Abstract: A polymer geo-injection apparatus for protecting an underground structure is provided. The apparatus includes: a mechanized vehicle for moving on the ground in order to transport the apparatus while the apparatus forms a subsurface polymer layer that protects the underground structure; a polymer supply tank coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to supply solid polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; a polymer melting unit coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to receive and melt the supplied solid polymer and to supply the molten polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; and a subsurface ripper coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to move through the ground in response to the movement of the mechanized vehicle while receiving and injecting the supplied molten polymer into the ground above the underground structure in order to form the polymer layer and protect the underground structure.

Abstract: A polymer geo-injection apparatus for protecting an underground structure is provided. The apparatus includes: a mechanized vehicle for moving on the ground in order to transport the apparatus while the apparatus forms a subsurface polymer layer that protects the underground structure; a polymer supply tank coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to supply solid polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; a polymer melting unit coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to receive and melt the supplied solid polymer and to supply the molten polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; and a subsurface ripper coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to move through the ground in response to the movement of the mechanized vehicle while receiving and injecting the supplied molten polymer into the ground above the underground structure in order to form the polymer layer and protect the underground structure.

Abstract: A trenchless system for subsurface delivery of a polymer-based mesh to protect an underground structure is provided. The system includes: a body for moving above the ground and over the underground structure while the system delivers the mesh below the ground; a polymer mesh supply coupled to the body and configured to supply the mesh during the moving of the body; and a ripper assembly coupled to the body and configured to move through the ground in response to the moving of the body without digging a trench and while receiving and delivering the supplied mesh below the ground and above the underground structure to protect the underground structure. In an embodiment, the polymer mesh supply includes a polymer mesh spool configured to rotate during the moving of the body in order to supply the mesh. A method of trenchless subsurface delivery of the mesh is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for trenchless placement of an underground protective network of intertwined cables for protecting buried assets from accidental damage are disclosed. The system includes an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle and laying a plurality of continuous cables directly underground and interweaving the cables to form a cable network. The apparatus includes a plurality of soil rippers mounted at respective radial positions to a rotating carrier. The rotating carrier rotates about an axis that is at least partially normal to the ground surface. The rippers plow through the ground in the direction of vehicle travel and include a cable-feeding guide for directly and continuously feeding cable out underground during operation. In operation, the combined movement of the soil rippers from rotating the carrier and movement in the direction of travel serves to intertwine the cables deposited by respective rippers forming the protective network of intertwined cables.

Abstract: Systems and methods for trenchless placement of an underground protective network of intertwined cables for protecting buried assets from accidental damage are disclosed. The system includes an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle and laying a plurality of continuous cables directly underground and interweaving the cables to form a cable network. The apparatus includes a plurality of soil rippers mounted at respective radial positions to a rotating carrier. The rotating carrier rotates about an axis that is at least partially normal to the ground surface. The rippers plow through the ground in the direction of vehicle travel and include a cable-feeding guide for directly and continuously feeding cable out underground during operation. In operation, the combined movement of the soil rippers from rotating the carrier and movement in the direction of travel serves to intertwine the cables deposited by respective rippers forming the protective network of intertwined cables.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing friction between cables and surrounding soil is disclosed. In particular, a cable apparatus for use in a sub-surface protective network of intertwined cables is provided which comprises an elongate reinforced polymer cable body having a length. The cable apparatus also includes a plurality of elongate barbs provided along the length of the cable body. The barbs extend from the cable body to a respective free end in both a lengthwise direction and radially. Additionally, the barbs are spaced apart in one or more of the lengthwise direction along the length of the cable body and circumferentially about the cable body. Moreover, according to a further aspect, a plurality of such cables can be provided underground and intertwined to define a protective network cables for protecting buried assets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for trenchless placement of an underground protective network of intertwined cables for protecting buried assets from accidental damage are disclosed. The system includes an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle and laying a plurality of continuous cables directly underground and interweaving the cables to form a cable network. The apparatus includes a plurality of soil rippers mounted at respective radial positions to a rotating carrier. The rotating carrier rotates about an axis that is at least partially normal to the ground surface. The rippers plow through the ground in the direction of vehicle travel and include a cable-feeding guide for directly and continuously feeding cable out underground during operation. In operation, the combined movement of the soil rippers from rotating the carrier and movement in the direction of travel serves to intertwine the cables deposited by respective rippers forming the protective network of intertwined cables.