Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the difference in alignment between a first plan position of an element (1) and a second plan position of an element, the method comprising the use of: i) at least one rigid or taut connection (4) extending between a first point (2) at the level of the first plan position and a second point (3) at the level of the second plan position, the first and second points being at an identical displacement from the element; and ii) one or more electrolevel gauges (5) provided on the or each rigid or taut connection, so as to measure the inclination of the rigid or taut connection.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for placing an element (14), such as a steel column or concrete section, into a pile shaft (1) during top-down construction techniques. The apparatus is provided with an upper and lower positioning means (2, 3) which allow the plan position of the element at upper and lower levels respectively to be adjusted.

Abstract: A waterstop, 10 or 11, for restricting or preventing the flow of water across the joints of foundation elements 8, such as between or along individual diaphragm wall panels or between or along individual secant wall piles. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a waterstop at or near the joints between adjacent foundation elements. The waterstop consists of one or more longitudinal strips, 1 or 2, of hydrophilic material, wherein the or each hydrophilic strip extends vertically along the interface between adjacent foundation elements, from a position at or near the top of the foundation elements, to a position at or near the base of the elements.

Abstract: A boring apparatus is described which comprises a substantially hollow vessel with a fixed base and a rotatable base. The rotatable base is provided, at its circumference, with at least one side cutter which rotatable with the rotatable base from a first position, in which the at least one side cutter serves to cover a respective opening provided in the vessel wall, to a second position, in which the opening in the vessel wall is exposed.

Abstract: A boring apparatus is described which comprises a substantially hollow vessel with a fixed base and a rotatable base. The rotatable base is provided, at its circumference, with at least one side cutter which rotatable with the rotatable base from a first position, in which the at least one side cutter serves to cover a respective opening provided in the vessel wall, to a second position, in which the opening in the vessel wall is exposed.

Abstract: The present application describes methods and apparatus for installing a load bearing pile 1 which is installed in the line of a perimeter wall, in particular to a perimeter wall consisting of a series of diaphragm wall panels.

Abstract: A waterbar for use between adjacent panels (22, 24) in a diaphragm wall, the waterbar comprising a first member (5) in the form of an elongate strip (6) provided along a first longitudinal edge (8) with a hydrophilic material (7) and along the opposite longitudinal edge (9) with a retaining channel (10), and a second member (12) in the form of an elongate strip (13) provided along a first longitudinal edge (15) with a hydrophilic material (14) and along the opposite longitudinal edge (16) with a keying projection (17). The retaining channel (10) of the first member (5) is shaped so as to slidably retain the keying projection (17) of the second member (12), and either the retaining channel (10) or the keying projection (17) is provided along its length with a hydrophilic material (18), which serves to seal the joint between the first and second members (5,12).