Abstract: A method of repairing foundations utilizes precast concrete cylinders which are sequentially driven into the soil and connected by tubular connectors to prevent deflection of the column which forms an underground pier. The tubular connectors maintain the cylindrical members in straight alignment during and after the driving operation and prevent shifting as a result of changing soil conditions. The present method relies upon the skin friction of the precast concrete pier with the soil for its strength. The precast concrete pier may be further strengthened by using hollow cylinders in forming the pier and adding concrete or mud pumped into its center and into the surrounding soil. The soil surrounding the precast concrete pier may be further stabilized and strengthened by pumping a lime, concrete, or mud slurry through the column into the soil surrounding the pile at critical areas where soil shrinkage and shifting often occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasably connecting an offshore structure to a piling is disclosed. After the tubular piling is installed through the leg of the structure, a piston drives a gripping plate toward the piling until the plate firmly grips the piling. A joint between the piston and the plate accommodates variable angles between the piston and the gripping plate. More than one piston can be associated with each plate, and more than one plate may be used to selectively position the piling relative to the structure. The pistons can be manipulated to retract the gripping plates so that the pilings can be withdrawn from the structure.

Abstract: Tubular jacket legs of an offshore platform used for petroleum recovery operations are secured to respective internally positioned cylindrical pilings which extend into the sea bed. Each of the jacket legs is mechanically connected to a piling by an arcuate gripping member and a plurality of piston assemblies circumferentially and axially spaced about the jacket leg. Each piston assembly includes a housing fixedly secured to the jacket leg at a preselected angle, a piston slidably movable within the housing, an end cap threadably secured to the housing for maintaining a radially directed force on the piston, and a pivot member at the end of the piston for applying a uniform force from the gripping member to the piling. The substantial force exerted by the piston assemblies structurally interconnects the platform to the pilings, and the annulus between each jacket leg and piling need not be grouted.

Abstract: A pipeline safety joint to provide a controlled weakness in a pipeline in which a pair of tubular mandrels are connectable to first and second pipe-ends. A portion of the first mandrel of a pair is insertable in a part of the other and a latch mechanism is provided on said portion engageable with the part of the other mandrel of the pair to hold the mandrels against axial separation. A retaining shoulder on the first mandrel retains the latch mechanism in engagement and a tubular sealing is positioned to seal the two mandrels.A fluid-tight pressure compensation chamber surrounds said portion of the first mandrel and is engageable directly or indirectly on said one mandrel and said other mandrel of the pair.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for filling the annulus between the jacket and piling of members of cluster or pin piles with fluid grouting material. Cluster or pin piles surround and support a main leg can of an offshore rig. The main leg extends to the water surface and supports the platform of the rig. The cluster or pin piles terminate below the water surface. Each cluster or pin pile includes a hollow, cylindrically shaped jacket with a piling through it. A dual packer, comprising two, vertically separated packers is used to seal the jacket of the cluster or pin pile to the piling. An annular chamber is formed between the two packers. Dual lines provide fluid flow communication between the annular chamber and apparatus located at the water surface. The apparatus at the water surface uses the dual lines to exhaust water from the annular chamber and set the packers.