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: The present application relates to a tool having a cutting apparatus for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting device which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting device is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting mechanism for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting device may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool having a cutting means for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting means which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting means is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting device for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting means may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.