Abstract: A system for and method of stabilizing rail track structures using a load transfer apparatus is disclosed. The load transfer apparatus includes a vertical load transfer element and a top load transfer element, wherein the top load transfer element is used to transfer applied locomotive and rail car loads to the vertical load transfer element. In one embodiment, the top load transfer element includes helical flights. In another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a flared top. In yet another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a load transfer cap. In a further embodiment, the top load transfer element includes two or more support legs each with a top support attached thereto. The railroad stabilization system can comprise any one type or any combinations of types of the aforementioned load transfer apparatuses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing a foundation for a tower structure, comprising at least one structure-side connection profile in the form of a pipe segment. The method has the steps of providing a foundation pile with a diameter which differs from the diameter of the pipe segment, vibrating and/or ramming the foundation pile into a supporting substratum, aligning and fixing the pipe segment coaxially and concentrically to the foundation pile introduced into the substratum such that an annular space is formed between the pipe segment and the foundation pile, and filling the annular space with a curable casting compound.

Abstract: A rainwater diverter shell has edge flashing with a right-angled flange formed by a first upper flange that defines a first vertical plane and a second upper flange that defines a second vertical plane orthogonal to the first. A first side flange extends between the first upper flange and a base and has a first side flange surface in parallel to the first vertical plane. A second side flange extends between the second upper flange and the base and has a second side flange surface in parallel to the second vertical plane. A horizontal base flange defines a base plane. The horizontal base flange extends along an arc that subtends a reflex angle between the first and second vertical planes. A sloped surface descends from the edge flashing to the horizontal base flange and extends across the rainwater diverter from the first side flange to the second side flange.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.

Abstract: A precast pole foundation having an elongated concrete body having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least two parallel concrete bolts extend from the upper surface of the concrete body. At least one cavity is disposed along the body of the concrete body for receiving a conduit. The pole foundation is preferably cylindrical and can be used to support a light pole, a utility pole, a sign pole of any such structure. At least a portion of the concrete body is reinforced with at least one reinforcing bar embedded therein.

Abstract: A protective foot is provided for a piece goods item, in particular a pylon section segment or a concrete pylon segment of a wind power installation. The protective foot has a bottom plate for receiving an end of the item and a fixing unit for releasable fixing to the end of the item.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: An anchor pier for supporting a manufactured building, in which the anchor pier includes having a shaft with a connector and a helical flight proximate a driving tip, with a brace member attached to the connector and to the manufactured building with a connector, to transfer loading between the manufactured building and the ground. A method of supporting a manufactured building is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decreasing rot and insect damage to in-ground wood increases the effective life of the wood. A waterproof collar has an upper margin that defines a seal against the wood and the collar surrounds the wood from a point above the ground level to a predetermined location below the ground level. The collar defines a barrier that prevents microbes and insects from gaining access to the wood over the most important portion of the wood in terms of structural integrity, the critical decay zone.

Abstract: A screw-in foundation anchor for traffic, lighting and utility poles and the like. The anchor comprises a shaft with an upper end fixed to a base plate on which the pole base is attachable. A helical blade on the shaft allows the anchor to be driven into the earth by rotation. At least two notches are provided on the edges of the base plate, each notch sized to engage the shaft of an adjacent anchor. Multiple anchors can be strapped together in groups or bundles for storage and shipment, with the notches engaging adjacent anchor. Such an arrangement prevents dislodgement or shifting of the anchors in transit. This reduces the cost of shipping the anchors, decreases the likelihood of damage to the anchors during shipment, and improves the safety of handling the bundles and unloading the individual anchors.

Abstract: A tilt tower and pipe auger anchor assembly comprising a tilt tower having a mast and a swing tube and a coax cable engaging both the mast and the swing tube, the mast has a near end, the near end has a mast flange plate with fastener holes therethrough. A pipe auger anchor has walls defining a generally hollow elongated body having a near end and a removed end, the near end including a pipe auger anchor flange plate mateable with the mast flange plate. The pipe auger anchor flange plate has fastener openings therein and fixedly attached to the near end perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated body and an auger at the removed end. The auger provides a penetration force when the body is rotated and the auger is engaged with the ground.

Abstract: Herein described is a post anchor apparatus and methods of use in erecting and anchoring posts in natural terrain. The apparatus of the present invention provides a convenient means of erecting a post in natural terrain while also providing improved strength, stability, and durability to the post. The apparatus comprises at least a housing for receiving the base of a post, a rod, stabilizer element for stabilizing the apparatus within the natural terrain, and an auger blade for driving the rod into the natural terrain.

Abstract: A post footing device facilitates replacement of broken posts. The device includes a tube having an upper end, a lower end, and a perimeter wall extending between the upper end and the lower end. A sleeve has a top end, a bottom end, and a peripheral wall extending between the top end and the bottom end. The sleeve is insertable into the tube and configured for receiving and laterally supporting a post. Each of a plurality of alignment bars extends between the tube and the sleeve wherein the sleeve is held in position within the tube. The alignment bars are spaced around the sleeve such that the alignment bars align the sleeve in the tube. A support is positioned in the sleeve between the top end and the bottom end wherein the support is configured for supporting the post in the sleeve above the bottom end.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a pole erected relative to a ground surface and defining a pole axis; a first anchor drive rod connected to the pole and extended, parallel to the pole axis, from the pole to below the ground surface; and a second anchor drive rod connected to the pole and extended, at a non zero angle to the pole axis, from the pole to below the ground surface. Methods of bracing and supporting the pole are also discussed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a support block for use in securing a post mount includes a body having a first end and a second end and an adjustment mechanism formed integrally with the first end of the body, by which a vertical orientation of a post mount incorporating the support block can be adjusted.

Abstract: A footing plate (10) including a planar web (12) through or from which a plurality of tubes (14) pass, the tubes (14) being adjacent to the edges of the planar web (12) and being disposed at angles to the planar web (12), none of the angles being 90°, the tubes (14) being sized to permit the passage therethrough of pins (18) for fixing into underlying ground, the upper face of the planar web (12) optionally being provided with a plurality of holes to accept bolts for retaining means to receiving a post, pole or upright structural beam, the planar web (12) also being provided with a downwardly extending flange (16) from at least one of the edges of the planar web (12).

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A safety anchor post system mountable to a pre-set anchor embedded in concrete for protecting a user from falling while working in precarious areas is provided. The system comprises a tubular post having a first end and a second end with a coil rod extending from the tubular post. A first sleeve is mounted at the second end of the post. A second sleeve is mounted between the first sleeve and the first end of the post with at least one rail member receivable within each sleeve. A clamping mechanism tightens against the rail members to releasably maintain the at least one rail member within each sleeve. A tie off device is mounted to the post. Upon releasably securing the at least one rail member within each sleeve and tying off to the tie off device, a worker is inhibited from falling from the support structure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting a post. In accordance with some embodiments, a subterranean support structure has a tube extension adapted for placement within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole. The tube extension has opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole. A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end of the tube extension. The support flange supports a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.

Abstract: The foundation structure includes a plurality of structural members. A first end of each structural member is coupled to a central shaft. In appropriate soil conditions, the foundation structure is buried in the soil and the soil itself constrains the mass at the base of the foundation and keeps it from moving. The foundation structure is made of structural components comprises a material, including concrete pre-cast concrete, cast-in place concrete, reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete, pre-tensioned concrete and post-tensioned concrete, for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for anchoring and supporting a member in an upright position in the ground. An upper portion disposed above the ground receives and supports the upright member along with a lower portion disposed beneath the surface of the ground in a manner so as to secure the member in an upright position. The upper portion is attached to the lower portion using an anchor plate secured to the lower portion using threaded studs which are mounted into the cement of the foundation. The anchor plate is attached to a lower box sunk into the cement foundation with the lower box being secured into the foundation using a plurality of generally upright standing rebars.

Abstract: A method for erecting a pre-stressed sectionalized and segmented concrete tower for wind power or heliostatic generator or chimney is provided. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of assembling supports and lifting harnesses in order to support to the concrete segments for assembling concrete section from the concrete segments using a small capacity crane, and installing, with a high capacity crane the assembled concrete sections to conform the concrete tower. The lifting harness provides safety scaffolds for personnel during prestressing.

Abstract: A method to assemble a drilling rig includes providing a base structure of the drilling rig, stacking a rig floor including a derrick on the base structure, actuating lifting cylinders to lift the rig floor above the base structure, inserting at least one first upper box between the base structure and the rig floor, and retracting the lifting cylinders to set the rig floor atop the at least one first upper box.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a wood hybrid light pole with an internal wireway for electrical wires and a base with anchoring bolts and space for electrical connections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decreasing rot and insect damage to in-ground wood increases the effective life of the wood. The combination of a waterproof sleeve that covers the in-ground portion of the wood, and a collar surrounding the wood above the ground, defines a barrier system that prevents microbes and insects from gaining access to the wood and prevents leaching of chemical preservatives and the like from the wood into the soil.

Abstract: A utility pole comprises a hollow elongate body (1) formed from a composite material including reinforcing fibres embedded in a matrix material and an energy-absorbing region comprising at least one elongate weakened zone (2, 4, 12) formed in the hollow elongate body (1), the at least one weakened zone promoting delamination of the fibres and the matrix material if a vehicle strikes the utility pole.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: Provided is an offshore wind turbine generator capable of withstanding unevenly distributed stress with a simple and inexpensive structure and of maintaining reliability in terms of strength. An offshore wind turbine generator includes a nacelle that rotatably supports a rotor head, and a tower portion that supports the nacelle and yaws integrally with the nacelle, and a structure portion that bears the strength of the tower portion has a higher strength against a load in a direction included in a plane having a rotation axis of the rotor head and an extending direction of the tower portion than the strength of the structure portion against a load in a direction included in other planes including the extending direction of the tower portion.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.

Abstract: A post anchoring foot is configured for use in securing a post to a surface. The foot includes a body dimensioned to snugly receive a portion of the post, with the body including a generally horizontal base portion and a generally vertical side wall that cooperatively present a laterally enclosed post-receiving area. The base portion defines a lowermost surface-engaging anchoring face and an elevated supporting face configured to engage an end of the post, with the supporting face being disposed above the anchoring face. The base portion further defines a plurality of anchor-receiving apertures extending therethrough, with each aperture being configured to receive an anchor therein to securely couple the foot to the surface. The side wall defines a fastener-receiving hole extending therethrough, with the hole being configured to selectively receive a fastener therein to securely couple the foot to the post.

Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

Abstract: A wind turbine, tower and method for making same are provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor having one or more blades and a rotor radius distance approximately equal to the distance measured from a centerline of the rotor to a tip of one of the blades. The tower has one or more tower sections, including a first tower section having a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. The first tower section has at least one first diameter. A reduced diameter tower section is connected to the first tower section, and has a waist portion with at least one second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. At least a portion of the reduced diameter tower section having the second diameter is located about one rotor radius distance from the centerline of the rotor, and the reduced diameter section provides increased static clearance to the tip of the blades.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a foundation for a wind turbine. The foundation includes a section which is partly embedded in a concrete section and a cover which is arranged across an intersection between the embedded section and the concrete section. In that way, intrusion of water between the sections can be prevented effectively, and the lifetime of the foundation can be increased and/or the maintenance costs can be reduced. A method of making a foundation for a wind turbine and a wind turbine with the foundation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A C-type underbracing has developed for installing on a lower portion of a utility pole for firmly anchoring the utility pole. The underbracing is comprised of: a body (12) formed a half-annular or C-shape with a rectangular cross section; a pair of the enlarged end portions (11, 11?) having larger rectangular cross section than that of the body; a pair of the conjunction (17, 17?) for connecting between the body and the enlarged end portions; a hook receiving hole (13) horizontally through a center of the body, and a pair of nut mounting portions (16, 16?) formed flat surfaces for seating the nuts and a pair of slit-shaped holes (14, 14?) for horizontally inserting U-bolts (20) through the body portion, the nut mounting portions and slit-shaped holes disposed both sides of said hook receiving hole, and an earth plate (30) made of conductive material is attached to the bottom surface of the body.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: A joining device (8) for hybrid wind turbine towers (5) intended for the fixation of a metal portion (6) of a wind turbine tower (5) to a concrete portion (7) of said wind turbine (1) which comprises a metal body (9) having a generally tubular configuration that is suitable to be fixed to the metal portion (6) of the tower (5) which in use is adjacent to the concrete portion (7), and suitable for being at least partially embedded into said concrete portion (7), said metal body (9) being provided with a number of anchoring openings (11) adapted such that the material of the concrete portion (7) passes therethrough. A hybrid wind turbine tower (5) comprises such a joining device (8) provided between one metal portion (6) and one concrete portion (7).

Abstract: A tubular insert sleeve for an excavated hole and a safety cover fitted to cover an operatively upper end of the insert sleeve are provided to maintain the integrity of an excavated hole and limit access to the hole in order to improve the safety of the public. The sleeve is made of cooperating segments which can easily be separated and which a form a sleeve when assembled. The operatively upper end of the assembled sleeve forms an outwardly extending bell-shaped end of greater outer diameter to define an outwardly extending flange which is more easily grasped for removal of the sleeve from an excavated hole.

Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.

Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind tower systems and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite FRP wind tower system including a plurality of tower cells for functional engagement with adjacent tower cells along mating surfaces to form a tower section, each tower cell including a lower end and an upper end for telescopic engagement with a tower cell of an adjacent tower section.

Abstract: A post assembly includes a post having a bottom and defining a longitudinal axis and a mounting member extending from the bottom of the post along the longitudinal axis. A securing member is moveable between an engaged position, wherein the securing member couples the mounting member to the post in a non-rotatable relationship, and a disengaged position, wherein the mounting member is decoupled and removable from the post. A method of assembling a post assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A footing form for supporting posts or other upright structural members of buildings and the like includes a primary web, and a plurality of structural webs extending upwardly from the primary web. The webs include structural webs that extend radially outward from a center portion of the base web, and a plurality of ring-like concentric webs that provide additional structural support. The webs form a plurality of upwardly-opening pockets, and apertures through the base web provide for drainage of water and the like from the upwardly-opening pockets. The footing form may have a one-piece molded construction. The footing form provides sufficient support to thereby eliminate the need for concrete or the like to support the posts.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: A concrete foundation is described which is adapted to be embedded in the ground for supporting a pole thereon. The foundation is comprised of a vertically disposed central section having upper and lower ends with a base section embracing the lower end of the central section and being wedged thereagainst to anchor the central section in the ground. If additional weight is needed, one or more base sections may be stacked on top of the lowermost base section.

Abstract: A tubular post for a light or other electrical device is mounted in soil with the use of an anchor which is comprised of a vertical sleeve and a flange which extends horizontally from the lower end of the sleeve. A flat bottom excavation is made in soil, to receive the anchor. Electrical conductors are run across the top of the flange, through ports in the sleeve and up the interior of the post. A stop within the bore of the sleeve limits downward movement of the post which is inserted into the top of the bore, to enable the running of the conductors through the ports. The excavation is then backfilled. When the anchor has been installed in soil so that top of the sleeve is near the surface, the post may be lifted from the sleeve and replaced without making a new excavation.

Abstract: A relocatable photovoltaic system includes a fixed anchoring system; a relocatable base removably attachable to the fixed anchoring system; and a canopy attachable to the relocatable base, the canopy including a plurality of energy converting units that convert solar energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A composite wall system includes a foundationless wall substructure such as a sheet piling wall with a base portion embedded in the ground and an exposed portion extending above the ground, and one or more fascia panels or sheets such as synthetic simulated stonework panels applied over the foundationless wall substructure. Components of the wall system prevent debris from entering between the wall substructure and the fascia panels, and in seawall applications prevent water incursion and resist wave action.