Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the difference in alignment between a first plan position of an element (1) and a second plan position of an element, the method comprising the use of: i) at least one rigid or taut connection (4) extending between a first point (2) at the level of the first plan position and a second point (3) at the level of the second plan position, the first and second points being at an identical displacement from the element; and ii) one or more electrolevel gauges (5) provided on the or each rigid or taut connection, so as to measure the inclination of the rigid or taut connection.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for placing an element (14), such as a steel column or concrete section, into a pile shaft (1) during top-down construction techniques. The apparatus is provided with an upper and lower positioning means (2, 3) which allow the plan position of the element at upper and lower levels respectively to be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the difference in alignment between a first plan position of an element (1) and a second plan position of an element, the method comprising the use of: i) at least one rigid or taut connection (4) extending between a first point (2) at the level of the first plan position and a second point (3) at the level of the second plan position, the first and second points being at an identical displacement from the element; and ii) one or more electrolevel gauges (5) provided on the or each rigid or taut connection, so as to measure the inclination of the rigid or taut connection.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for placing an element (14), such as a steel column or concrete section, into a pile shaft (1) during top-down construction techniques. The apparatus is provided with an upper and lower positioning means (2, 3) which allow the plan position of the element at upper and lower levels respectively to be adjusted.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool having a cutting apparatus for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting device which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting device is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting mechanism for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting device may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.

Abstract: A waterstop, 10 or 11, for restricting or preventing the flow of water across the joints of foundation elements 8, such as between or along individual diaphragm wall panels or between or along individual secant wall piles. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a waterstop at or near the joints between adjacent foundation elements. The waterstop consists of one or more longitudinal strips, 1 or 2, of hydrophilic material, wherein the or each hydrophilic strip extends vertically along the interface between adjacent foundation elements, from a position at or near the top of the foundation elements, to a position at or near the base of the elements.

Abstract: A boring apparatus is described which comprises a substantially hollow vessel with a fixed base and a rotatable base. The rotatable base is provided, at its circumference, with at least one side cutter which rotatable with the rotatable base from a first position, in which the at least one side cutter serves to cover a respective opening provided in the vessel wall, to a second position, in which the opening in the vessel wall is exposed.

Abstract: A boring apparatus is described which comprises a substantially hollow vessel with a fixed base and a rotatable base. The rotatable base is provided, at its circumference, with at least one side cutter which rotatable with the rotatable base from a first position, in which the at least one side cutter serves to cover a respective opening provided in the vessel wall, to a second position, in which the opening in the vessel wall is exposed.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of installing a pre-cast pile in the ground which involves applying an enlarged head forming tool to the ground until a volume of soil has been displaced or removed so as to form a void at the surface of the ground. The pre-cast pile is then driven into the ground to a predetermined depth below the void and the void is then filled with concrete or grout to form a cast-in-situ pile head. The diameter of the pile head is greater than the diameter of the pile shaft.

Abstract: The present application describes methods and apparatus for installing a load bearing pile 1 which is installed in the line of a perimeter wall, in particular to a perimeter wall consisting of a series of diaphragm wall panels.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of installing a pre-cast pile in the ground which involves applying an enlarged head forming tool to the ground until a volume of soil has been displaced or removed so as to form a void at the surface of the ground. The pre-cast pile is then driven into the ground to a predetermined depth below the void and the void is then filled with concrete or grout to form a cast-in-situ pile head. The diameter of the pile head is greater than the diameter of the pile shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterstop, 10 or 11, for restricting or preventing the flow of water across the joints of foundation elements 8, such as between or along individual diaphragm wall panels or between or along individual secant wall piles. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a waterstop at or near the joints between adjacent foundation elements. The waterstop consists of one or more longitudinal strips, 1 or 2, of hydrophilic material, wherein the or each hydrophilic strip extends vertically along the interface between adjacent foundation elements, from a position at or near the top of the foundation elements, to a position at or near the base of the elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a capping beam across two or more cast-in-situ piles (11), wherein a precast or preformed guide wall structure (1) having holes (5) for receiving and guiding a piling auger is placed into an excavation, forming a number of cast-in-situ piles (11) by applying a piling auger to the ground through the holes (5) in the guide wall structure (1), removing the guide wall structure (1) and filling the excavation with concrete so as to form a capping beam. This results in much improved construction times, since it is not necessary to remove excess hardened concrete before forming the capping beam, and also results in less waste, since the guide wall structure can be reused.

Abstract: The present application relates to a safety apparatus which is intended to aid the balance of an individual working on an elevated surface such as a horizontal mast 1. The apparatus, which consists of a support member 5 that projects up from the elevated surface, may also arrest the fall of an individual from an elevated surface by defining a support barrier in front or behind or either side of the individual. The support member may be adapted to be mounted within tool tracks already provided on a mast, and is designed to move along the tracks so as to balance the individual as he moves along the elevated surface. Alternatively, the elevated surface is provided with additional purpose-built guides or tracks designed to cooperate with the support member.