Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground to form a series of voids therein. The beam includes a hollow interior portion which receives a supply of granular material. The beam also has a plurality of outwardly projecting spurs on the outer faces thereof for scarfing the sidewalls of the void as the beam is extracted. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam to prevent earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. An actuating mechanism detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground. The beam includes a top portion, an open bottom portion, and a hollow interior portion therebetween which receives a supply of granular material. In usage, the beam is inserted into the ground to form a void therein. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam. In usage, the shoe prevents earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. The apparatus further includes an actuating mechanism which detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.