Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing soil columns in-situ in the ground are disclosed for the purpose of improving the structure supporting capability of surface soils to support loads from buildings and other structures. Some embodiments use a surcharge ring or load to apply a stress to soil surrounding a construction site for a soil column. Methods according to the present disclosure may reduce impact on the environment because they may be performed with only one piece of normal construction equipment. In addition, gravel, crushed stone, cement or chemicals may not be required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing soil columns in-situ in the ground are disclosed for the purpose of improving the structure supporting capability of surface soils to support loads from buildings and other structures. Some embodiments use a surcharge ring or load to apply a stress to soil surrounding a construction site for a soil column. Methods according to the present disclosure may reduce impact on the environment because they may be performed with only one piece of normal construction equipment. In addition, gravel, crushed stone, cement or chemicals may not be required.

Abstract: A soil structure tool for building structures in soil, placing structures in soil, or both, may improve the load bearing capability for soil by using multiple devices as part of a single tool. The soil structure tool may be operated to place a first device in a working position while placing the remaining device or devices in a non-working position so the first device in the working position may be used without interference from the remaining tools. Moving devices attached to the soil structure tool between the working and non-working positions permits building structures in soil or placing structures in soil without requiring multiple vehicles or other platforms to hold various devices and without requiring multiple devices to be attached to or detached from a vehicle or other platform.