Abstract: A self-sinking-type deep foundation pit retaining wall structure, comprising a cylindrical retaining wall body (1); a ground breaking structure (2) is formed at the bottom of the cylindrical retaining wall body (1), and the cylindrical retaining wall body (1) is suitable for achieving downward ground breaking and sinking by means of the cooperation of the ground breaking structure (2) and the gravity of the cylindrical retaining wall body; and a water pipe (20) running through the cylindrical retaining wall body is cast in the cylindrical retaining wall body (1), and the water pipe (20) is provided with a water outlet (80) located at the lower end face of the cylindrical retaining wall body (1) and a water inlet (81) located at the upper end face of the cylindrical retaining wall body (1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process of forming an inorganic water barrier layer on top of a porous substrate by means of microbially induced calcium carbonate or calcite precipitation (MICP), the process comprising the steps of: providing a porous substrate having a surface; depositing a urease-active slurry onto the surface of the porous substrate to form a bioslurry layer; and subjecting the bioslurry layer to one or more treatments with an aqueous solution comprising urea and a water barrier source material to convert the bioslurry layer into an inorganic water barrier layer. The process further comprises a step of covering the bioslurry layer with a layer of a porous material that has a surface, where the one or more treatments with an aqueous solution comprising urea and a water barrier source material are initially applied to the surface of the porous material.

Abstract: Methods for restoring tidal areas adjacent to a tidal water area are provided. The method can comprise: pumping water from the tidal water area; and directing a high-pressure water stream, using the water pumped from the tidal water area, to the bottom surface of the tidal water area during an incoming tide period. The high-pressure water stream impacts the bottom surface of the tidal water area with sufficient force to dislodge sediment from the bottom surface into the tidal water area.

Abstract: A dredging system agitates the bottom sediment of a waterway to remove particles and oxygenate the water. The system diffuses air through a grid mounted on a waterway floor, raising particle clouds. The particle clouds are transported downstream by water currents while releasing dissolved oxygen throughout the water column. The method of particle removal and oxygenation is used in shallow depths, less than thirty-three feet (2 bars) with minimum favorable water currents of one-half to one knot. The grid is used for diffusion of air to alleviate hypoxic environments in depths less than sixty-six feet (5 bars).

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet that may optionally be used in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: A pump apparatus comprises a primary pump having a relatively low pressure fluid input and a relatively high pressure fluid output and means, associated with said primary pump fluid input, operable where the ambient pressure is insufficient substantially to prevent cavitation in the primary pump, to locally increase the pressure at said primary pump fluid input

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater excavation apparatus and a method of excavation with the same. The apparatus of the invention performs the excavation by both mass flow and jet flow. Mass flow excavation takes place at a pressure that is lower than the jet flow excavation performed by the apparatus, and the volume flow rate of the mass flow excavation is greater than the volume flow rate of the jet flow excavation performed by the apparatus. The outlet for jet flow excavation is provided within the outlet for mass flow excavation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: A fluid jet apparatus includes a body having a fluid flow path defined between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A thrust device is mounted within the fluid flow path to direct in use a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. At least a portion of the fluid flow path includes a duct. The thrust device includes a propeller mounted within the duct. The apparatus further includes a plate spaced from the fluid inlet defining a space therebetween. A plurality of elongate pivotable vanes is positioned in a generally circular orientation in the space and about the axis of the flow path and with their pivoting axes aligned with the axis of the flow path. The thrust device is adapted to rotate in a direction opposite the direction of flow of fluid through the vanes into the space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater excavation apparatus. The apparatus of the invention utilizes mass flow for disturbing or excavating an underwater location and for extracting or sucking excavated material from the underwater location to another location. Restriction of spoil and/or direct spoil is provided for the apparatus and comprises a baffle provided within a cavity of a housing having an open base for the extracting or sucking of excavated material. An outlet for disturbing or excavating and an inlet for extraction or suction are located within the housing while an inlet for disturbing or excavating and an outlet for extraction or suction are located external to the housing.

Abstract: A fluid jet apparatus includes a body having a fluid flow path defined between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A thrust device is mounted within the fluid flow path to direct in use a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. At least a portion of the fluid flow path includes a duct. The thrust device includes a propeller mounted within the duct. The apparatus further includes a plate spaced from the fluid inlet defining a space therebetween. A plurality of elongate pivotable vanes is positioned in a generally circular orientation in the space and about the axis of the flow path and with their pivoting axes aligned with the axis of the flow path. The thrust device is adapted to rotate in a direction opposite the direction of flow of fluid through the vanes into the space.

Abstract: There is disclosed an underwater excavation apparatus (2) comprising mass flow excavation means (4) and jet flow excavation means (6). The mass flow excavation means (4) causes a mass flow at a pressure less than that of a jet flow of the jet flow excavation means (6). The mass flow excavation means (4) causes a mass flow at a volume flow rate greater than that of a jet flow volume rate of the jet flow excavation means (6). An outlet (16) of the jet flow means (6) is provided within an outlet (18) of the mass flow means (4).

Abstract: A water jet assembly and method of use is provided comprising a tank with cutting fluid, fuel and oxidizer lines, and a tank discharge lines. In operation, the tank is filled with oxidizer; the oxidizer line is closed and cutting fluid is supplied compressing the oxidizer. When the fluid reaches a level, the fluid line is closed and fuel is injected. A spark generator ignites the fuel/oxidizer mixture thereby raising the tank pressure. As the pressure rises, a low pressure valve simultaneously closes at a prescribed level. The vent line and a discharge to a nozzle are opened thereby, forming a gas bubble. When the bubble reaches a desired size and pressure drops below a level, the vent closes, allowing combustion expansion to force fluid through the nozzle to form a cutting jet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a draghead (1) for a trailing suction hopper, comprising a visor (2), revolvable around a first axis (6) for removing soil, and a suction line (31) connected to the visor (2) for the removal of the loosened soil, characterised in that the draghead (1) is provided with a pressure plate (21), which comprises a number of mainly disc-shaped penetrating bodies (22) on the soil-facing side of the pressure plate (21), in such a way that their circumferential edge (23) is capable of transferring forces to the soil.

Abstract: A sediment removal system and method provides a versatile and controllable device for removing sediment from water in a focused manner that avoids generating unwanted turbidity. A suction pump draws water and sediment through a suction conduit and the injection of air into the suction conduit by air nozzles enables sediment to be removed from greater depths. The inclusion of water nozzles on an inlet opening enables hardened sediment to be dislodged such that it may be drawn into the suction conduit. A GPS receiver mounted to the suction conduit enables the location of the removal process to be tracked and a knife valve prevents backflow out of the suction conduit. The capturing of solid sediment by retention containers and the capturing of water containing suspended sediment by a tank enables the sediment and water to be transported to an appropriate location for treatment or disposal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bucket (12) for a mechanical shovel (10). The bucket has a hollow body (16) provided with an inlet (14) for receiving material into its interior and an outlet (15) for discharging material therefrom. A door (18) is secured to the body and is movable between a closed condition in which it closes the outlet, and an open condition in which it permits discharge under gravity of material from the bucket. A buffering device in the form of a working fluid containing telescopically extensible and retractable piston-and-cylinder assembly (22) is operatively connected between the body and the door of the bucket for buffering movement of the door relative to the body.

Abstract: A sediment removal system and method provides a versatile and controllable device for removing sediment from water in a focused manner that avoids generating unwanted turbidity. A suction pump draws water and sediment through a suction conduit and the injection of air into the suction conduit by air nozzles enables sediment to be removed from greater depths. The inclusion of water nozzles on an inlet opening enables hardened sediment to be dislodged such that it may be drawn into the suction conduit. A GPS receiver mounted to the suction conduit enables the location of the removal process to be tracked and a knife valve prevents backflow out of the suction conduit. The capturing of solid sediment by retention containers and the capturing of water containing suspended sediment by a tank enables the sediment and water to be transported to an appropriate location for treatment or disposal.

Abstract: The apparatuses for improving the permeability of a fluid containment basin having a plurality of ridges and furrows in the bottom of the basin are configured to disturb sediment that has settled on the ridges so as to place the sediment back into suspension. In one configuration, the apparatus comprises a tool support frame adapted to support one or more ridge cleaning tools on top of the ridges. The tools include dragging, discing and grinding tools. The discing tool is configured with a flexible axle to allow the tool to move in response to changes in the contour of the ridge. In another configuration, a boat or other device is moved across the basin above the ridges to cause wave energy from the boat's propellor to disturb the sediment on the ridges. The tool support frame with one or more ridge cleaning tools can be pulled behind the boat.

Abstract: An apparatus for burying cables and pipes in soil includes a support structure adapted for movement across a surface of the soil. A water jetting machine is provided for producing a source of pressurized water. At least two jetting arms are in fluid communication with the source of pressurized water. The jetting arms have vertical adjustment structure for varying at least the vertical position of each jetting arm relative to the support structure so as to adjust for varying soil conditions. A method for burying cables and pipes in soil is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle jet water conduit connecting arrangement for connecting a plastic corrugated pipe within a motor vehicle jet water conduit system, wherein said connecting arrangement is formed with a corrugated pipe section and a connector support section, and a socket section is provided in accordance with the invention which comes to rest in a fitting position between a connector support area on the corrugated pipe side and the connector support section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of accumulations of snow. A first step involves providing a receptacle which is adapted to hold and retain liquids, has a loading mouth, heat pipes which melt accumulations of snow positioned within the receptacle and a drain. A second step involves connecting a liquid conduit from the drain of the receptacle to an access opening to a municipal sewer system. A third step involves dumping loads of snow into the receptacle with a front end loader. A fourth step involves melting the snow within the receptacle to convert the snow to water. A fifth step involves draining the water through the drain of the receptacle and the liquid conduit for disposal in the municipal sewer system.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vessel having means at the bow of the vessel to direct a water flow ahead of the vessel downwardly towards the sea bed in front of and to either side of the path of the vessel to displace material from the sea bed including any weapon system or obstacles on or buried in the sea bed away from the path of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a lance for removing dirt or other substances from an underground hole, by the use of air and water under high pressure. The water is used as an abrading material or lance to loosen dirt in a hole or to pick or chip off substances which are attached to a pipe. A limited amount of water is used during the operation of the apparatus, to prevent the formation of wet mud.

Abstract: A trenching unit used to cut trenches in the seabed for laying pipelines or cables.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus comprising a body mounting thruster to direct, in use, a wash of water downwards towards an area of sea bed or the like, connection device to connect the dredging apparatus to a support vessel above the sea bed, said connection device including attitude adjusted to selectively adjust the attitude of the dredging apparatus in a side to side (roll) orientation.

Abstract: A method for the penetration of a body (8), having a leading edge (21) and an inclined ground contacting surface (C, D, E) extending upwardly therefrom, into a porous ground material, the pores of the ground material being at least partially filled with water. The method comprises applying a driving force to the penetrating body in the direction of penetration, and discharging from the penetrating body (8) at least one flow of high-pressure gas to the inclined surface so as to facilitate the penetration of the body. Moreover, a penetrating body (8) and a plough assembly both of which can be used in the method. The method and equipment may e.g. be used for embedding drain tubes, pipes, cables or similar objects into a ground material also at a relatively great depth larger than 100 cm. Moreover, the embedding can be performed by employing a relatively high speed and can be performed at a relatively low energy consumption.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing a subsurface containment barrier under a waste site disposed in soil is provided. The apparatus uses a reciprocating cutting and barrier forming device which forms a continuous elongate panel through the soil having a defined width. The reciprocating cutting and barrier forming device has multiple jets which eject a high pressure slurry mixture through an arcuate path or transversely across the panel being formed. A horizontal barrier can be formed by overlapping a plurality of such panels. The cutting device and barrier forming device is pulled through the soil by two substantially parallel pulling pipes which are directionally drilled under the waste site. A tractor or other pulling device is attached to the pulling pipes at one end and the cutting and barrier forming device is attached at the other. The tractor pulls the cutting and barrier forming device through the soil under the waste site without intersecting the waste site.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting soil and constructing sub-surface containment barriers, such as for constructing subsurface containment walls or basins around and under contaminated soils, comprises an elongated beam for abutting an extended length of soil. The beam comprises a cutting assembly that creates a cutting action against the extended length of abutting soil. The cutting assembly preferably comprises a conduit containing a plurality of jet ports through which high pressure fluid is ejected to impact the soil to be cut. The cutting assembly is maintained adjacent to the face of the soil to be cut. A method of cutting soil comprises generating cutting action along an extended locus of soil, and advancing the cutting action along a descending locus of the soil in response to gravity, or along a path determined by pre-placed pulling assemblies. Subsurface containment barriers are formed by when a jetted slurry or other suitable material cuts and mixes with the soil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of sediment. The apparatus provides a plurality of injection sites for injecting a biochemical oxidant into the sediment. The oxidant is useful for oxidizing a bacterial growth inhibitor to a non-inhibiting form thus permitting bacterial growth and thus greater numbers for sediment detoxification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing unwanted vegetation (46). A fork (12) is provided having a vibratory motor (38) attached thereto. The fork is inserted into the rooting medium (48) surrounding the root mass (50) of the vegetation. While the fork is inserted therein, the fork is vibrated near the thixotropic level of the rooting medium, causing the rooting medium to liquefy. When the rooting medium is liquefied, the fork is raised upwardly, lifting the vegetation and corresponding root mass free of the rooting medium.

Abstract: An aquatic plant uprooter for ridding a body of water of undesirable plantlife, composed of a hollow handle, a hollow discharge member connected at right angles to the handle, and a plurality of regularly spaced apart nozzles connected with the discharge member. A flexible hose connects a distal end of the handle to a water pump. The handle serves as a fluidic conduit for water from the pump to flow into the discharge member, which in turn, serves as a fluidic conduit for water from the handle to flow into the nozzles. The nozzles are structured, located and mutually spaced so that a jet of water emerges from each, which collectively disturbs the soil of a body of water so as to uproot aquatic plants by undermining their anchorage in the soil. The soil-freed plants may be directly accumulated in a net member attached to the handle and discharge member, or may be collected by use of a separate rake-net system.

Abstract: A water jet system for trenching of a cable or a pipe below the floor of a river, lake, gulf or ocean bottom. Two opposed water jet legs are carried on a carriage forward of venturi tubes for disposing of the trenched bottom. The carriage includes a hydraulically powered track system for advancing along the length of the cable or pipeline. The water jets are a plurality of nozzles mounted in a rotating tube at different angular directions. When the nozzle tube rotates within the housing and the nozzles pass by different openings at different heights, the jets' high pressure water shoot forth. The high pressure action of the streams of water loosen the sediment below the floor of the body of water, which is subsequently carried away by air or water action through venturi tubes which are positioned behind the jet legs. The jet legs and carriage are positioned, controlled and powered from a work vessel on the surface of the water.

Abstract: Dredging apparatus (10) is provided with a flow conduit (18), a first pump (28), a second pump (30), and two valves (34, 44). The flow conduit (18) comprises a first leg (20) extending downwardly to a lower portion (22) and a second leg (24) extending upwardly from the lower portion (22). A fluidizing nozzle (32) is carried by the first leg (20). An intake aperture (26) is provided on the lower portion (22) and is directed downwardly. The dredging apparatus (10) may be used to dredge up material when the material is in a water suspension (48), and to probe through material by scattering material. The valves (34, 44) are operated to switch the apparatus between various modes of operation and to increase the effectiveness of the apparatus.