Abstract: An apparatus for densifying and compacting granular materials comprising a drive shaft having a first diameter and a compaction end, and a set of one or more diametric expansion elements attached to an exterior of the compaction end of the drive shaft, wherein the one or more diametric expansion elements, in their expanded state, form compaction surfaces having a second diameter greater than the first diameter of the drive shaft.

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 with at least one cross-sectional rib and a top load transfer element with at least one longitudinal vertical fin, 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 vertical load transfer element comprises a plurality of cross-sectional ribs spaced along a length of the vertical load transfer element. In another embodiment, the top load transfer element comprises a plurality of longitudinal vertical fins spaced along a perimeter of the top load transfer element to enhance stability of the top load transfer element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for compacting soil and granular materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: Geosynthetic reinforced wall panels comprising soil reinforcing hoop members and retaining wall system formed therewith is disclosed. Namely, a geosynthetic panel wall system is provided that includes at least one concrete facing panel that has at least one stabilizing hoop coupled thereto and wherein a soil reinforcing element or strip may be coupled to the stabilizing hoop. Additionally, a method of using the presently disclosed geosynthetic panel wall system reinforced with at least one stabilizing hoop and soil reinforcing element is provided.

Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for compacting soil and granular materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for compacting soil and granular materials. The soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: Geosynthetic reinforced wall panels comprising soil reinforcing hoop members and retaining wall system formed therewith is disclosed. Namely, a geosynthetic panel wall system is provided that includes at least one concrete facing panel that has at least one stabilizing hoop coupled thereto and wherein a soil reinforcing element or strip may be coupled to the stabilizing hoop. Additionally, a method of using the presently disclosed geosynthetic panel wall system reinforced with at least one stabilizing hoop and soil reinforcing element is provided.

Abstract: Geosynthetic reinforced wall panels including soil reinforcing members and retaining wall system formed therewith are disclosed. The geosynthetic reinforced wall panels include any type of wall panels, such as a precast concrete wall panels, that are supported by an arrangement of soil reinforcing members. Various configurations of soil reinforcing members may include end tabs and/or inner tabs that have strips arranged therebetween. Examples of soil reinforcing members include, but are not limited to narrow-width single-section reinforcing members, narrow-width multi-section reinforcing members, and wide-width reinforcing members. Further, a retaining wall system is provided that includes any arrangement of the one or more geosynthetic reinforced wall panels.

Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

Abstract: A soil densification system and method is disclosed. The presently disclosed soil densification system includes an air delivery probe or pipe that can be driven or otherwise installed into a soil mass. An inlet of the air delivery probe is supplied by an air compressor and an air storage tank, which are used for the rapid delivery of air impulses or bursts into the air delivery probe, whereas the air impulses or bursts are expelled out of an outlet of the air delivery probe and into the soil mass. The method of using the presently disclosed soil densification system includes the steps of inserting the end of the air delivery probe into the soil mass to any desired depth and then releasing an impulse or burst of air into the soil mass, thereby forming a densified region in the soil mass via the forces of the air impulse.

Abstract: A segmental wall block, soil reinforcing system, and method related thereto, wherein the wall block may be used for constructing retaining walls. In one embodiment, the segmental wall block may include: a front face; a rear face; a slot disposed along the rear face; a troughed top face; a bottom face; a first and second open core extending from the top face to the bottom face; a first side having a tongue; and an opposing second side having a groove, wherein the tongue is shaped to interlock with the groove. A soil system may include: a wall block component including a first configuration of interlocked segmented wall blocks as described, and a stabilizing component. A method of reinforcing soil may include the steps of: installing a leveling pad of concrete or gravel; and providing a soil stabilizing system.

Abstract: A thin erosion control mattress system and method of protecting coastal structures and riverbanks against bearing failure and erosion from waves and current is disclosed. The thin mattress system includes geotextile fabric bonded to a tensile element (such as geogrid) and sand/gravel or other fill material confined in the mattress with connection elements (such as rivets) at specific intervals. The geogrid, which can be biaxial or multi-axial, provides tensile strength for picking during installation, improving foundation support and rigidity to the mattress system. The rivets function as spacers and tension elements to prevent bulging of the mattress, and are designed and spaced to temporarily secure the mattress in place for uniform filling and installation. The bonded geotextile-geogrid mat is typically sewn on all sides and filled with sand or gravel at designated fill ports. Further, a method of fabricating the thin mattress system is provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses for constructing displacement aggregate piers are disclosed. In one example, a mandrel is provided comprising a tamper head that has cutting teeth on the leading edge thereof. In another example, hydrojet nozzles are provided within one or more of the cutting teeth of the tamper head. In yet another example, the mandrel comprises grout tubes (or grout injection lines) and/or grout inspection lines. In yet another example, the mandrel and/or tamper head can comprise cutting teeth, hydrojet nozzles, grout tubes (or gout injection lines), grout inspection lines, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: Apparatuses for constructing displacement aggregate piers are disclosed. In one example, a mandrel is provided comprising a tamper head that has cutting teeth on the leading edge thereof. In another example, hydrojet nozzles are provided within one or more of the cutting teeth of the tamper head. In yet another example, the mandrel comprises grout tubes (or grout injection lines) and/or grout inspection lines. In yet another example, the mandrel and/or tamper head can comprise cutting teeth, hydrojet nozzles, grout tubes (or grout injection lines), grout inspection lines, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for compacting soil and granular materials. The soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: A soil reinforcement system including angled soil reinforcement elements to resist seismic shear forces and methods of making same are disclosed. For example, the soil reinforcement system includes an array or grid of angled soil reinforcement elements installed within the ground, wherein the angled reinforcement elements are designed to absorb and/or resist earthquake-induced seismic shear forces by transferring the applied shear forces into axial compressive and tensile forces within each of the angled reinforcement elements.