground water level, the filtering concrete is injected with a hardenable injection material, thus enabling the lower end of the foundation body to better absorb the pressures transmitted from the upper part.

Abstract: A vertical drain for dewatering saturated, compressible soils. When stored and delivered the drain has a rectangular cross section and can be rolled on reels, but since the drain can be folded longitudinally the drain, when installed in the soil will expose not less than two sides in angle to each other towards the radial flow of water to the drain.Each side consists of a band-formed core (2) with longitudinal and perpendicular channels (4 and 5) shaped by ridges (3) which are cut on certain distances and surrounded by a filter fabric (1).

Abstract: Discharge water from a building, e.g., rainwater discharged from downspouts or groundwater discharged from sump pumps, is carried away from the building in an underground pipe to an aboveground discharge outlet, said discharge operating only when the pipes are full of water and under pressure from the inlet. The underground pipe extends for a substantial distance away from the building and either turns upwardly to the aboveground discharge outlet; or empties into an underground tank which bleeds water downward into the surrounding earth through a porous bottom surface, and communicates water upward through its upper surface with the aboveground outlet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inserting an elongated bendable drainage mat having a rectangular cross section below the surface of the ground in a vertical orientation in an advancing trench segment.

Abstract: A method for the containment of liquid-containing waste materials, such as drilling residues, in an earthen reservoir is described. The method comprises providing an in-ground reservoir opening upwardly to the surface of the ground and a sloping in-ground drainage area abutting one side of the reservoir, the bottom of the drain area being below the level to which the reservoir is filled. The reservoir and drainage area are lined with flexible liquid-impervious liners having extended sides. The extended sides of the reservoir lining are drawn, in part, over waste material in the reservoir leaving a center area of waste material uncovered with overlapped reservoir liner. The drainage area is filled with ballast material to provide a porous bed and is provided at its low end with a stand-pipe which extends from near the bottom of the drainage area to above the surface of the ground.

Abstract: An underground structure formed of rock and cinders permits an artificial water table to be maintained at a selected distance below the ground level. The installation includes a watertight membrane that lines a basin excavated in the earth. A ballast layer of generally uniform size rock is laid on top of the watertight membrane in the basin, and the ballast layer is extremely permeable by water. The ballast layer is covered by a permeable membrane such as cloth. The permeable membrane is, in turn, covered by a layer of finely divided particles such as crushed volcanic ash or cinders. The particles of this fine layer are prevented from penetrating the ballast layer by the permeable membrane. The fine layer permits water to diffuse through it by capillary action. The fine layer is topped by a finish layer which is appropriate to the use to be made of the installation.

Abstract: A drain pipe intended for use when laying surface-water drains, manholes and like structures, particularly in frost susceptible ground. The drain pipe has a length such as to enable the pipe to connect a drain cover with a drain-bottom part or a tubular raising member which is connected directly to the drain-bottom part or is connected to the drain-bottom part via one or more additional raising members. The outer form of the drain pipe is slightly conical over at least a part of the length of the pipe, the pipe being arranged to be mounted so that its widest end faces downwards and can be inserted into a socket or collar of the aforementioned drain-bottom part or of a raising member.The invention also relates to a method of laying a drain while using such a drain pipe, and to a drain laid in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A method of disposal of slurries of fine tailings material comprising construction of a bund, forming a first drainage means underneath said bund and over the area to be covered by said fine tailings adjacent said bund and over the face of the bund to be covered by said fine tailings, depositing the slurries of fine tailings in layers behind said bund and providing second drainage means between said layers in the region adjacent said bund.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a vertical drain in the soil, comprising a push tube to be pushed into the soil and which carries within it a prefabricated drain, provided with an anchor on the lower end, said prefabricated drain remaining in its place with the aid of an anchor while the push tube is being pulled back upwards. The push tube carries within itself a cut-off device at its lower end for the prefabricated drain, cutting it at desired height. Thereafter, the push tube is, if needed, lifted up for another anchor to be affixed to the lower end of the prefabricated drain. The object of the invention is to achieve that the prefabricated drain that has been cut off inside the push tube is pushed out from the lower end of the push tube.

Abstract: Vertical stripes of asphalt are applied to the exterior of the basement wall, and glass fiber insulating boards with an asphalt coating on one side are applied to the exterior of the basement wall with the asphalt coating facing the wall and joints between boards disposed at the stripes.

Abstract: An auxiliary drain line is laid in a trench which extends about lower foundation portions of an existing building but at locations preferably spaced several feet from the foundation. The newly laid auxiliary drain line is formed of perforate material which admits surrounding ground water, and is connected to a storm drain line that serves the building so that water which enters the auxiliary drain line is discharged into the storm drain line. A porous reservoir is formed in the trench to (1) duct ground water to the auxiliary drain line, (2) eliminate ground water pressure buildup in the vicinity of the foundation wall, and (3) provide a ground water reservoir during an excessively heavy rainfall when the storm drain line may be incapable of carrying away all of the accumulated waterfall. The auxiliary drain line is laid in the trench at a level below the top of the basement floor of the building.

Abstract: A method for uniformly improving a soft ground is proposed. It includes the steps of driving a pipe into the ground, putting sand thereinto and pulling up the pipe gradually while discharging and compacting the sand. In forming the sand piles, the diameter and/or strength of the sand piles are changed according to the soil nature of the ground to be improved to improve the ground uniformly.

Abstract: A method and mass for the drainage, irrigation and lightening of soils is constituted by hollow elements dispersed in soil so as to define capillary or semi-capillary passages. The elements are bulked up so that they can rest in an irregular fashion one relative to the others by providing in between them spaces of variable shapes and dimensions thereby to supply drainage, irrigation, lightening and enrichment of soils.

Abstract: A system for laying a pipeline receiving stone bed in the bottom of a trench into which water may have seeped and there is accordingly some erosion of the trench side walls comprising:moving a stone-filled box along the trench in increments as the trench is dug out ahead of the box while moving earth which has collapsed into the trench forwardly along the trench; and simultaneously dispensing stone out the rear end of the box to form a bed which shores up the sides of the trench and pumping water out of the next section of the trench to receive the bed.

Abstract: A procedure for creating a vertical drain by pushing into the ground an insertion tube (7) housing within itself a so-called prefabricated drain (9), by pulling out the insertion tube and cutting off the prefabricated drain. The prefabricated drain is cut off with a cross-cutting means located within the insertion tube (7) at such height, or in such a layer as for instance a sand stratum (3) which accepts the water conveyed by the prefabricated drain.

Abstract: Soft ground is improved by a sand drain method wherein a casing pipe is inserted in the soft ground followed by insertion of a cylindrical bag composed of a water-permeable material into the casing pipe; sand is filled in the cylindrical bag and then only the casing pipe is drawn out from the soft ground whereby a sand drain is constructed in the soft ground; and then, a load is imposed on the sand drain-constructed region to remove water through the sand drain and consolidate the soft ground. The diameter of at least a part of the cylindrical bag is capable of being increased when the consolidation load is imposed on the sand drain-constructed region.

Abstract: Means for providing a vertical drain in soil, comprising a push tube to be pushed into the soil and which carries within itself a prefabricated drain provided with a plate-like anchor on the lower end, and which anchor rests against the lower end of the push tube, and keeps the prefabricated drain in its place when the push tube is pulled upwards. The difficulty lies in making sure that the anchor and the prefabricated drain really remain stationary also in soft soil. As taught by the invention, the lower end of the push tube is provided with at least one pouch-like pressure member located between said push tube and the anchor and inflatable by the aid of a pressurized fluid so that it will push the anchor off the lower end of the push tube and spread it out in an opened position.

Abstract: Procedure and means for making a vertical drain in the bottom of a water body, e.g. a sea or lake, from a raft on the surface of the water body. A conveying member, carried by the raft movably in vertical direction, is brought to be close to the bottom of the water body. A push tube, carried by the conveying member movably in vertical direction, is pushed into the soil layer on the bottom of the water body to desired depth, whereby the push tube carries along the prefabricated drain, provided with an anchor on its lower end, located therewith in. Thereafter, the push tube is pulled up, the strip drain remaining in its place in the soil layer by the aid of the anchor. The aim of the invention is to reduce the consumption of prefabricated drain material, to reduce the time consumed in the operation and to reduce energy consumption. The invention teaches to pull the push tube up above the lower end of the conveying member.

Abstract: The mass for the drainage, irrigation and lightening of soils is constituted by hollow elements (1) delimiting capillar or semi-capillar passages. The elements (1) are bulked up so that they can rest in an irregular fashion one relative to the others by providing inbetween spaces of variable shapes and dimensions.Drainage, irrigation, lightening, enrichment of soils.

Abstract: A device for preparing a trench or dam for the recharging of an aquifer or similar use and for cleaning the recharging means. The aquifer recharging means is shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,272. The trench preparing device includes a protective frame surrounding one or more rolls of membrane adapted to be played out as the frame is pulled through the trench to line the trench. A gate-type mechanism is provided to prevent dirt or gravel from entering the frame as the membrane is pulled out.

Abstract: A groundwater flow diversion system for reducing the rate of groundwater flow beneath a designated land area. The diversion system is comprised of one or more conduits located substantially around the circumference of a designated land area beneath the groundwater level so as to provide low resistance hydraulic connection to groundwater either continuously or at specified points of groundwater collection or discharge along the conduit structure. The diversion system reduces the groundwater potential energy differences between all points within the circumferential conduits and thereby reduces the rate of groundwater flow, essentially isolating the groundwater under the designated area from that outside of the construction.The diversion system protects property and water supplies located downstream of a contaminated area from pollution caused by contaminants carried by groundwater flow passing beneath the contaminated land.

Abstract: A filter tube for drain purposes provided with openings debouching at its outer surface, said openings being adapted to be connected to a sub-atmospheric source through at least one discharge channel in the tube. At least one flush-channel is formed in the tube, which is fully separated from the discharge channel(s) and which is adapted to be connected to a source of pressure fluid at or adjacent the one tube end, while at or adjacent the other tube end an outlet for said pressure fluid is formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to drainage by use of elongated strips of such a physical structure that they allow an exchange of fluids between their core and the medium in which they are placed. The drainage strips are used by vertically placing them in wet soils to evacuate water contained in said soils by use of a pressure differential exerted upon the water due to the pressure of the soil layer over the atmospheric pressure in the interstices of the drainage structure.

Abstract: A system for recharging an aquifer comprising an opening into the aquifer, means for packing the opening with sized, coarser, clean gravel, filter sand above the gravel and means for cleaning the filter sand.

Abstract: An excavator comprising an excavating wheel mounted on a chassis, means supporting the chassis on the ground such that a portion of the wheel projects below ground level, and drive means for rotating the wheel about its axis, the wheel being adapted to cut a longitudinal trench having a predetermined transverse profile when it is rotated about its axis and the chassis is advanced over the ground in a given direction.

Abstract: Relatively impermeable earth such as clay is made permeable so as to effectively produce drains or draining layers by injecting into the earth one or more substances chemically reacting with and/or physically cooperating with one or more of the natural constituents of the earth to thereby increase the permeability within the injection zone and to thereby produce a drain or a draining layer.

Abstract: A method and a device for introducing a tubular assembly into the soil, which assembly consists of two or more elongated strips with a curved cross-section, made of an elastically flexible material, which strips are unwound from corresponding drums and are being united at adjacent edges when being unwound, and are separated again when being rewound on said drums. The driving force is derived from the rotational movement of said drums. The assembly can be used for introducing drainage tape into the soil, for introducing a sounding probe into the soil, for cutting soil samples and for similar purposes.