Abstract: Installation of support piers for a structure comprises the steps of positioning a hollow tube in a soil matrix followed by removal of soil from the hollow core, filling the core with an aggregate, subsequent raising and lowering of the hollow tube, compacting the aggregate by means of a mechanical device affixed to the bottom of the hollow tube to and also applying lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity formed in the soil matrix, thereby pushing a portion of the aggregate laterally into the soil matrix.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 5, 2004
Date of Patent:
January 24, 2006
Assignee:
Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc.
Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 12, 2004
Publication date:
June 17, 2004
Applicant:
Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc.
Abstract: A method and special mechanical apparatus for installation of support pier for structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by means of a special bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 24, 2002
Publication date:
February 27, 2003
Applicant:
Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc., a corporation of the State of Georgia
Abstract: A method and apparatus for installation of a support pier for a structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by a bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 15, 2001
Date of Patent:
July 30, 2002
Assignee:
Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the stiffness of soil by forming an opening in the ground, inserting an expandable member, and distending the expandable member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 24, 2000
Date of Patent:
March 12, 2002
Assignee:
Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc.
Abstract: Methods for augmenting the load bearing characteristics of short aggregate piers include preloading matrix soils, adding chemical additives to matrix soils and using mesh reinforcement in matrix soils and in cooperation with the aggregate lifts associated with pier constructions. Methods for expanding the feasibility of short aggregate piers include the use of gradations of aggregate, reducing friction between the short aggregate pier and adjacent matrix soils using liners or lubricating materials, controlling liquefaction by employing aggregate drains in short aggregate pier constructions, the use of non-impact forces alone or in conjunction with vibratory forces in construction short aggregate pier lifts, and the use of indigenous materials in short aggregate pier constructions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 9, 1999
Date of Patent:
March 12, 2002
Assignee:
Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc.