Abstract: A connecting system including a coupling piece configured to be fitted over a first end of a pipe section, tightening means configured to tighten and seal the coupling piece against a second end of the pipe section at an opening, and an auxiliary tool configured to act on the tightening means for tightening or loosening the tightening means. The auxiliary tool protrudes through the opening during an act on the tightening means so it is configured to be operated by an installer from a side of the opening opposite a side with the pipe section.

Abstract: A wall sinking construction method comprises retaining structures are first formed on two sides, corresponding to a groove body, of the wall body; then a section of wall body of a certain height is produced on the ground, and jacks and a supporting pile body are installed on the two sides of the bottom of the wall body that is supported by the jacks and the supporting pile body, the bottom of the wall body is suspended to form an excavation working space with a certain height; an underwater excavator is controlled remotely to excavate rock and soil in the groove body layer by layer; an elastic support having rollers is sandwiched between the retaining structures on the two sides of the wall body and the groove body to transfer and balance rock and soil pressure.

Abstract: A concrete inside interface processing structure for secant pile construction, including secant concrete pile, formed plain concrete pile, rotary jet grouting piles, steel mesh sheet, ribbed steel bar, Y-shaped connecting piece, reinforced concrete pile, and U-shaped connecting piece; drilled holes are arranged at intervals along axis of the formed plain concrete pile; the ribbed steel bar is anchored in each drilled hole; the steel mesh sheet is formed by connecting longitudinal bars and transverse bars, and driven into a soil body between the formed plain concrete piles; the concrete layer is formed by spraying concrete on the steel mesh sheet; the reinforced concrete pile is cast at outside of the formed plain concrete pile, and tangent to the formed plain concrete pile, and interlocked with the rotary jet grouting piles; the rotary jet grouting piles are tangent to the formed plain concrete pile or secant concrete pile.

Abstract: A method for installing pipeline segments within a conduit. The method includes a step of securing a first pipe segment of the pipeline segments at a top end of the conduit, a step of aligning a main axis of a second pipe segment of the pipeline segments with the main axis of the pipeline, a step of lifting the second pipe segment from a first position associated with a bottom end of the conduit to a second position adjacent to the first pipe segment, a step of abutting a top rim of the second pipe segment against a bottom rim of the first pipe segment, and a step of attaching the top rim of the second pipe segment to the bottom rim of the first pipe segment.

Abstract: Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) for concentrating solar power (CSP) systems provides higher energy density than sensible energy storage systems. An ammonia-based TCES system dissociates endothermically into hydrogen and nitrogen. The stored energy is released when supercritical hydrogen and nitrogen react exothermically to synthesize ammonia. Prior ammonia synthesis systems are unable to produce temperatures consistent with modern power blocks requiring a working fluid, for example steam or carbon dioxide, to be heated to greater than 600° C., for example about 650° C. An ammonia synthesis system heats steam from, for example 350° C. to 650° C. under pressure of about 26 MPa. The hydrogen and nitrogen are preheated with a flow of supercritical fluid prior to the synthesis step to provide reaction rates sufficient to heat power block working fluid to the desired temperature.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of geotechnical profiles where thermoplastic material including one or more of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene or polythene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polypropylene (PP), is plasticized in an extruder, pressed through a cross die unit and internal reinforcing profiles in the form of flat bars, arched elements, angled elements, ribbed profiles or sections of any geometry are entered at least in selected cross-section areas of the geotechnical profile where the internal reinforcing profiles are created from one or more of continuous or chopped fiber produced simultaneously or as part of a separate production process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming cavities in the ground for water drainage and/or water storage. Said device comprises a cube- or cuboid-shaped installation body (10), which has a front side (42) and an opposite back side (44), a top side (20) and an opposite bottom side (18), and two opposite lateral sides (22). The front side (42), the back side (44), the top side (20), the bottom side (18), and the lateral sides (22) have strand elements (14) arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In the corner regions of the installation body (10) between the top or bottom side (20, 18) and one of the lateral sides (22), corner connecting elements (12) for the insertion connection of the strand elements (14) of the top side (20) or of the bottom side (18) to the strand elements of the lateral side (22) are arranged.

Abstract: A permanent on-site manhole casting system comprising a top, a main barrel, and a base. Each component consists of a ribbed plastic outer barrel and a ribbed plastic inner barrel with a plurality of plastic tie strips used to connect the said outer and inner barrels. A coupling mechanism consisting of a plastic outer coupling ring and a plastic inner coupling ring is welded to the coupling ends of the top, main barrel and base which connects the top, main barrel and base components. A concrete mixture is poured into the space between the coupled outer and inner barrels where the concrete is then allowed to set and cure and the filled form is then completely buried.

Abstract: A method of repairing a manhole is provided. A mastic material capable of curing and hardening as applied to a lower portion of the manhole, including the barrel, bench, and into at least one pipe line extending from the manhole. A resin saturated liner may also be included into a portion of the pipe extending from the manhole. A manhole liner saturated with a resinous material is then positioned in the manhole, and the manhole liner, pipe liner, and mastic material are configured to cure at approximately the same time to form a homogenous, repaired interior of the manhole, including a portion extending into the pipe. The pipe or pipes can then be repaired in a manner such as inverting a liner or bladder into the pipe. In the addition of an end seal at the juncture between the pipe and manhole is also contemplated for further sealing the juncture.

Abstract: A method for constructing a building structure using gravity and weight of the building structure is provided. The method includes designing an architecture and a construction plan of the building structure, planning an initial box for a structural design, tuning a ground required for construction of the building structure, constructing the initial box as per the planning, constructing an upper floor on the initial box, constructing remaining parts of the building structure including foundation for the building structure, and assembling a plurality of temporary structures to the building structure.

Abstract: A protective cover for concrete anchor bolts includes a hollow, box-shaped housing having a bottom wall with a plurality of elongated, narrow slots thereon that are positioned and spaced to receive various patterns of cast-in anchor bolts. A top wall includes a plurality of wide openings to provide to access to the anchor bolts. Accordingly, a worker superimposes the housing onto a set of concrete anchor bolts with each received within one of the narrow slots on the bottom wall. Using the wider openings on the top wall, the worker tightens nuts onto the anchor bolts to secure the housing to the underlying concrete prior to pouring a surrounding floor. Once the surrounding concrete floor has dried, the nuts are removed and the enclosure is lifted from the formed indention.

Abstract: A method for renovating a sewer manhole includes: a. pulling an inflatable film sleeve onto a mold corresponding to the sewer manhole profile; b. wrapping and/or laying an extensible textile strip of the film sleeve onto the mold, a non-extensible high-tensile-strength longitudinal strip also being laid in an axial direction between the strips; c. attaching a protective sheath enclosing the liner manufactured in this manner; d. pulling the liner off the mold that has been reduced in a radial direction; e. inserting the liner into a sewer manhole to be renovated, and introducing a pressure-tight bag into the inner film sleeve of the liner; f. sealing the liner at the upper end and inflating until it abuts against the manhole wall; g. curing the resin-impregnated liner. A variable mold, which is assembled from modules of different shapes and sizes corresponding to the sewer manhole, serves for manufacture of the liner.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of constructing a shaft in the earth for use as, for example, a launch shaft or a retrieval shaft, may include several steps. One step includes installing a secant pile wall into the earth. The secant pile wall encloses a portion of the earth. Another step includes excavating the portion of the earth enclosed by the secant pile wall. The excavated portion leaves an interior of the shaft and exposes an inside surface of the secant pile wall. Yet another step includes placing a metal liner within the interior of the shaft. And yet another step includes partially or more filling a space located between the inside surface of the secant pile wall and the metal liner with a grout material.

Abstract: In forming a mine shaft for an underground mine, earth excavated by a boring machine may be transported upwardly by a handling unit to a transfer station where it may be transferred into skips, which may be raised and lowered along skip guides within the shaft hole for transport of the excavated material to an earth surface region. The transfer station may be moved downwardly as excavation progresses.

Abstract: A system for storing potential energy includes a hydraulic cylinder, a mass to be lifted, and a sealing ring at the edge of the mass to be lifted. The mass to be lifted is a solid rock mass in the form of a cut-out solid rock. The hydraulic cylinder is formed by the cavity between surrounding rocks and the cut-out solid rock. The cavity is sealed with respect to the surrounding rocks by the sealing ring. A method for producing such a system is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for erecting an underground structure, wherein the method is intended to ensure that the underground structure is assembled as safely as possible.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume having substantially permeable side walls and a substantially impermeable cap. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom without contamination or substantial leaching of materials outside of the impoundment. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: To line an inner circumferential surface of side walls of a manhole, a rehabilitating sheet made of a sheet material resistant to water and corrosion is provided in the form of a bag having a shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface to be lined. The rehabilitating sheet is inserted into the manhole to be lined. Block and plate frames are coupled inside the bag of the rehabilitating sheet to support it so as to have the shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface to be lined. A gap between the rehabilitating sheet and the inner circumferential surface of the side walls of the manhole is filled with a filler, which is then hardened to line the side walls of the manhole. Pairs of plate frames having different diameters are coupled to each other to provide ring plates having different diameters.

Abstract: A riser system for use at the access opening of a wastewater treatment tank includes an adaptor ring affixed to the top of the tank, and a mating riser. The adaptor ring and riser have ends with mating circumferential L-shape sections. There are horizontally projecting tabs spaced apart around the upper end of the adaptor. The tabs engage a corresponding number of L-shape slots which are spaced apart around the circumference of the bottom end of the riser. When ring and riser are mated, rotation of the riser relative to the adaptor causes each tab to move circumferentially to a recess in the slot, which locks the tab in position. Micro-ridges on horizontal mating surfaces of the L-shape sections help form a seal between the two parts.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a stationary permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom within a temperature range which is sufficient to substantially avoid formation of carbon dioxide or non-hydrocarbon leachates. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A support device (8) for a rib (14) between a floor (18) and a roof (16). The device includes an expansion means (10) and a pair of resilient members (12a, 12b). Each of the resilient members (12a, 12b) have a proximal end (27a, 27b) adapted for connection to the expansion mean (10) and a distal end (28a, 28b) curved away from the expansion means (10) and adapted for engagement with the floor (18) and roof (16) respectively. When the device (8) is positioned towards or against the rib (16) and the expansion means (10) is activated to drive the members (12a, 12b) apart, the member's distal ends (28a, 28b) are driven substantially vertically into engagement with the floor (18) and the roof (16) and a portion of the device (8) is driven substantially laterally (32) into abutment against the rib (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a reusable support assembly for use with an excavated channel or hole. The assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of piles and a perimeter frame, and at least one bracing clamp, wherein the bracing clamp provides an adjustable support for the support structure. The invention also relates to a bracing clamp for providing an adjustable support to a support structure that is used with an excavated channel or hole. The bracing clamp includes two engaging members, at least one clamp stiffening device, and at least one adjustable clamp extension mechanism. The engaging members are located at opposite ends of an axis as defined by the clamp stiffening device and the adjustable clamp extension mechanism. In another embodiment of the invention the support structure includes a perimeter frame having a plurality of beams and a plurality of connectors for connecting two beams and securing said two beams in position.

Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.

Abstract: Thick-walled steel pipe is corrugated for the purpose of managing axial load when the pipe is used in an earth-restrained application. For example, the pipe may be used as casing in a cyclic steam stimulation well, where the axial loads are induced as the casing is heated and cooled.

Abstract: A method for controlling deformation of an erected structural metal plate culvert or underpass during backfilling of the erected structure comprises: building progressively a reinforced earth retaining system on each side of the erected structure by alternately layering a plurality of compacted layers of earth with interposed layers of reinforcement to form reinforced earth on each side of the erected structure and securing to each side of the structure each said layer of reinforcement in the reinforced earth, whereby such securement of each said layer of reinforcement to said structure controls deformation of the erected structure during backfilling with the reinforced earth on each side of the structure. The layer of reinforcement may be a plurality of strips extending away from the structure, or a reinforcement mat of interconnected rods.

Abstract: In a method for excavating rock cavities in the form of substantially cylindrical, vertical or low placed rock cavities for the storage of gas, fluid, solid products or for another purpose, one first, from a transport tunnel (2), excavates an upper circular room (3). From this circular room (3), one excavates the roof shape of the rock cavity (1) to be; and then, from a second transport tunnel (7) excavates a second annular tunnel (5) from a middle level in the rock cavity (1) to be. From the second transport tunnel (7), one also excavates a lower circular room (8) situated on a level which is substantially at the level where the lowest level of the rock cavity (1) to be, is. At this lowest level one excavates a third annular tunnel (13); between the circular room (8) and the third annular tunnel (13) provides tap holes (9).

Abstract: Stresses in an underground mine are determined by analyzing mechanical properties of mine site stratum including Young's modulus. The mechanical properties are combined with the physical layout of the mine. From the application of the mechanical properties, stresses in the mine are determined.

Abstract: A hole shoring device that includes a support frame, a first hollow octagonal shaped sleeve, a frame linkage, a hollow second octagonal shaped sleeve, a first linkage, a second hollow octagonal shaped sleeve, a second linkage, a third hollow octagonal shaped sleeve, a third linkage, and a fourth hollow octagonal shaped sleeve. The support frame is positioned on an area around a hole in which a tank is to be buried. The first hollow octagonal shaped sleeve is disposed below the support frame and is positioned in the hole. The frame linkage removably connects the first hollow octagonal shaped sleeve and the support frame. The hollow second octagonal shaped sleeve is removably mounted within and extends below the hollow first octagonal shaped sleeve and is positioned in the hole. The first linkage removably connects the hollow second octagonal shaped sleeve and the hollow first octagonal shaped sleeve.

Abstract: There is dug in the ground (2) by means of a digging tool, a hole in which is sunk at the same time and progressively a hollow prefabricated casing element (5) of corresponding shape. When the hole has the depth necessary to receive completely the hollow casing element (5), the digging tool is retreated, leaving in place the hollow casing element (5). Anchoring elements for the post (11) are introduced within the hollow casing element (5), as well as prefabricated leveling elements (14); and there is injected into the bottom of the hole a fluent material (18) capable of hardening to anchor within the ground (2) the prefabricated leveling elements (14) and the anchoring elements for the post (11). The post can thereafter be inserted, or the post can be inserted before the leveling elements and hardenable material are emplaced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating and curing a resin impregnated liner include a resin impregnated liner lowered into an underground structure so that a portion of the liner extends beyond the structure. The protruding portion of the liner is then sealed. Pressurized air and steam are simultaneously admitted into the liner so that the liner inflates and engages the structure. Air and steam continue to be admitted into the liner for a period sufficient to cure the resin while maintaining the liner engaged with the structure.

Abstract: An open cutting to construct a raft foundation right after the first excavation, and to use the raft foundation as a work stage for constructing ground and basement floor slabs by fixing floor-forms to the top-slab thereof. As the raft foundation is lowered, the bracing appliance is fixed to the bottom slab of the raft foundation to give support to the retaining wall.

Abstract: The formwork assembly (10) is used to cast tubular or part-tubular structures, one particular application being in the lining of mine ore passes with a concrete lining (54). The assembly includes an internal framework (12, 14, 32; 100, 102, 104) and external, flexible formwork (34, 130) supported by the framework. The framework can be adjusted between a casting condition (FIG. 1) in which it supports the formwork (34, 130) at the inner periphery of the structure which is to be cast and an inwardly collapsed condition in which it supports the formwork (34, 130) at a position spaced inwardly from such inner periphery. In the case of a mine ore pass lining, the assembly is moved upwardly in increments after each casting operation.

Abstract: An excavation shield apparatus (10) and method prevent the collapse, or cave-in, of soil about a hole in the ground having one or more utility apparatus. The excavation shield apparatus (10) comprises a longitudinal body (11) having a lateral perimeter wall (12) surrounding a longitudinal throughway (13) adapted to be placed substantially vertically within the hole. A bottom end (11a) of the longitudinal body (11) is placed below the ground level and a top end (11b) is placed in close proximity to the ground level. The longitudinal throughway (13) is of sufficient size to permit passage of a person therethrough and has sufficient strength to endure forces imposed by the surrounding soil without substantial deformation. One or more apertures (16a-16d) are situated in the lateral perimeter wall (12) approximately at the bottom end (11a) for receiving utility apparatus therethrough so that a worker can operate upon the utility apparatus within the longitudinal throughway (13).

Abstract: An underground work chamber assembly including a chamber, elevator shaft, air path, utility path, and slotted grout pipes which is assembled as lowered into a drilled hole on dry land or underwater, the slotted grout pipes facilitating a controlled grouting of the space surrounding the underground work chamber assembly when in place.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a manhole comprises a multiple ply generally cylindrical tube. The outermost ply is adapted for being impregnated with material for rigidifying and bonding the outermost ply to a manhole. The innermost ply is adapted for being impregnated with a material for rigidifying the innermost ply so that the manhole becomes structurally reinforced. An impermeable ply is disposed between the innermost and outermost plies. The outermost, innermost, and impermeable plies are secured together so that the plies are maintained facially oriented. Each of the plies is cut along a first end of the tube for providing a fluid flow path when the assembly is installed in the manhole and an opposite end of the tube is fully opened.

Abstract: Vertical bore holes are constructed for municipal sanitary landfills by drilling or otherwise excavating holes of large dimension to substantial depth, in virtually all known soil conditions however variable. They can be excavated well below the groundwater table, then lined with an impermeable or other permanent liner. This allows the landfill area to be much more efficiently used for the storage of various waste products. Solid organic waste other than cellulosics can be anaerobically fermented to methane and compost. A central core shaft is used as gas removal vent and conduit. After methane generation and removal the resulting compost is removed for use as soil nutrients. This system fully complies with the Environmental Protection Act and other regulations now in force in North America. Air, soil, groundwater, and surface water pollution and contamination are eliminated as all waste storage is contained within its own environment below natural grade.

Abstract: A method for lowering a basement structure includes forming several upright pile holes in the ground, providing each of the pile holes with a pile, providing several vertical guide holes and an excavation passage which are formed through the basement structure in such a manner that the guide holes are aligned with the pile holes, equipping each of the guide holes with an impelling device which is coupled with one of the piles, excavating soil below the basement structure, and activating the impelling devices to lower the basement structure into the ground in such a manner that the piles extend through the guide holes. Several vertical steel rods are embedded in each of the piles. Each of the impelling devices includes an upright cylinder body fixed on the top end of the basement structure, a piston rod extending through the cylinder body, and a piston carried on the piston rod. An internally threaded engaging member is engaged with the externally threaded lower portion of the piston rod.

Abstract: The lower end of an outwardly tight shaft structure (3) for a bore shaft (1) rests on a tilting joint arrangement (15, 20). This arrangement includes a hydraulic thrust bearing (15) at the end face of the shaft structure (3) and a hydraulic annular cylinder (20) at the circumference of the lower end of the shaft structure (3). Thus, this tilting joint arrangement (15, 20) is located between the shaft structure (3) and the base (10) and permits tilting of the shaft structure (3) relative to the ground (12) without impairing the water-tightness of the bore shaft foundation.

Abstract: A basement is constructed by the steps of: (a) excavating spaced vertical holes along the border of a construction site to the depth of bearing strata for the basement; (b) forming piles at the bottoms of the vertical holes; (c) erecting steel posts in the vertical holes on the piles to serve as main posts of the basement; (d) excavating soil from the entire area of the construction site to form an upper part of a cavity to receive the basement, the depth of the upper part of the cavity being far above the bearing strata; (e) forming upper portions of concrete walls of the basement along the wall of the cavity; (f) forming the remaining portions of the concrete walls extending downward from the bottoms of the upper portions of the concrete walls to the bearing strata by alternatively repeating the steps (d) and (e).

Abstract: A connector assembly for use in fastening two plate members together, particularly such members may be mill hole liner ring segments or mill hole liner rings which are fastened together to form a mill hole chute. The connector assembly is comprised of a connector tongue, connector clip and a wedge means. The connector clip is attached to a first plate member and extends outward perpendicularly from said plate member. The connector tongue is attached to a second plate member. In use the two plate members are aligned in edge to edge abutment so that the connector tongue is inserted through the aperture in the connector clip. A wedge means is then inserted through the aperture in the connector tongue. The wedge means is held in place by frictional forces between the wedge, the connector tongue and the connector clip. The wedge means is driven into the aperture causing the plate members to be connected and positioned in edge to edge alignment.

Abstract: A system for boring a hole in the ground including an excavating machine provided with a tubular body; an excavating mechanism supported by the body; a mechanism for shifting the excavated substances to the periphery of the body; and a driving mechanism for operating the excavating mechanism.

Abstract: A sealing system is provided for a prefabricated pit for servicing an aircraft that is formed with an open bottom and an inner cylindrical wall for surrounding a riser pipe therewithin. An annular rubber boot having annular inner and outer marginal edges is located at the bottom of the pit. The inner peripheral margin of the boot is secured to the riser pipe by a conventional metal band clamp to establish a liquid tight seal therewith, and the outer peripheral margin of the boot is compressed radially outwardly against the cylindrical wall surface by means of an outer clamp.

Abstract: A containment casing (10) for a deep well/gravity pressure reactor vessel includes a plurality of casing sections (11) each having a wall portion (20) with corrugations (21). An inner liner (24) and an exterior liner (25) prevent grout material (13) from entering the corrugations (21) during installation. Additionally, inner liner (24) is capable of supporting the hanging weight of the casing sections (11), and yet is susceptible to failure due to stresses induced by thermal fluctuations. The corrugations (21) allow for thermal expansion without a buildup of compression stresses and further allow for angular deviations of the casing (10).

Abstract: There are disclosed a method and a machine for constructing a shaft having a substantially circular cross-section. According to the present invention, the shaft having a shotcrete formed on a peripheral wall thereof can be easily constructed. The shotcrete can be promptly formed on the peripheral wall by spraying concrete on the wall above the water level of the water in the shaft before the wall is damaged. Also, muck excavated from a working face of the shaft can be efficiently conveyed therefrom to outside of the shaft even if the shaft has a depth of more than hundreds of meters.