Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine whether or not wrapping of submerged timber or wood piling is efficacious in preventing infestation of the submerged timber or wood which includes a self-contained test kit which permits the testing of the wrapping of the submerged timber or wood pilings to determine whether or not infestation from marine microorganisms or marine borers is continuing despite the wrapping. A sample of the alleged stagnate water between the wrapping and the piling is taken for testing for oxygen content, temperature, and ph, without denigrating the integrity of the wrapping.

Abstract: A pile wrapper closure assembly includes a pair of clamping bars each having a retaining groove and a pair of retaining rods. Each retaining rod secures one end of the pile wrapper in the retaining groove of its respective clamping bar so that the joining of the clamping bars stretches the pile wrapper around a pile to prevent exposure of the pile to water and air.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: A passive fire protection system for the protection of conduits, cable trays, support rods, and structural steel against flame and heat in a severe total environment type fire such as a hydrocarbon fire which includes a multi-layered (laminated), flexible material containing a plurality of layers of intumescent materials. This multi-layered material is configured such that it provides a containment system for the carbonaceous foam resulting from the expansion of the intumescent materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for providing a protective coating to a body such as a tubular structure. An annular formwork is erected encircling the structure leaving an annular gap between the formwork and the structure. Resin is injected into the annular space. The formwork may comprise two hemi-cylindrical parts which are clamped together by clamp means.

Abstract: A post for resisting deterioration within a body of water. The inventive device includes a central post member wrapped in a fiber mesh and sealed within a matrix resin. A glow in the dark or fluorescent painted mounting cap for facilitating coupling of the post to a pier structure and a guide cap for facilitating forced insertion of the post into a sea bed can also be provided.

Abstract: A two-part pile splice forming a pile protector and reinforcer and a method for reinforcing a deteriorated wood pile under a bridge wherein a first pile-protector and reinforcer-member having a flange is positioned on one side of a deteriorated wood pile with the flange located parallel to the flow of water under the bridge, and a second pile-protector and reinforcer-member with opposite flange is positioned on the opposite side of the wood pile with the flanges of the second pile protector and reinforcer spaced from and parallel to flow of water under the bridge. The pile protector and reinforcers are squeezed around the pilings to form a mechanical link thereto but not crash the wood piles and an epoxy which provides the compressive strength for the wood pile is filled into those areas in which the wood pile has voids.

Abstract: A device for protectively encasing wooden piles to reduce marine borer attack, abrasion and other structural damage, comprising: a sheet of flexible plastic wrapped around a pile in a substantially circumferential configuration, where the longitudinal edges of the sheet are placed in an overlapping position; compressible seals attached to both of the horizontal edges of the sheet and to one of the longitudinal edges of the sheet; strap members encompassing the compressible seals of the horizontal edges; a reinforcement member positioned adjacent to the outside longitudinal edge of the sheet; and a plurality of fastening means securing the reinforcement member and the overlapping longitudinal edges to the piling.

Abstract: The surface of a hydraulic cylinder is enclosed with a cylindrical casing. A fluid, preferably a thixotropic dielectric hydrophobic fluid which retains a gel structure when static, has a specific gravity greater than water and inhibits bacteriogenic and aqueous corrosion fills the annular space between the cylinder surface and the casing, preventing water that may be rich in bacteria, from reaching the cylinder surface. A fluid conduit between the annular space and a reservoir is provided and the fluid fills the reservoir to a predetermined level such that water, hydraulic fluid or another fluid in the system may be detected by a rise in the predetermined level. The water or hydraulic fluid can be easily removed as it will float on the top of the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of controlling the attachment of organisms to an underwater surface is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the organisms with a compound of Formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkoxy, halogen, or hydroxyl. Antifouling coatings and cementitious compositions containing a compound of Formula I are also disclosed.

Abstract: Synergistic microbicidal compositions are disclosed, comprising 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3-isothiazolone and one or more known microbicides for more effective, and broader control of microorganisms in various systems.

Abstract: A method for protecting marine pilings positioned to support a marine structure above the water wherein a plurality of pilings are positioned to support the marine structure. The method consisting essentially of positioning a fender over exposed surfaces of a protective coating on the pilings through the splash zone; and retaining the fender in position.

Abstract: A pile wrapper is in the form of a flexible sheet (1,2) which, when encircling a pile, has two contiguous edges. These have abutments (8) which are urged together by a power tool (13) and fastened, conveniently by nuts (19) and bolts (18). The hoop tension induced in the wrapper resists wave suction forces. The wrapper can have an inner layer (2) containing a water resistant sealant which is forced into intimate contact with the pile as the tension is applied. The wrapper may also be given anti-fouling and cathodic protection properties.

Abstract: The invention provides an antifouling structure that excels in antifouling performance and durability, dispenses with maintenance work, poses no toxicity problem, and is easily handled. The antifouling structure is in a flexible thin sheet, and comprises a copper alloy and an insulating material layer. The copper alloy has a Be content of 0.2 to 2.8% by weight. The insulating layer material, for instance, is made of at least one of methyl methacrylate-modified natural rubber, nitrile rubber and chlorinated rubber. This rubber is dissolved in a suitable solvent for primer or other treatment, coated on the required surface area of the copper alloy layer, and dried to obtain an insulating material layer having a given thickness.

Abstract: A tree skirt for use by a hunter to wrap around a tree trunk. The tree skirt includes a reversible sheet of quilted insulating material having differing camouflage patterns on either exposed side, a reversible zipper to bind opposite sides of the sheet together around the tree, and upper and lower fasteners such as VELCRO for securing the excess girth of the tree skirt around the tree into a pleated fold. A detachable bib flap is attachable to a lower portion of the tree skirt for the hunter to sit upon as a barrier or cushion. Optionally, the bib may be waterproof to thereby reduce cold and dampness that might otherwise affect the hunter's pants. A storage pocket is provided for storage of the bib flap when detached.

Abstract: A system of corrosion protection and a method of applying the protection on items to be used or being used in marine environments and otherwise susceptible to the deleterious effects of erosion and/or corrosion. The protection is comprised of a coating formed of a polyamine converter and an epoxy resin that can be applied either to virgin metal or to pre-existing metallic items immersed below sea level and a rigid cladding such as fiberglass reinforced pipe encapsulating the coating. Where on site restoration of an item is to be performed, some or all of the coating and cladding application can be conducted underwater by preceding the applications with an abrasive blasting of the surface to be protected.

Abstract: A system of reinforcing a structural support such as a utility pole in situ includes applying a coating of a curable resin and wrapping a plurality of layers of a fiberglass fabric. The fiberglass fabric is applied in the form of elongated strips having longitudinal and weft fiberglass rovings. The fabric strips are spirally wrapped around the pole while applying a biasing shift to the fabric so that the weft threads are oriented axially to the support and the longitudinal threads extend helically around the support. An electrical resistance heating wire may be included between the wrappings of fiberglass to heat and accelerate curing of the resin.

Abstract: Certain furan compounds are disclosed as being useful as marine or fresh water antifoulant compounds to be used in protective carrier compositions such as film forming polymer to protect fish nets, boats, pilings, and piers.

Abstract: Certain gamma lactones are disclosed as being useful as marine or fresh water antifoulant compounds to be used in protective carrier compositions such as film forming polymer to protect fish nets, boats, pilings, and piers.

Abstract: A covering material for underwater objects such as boat hulls or water intake pipes. The covering includes a waterproof coating such as adhesive or paint containing capsicum derivatives such as cayenne pepper or oleoresin capsicum, with the coating applied to the outer surface of the object to be protected, to repel marine organisms which might otherwise attach themselves to the object. In some applications copper material may also be applied to the coating.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for creating a controlled environment about a portion of a submerged pile to be treated comprises a jacket fitted about the pile and sealed at both the top and bottom ends relative to the pile to provide a sealed encapsulated space. The jacket includes at least two sections having arcuate cross sections that are fastened together to provide a substantially cylindrical jacket. Compressed air is forced downward into the encapsulated space through one or more upper valves and encapsulated water is forced out through one or more lower valves. Further air flow dries the encapsulated space. Desired coatings, for example, rust inhibitors, epoxies, are introduced into the encapsulated space through the lower valve and the displaced air, excess coatings and chemical by-products are vented and recovered for disposal through the upper valve. The temperature inside the encapsulated space is also controlled.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus of and a method for inhibiting corossion of reinforcement in a reinforced structure wherein one or more anodes (3) are arranged adjacent a surface of the structure (1) to be protected and a body of ionically conductive cementitious material (6) is arranged to suround the anodes and make contact with ionically conductive cementitious material of the structure (1), said body of ionically conductive cementitious material (6) being surrounded by a cover (4) of moisture resistant substantially non-porous material to maintain said material (6) in an ionically conducting condition. Said electrodes (3) and reinforcement (2) within the body (1) can be electrically connected to cause a current to pass through said two sorts of ionically conductive cementitious material to protect the reinforcement (2) against electrolytic corrosion.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for repair for poles which have been damaged which is easily transportable, simple to install, and easily adaptable to many classes of poles. The method involves excavating around the pole, cleaning the surface of the pole, pumping a fumigant into the pole, cutting back to solid wood, installing a high compressive strength filler, applying a bonding agent to the clean surface, and then applying strips of a composite fiberglass mat and resin to the pole in a controlled manner until a desired encasement thickness has been achieved. The repair is completed by application of an ultraviolet resistance coating to the pole.

Abstract: A wooden post of mast which has been or is going to be sunk into the ground, is protected particularly in the transition zone between soil and outer atmosphere, by synthetic ribbon shrunken onto the wooden post carrying between it and the wood, upper and lower sealing material for sealing of the ribbon against the wood while in between the sealing material on the side of the strip facing the wood, a paste is included which contains boron or a boron compound; end portions of the strip as wrapped around the wooden post overlap, there being an adhesive strip for bonding and holding the two ends of the ribbon together and against the wood. Also, the connection maintains the sleeve as such after heat shrinking.

Abstract: A sleeve covering to surround a vent pipe which is to be buried and inserted into and connected to a T-fitting trap of a sanitary sewer system is described which sleeve covering will prevent the frost or frozen earth from heaving the pipe which it surrounds. The repeating sleeve covering is basically a number of hollow vertical sections or coupling members, generally cylindrical in shape, whose inside diameter of the bottom portion of each is slightly greater than the pipe which it surrounds. Vertical movement of the sleeve sections or coupling members (one or more or all) is possible without causing any vertical movement of the pipe that the sections surround. Also, because of the particular exterior shape (frusto-conical) of the top portion of each section, the exterior forces exerted upon same by the earth when it freezes actually tends to force the sleeve sections downward rather than upward.

Abstract: An adjustable width split sleeve adapted to be securely wrapped around an elongate member. The sleeve includes a pliable laminated sheet having a first end and a second end. Each end of the sheet is wrapped around a respective first rod. Each first rod is rotated about a second rod which is parallel and adjacent to the first rod but which is separated from the first rod by the sheet. The first and second rods may be positioned various distances from the edges of the sheet as desired to provide a desired width of the sleeve and to provide a tongue to seal the gap between the sheet ends. By positioning the rods in this manner, the rods on each end of the sheet, which are floating and not restrained nor clamped, will lock together from the tension applied to the sheet when the sleeve is secured around the elongate member. Each end of the sheet is securely gripped between the respective first and second rods.

Abstract: An epoxy coating composition, a coating and a method of applying the coating composition to items to be used or being used in marine environments and otherwise susceptible to the deleterious effects of erosion and/or corrosion. The coating composition is comprised of a polyamine converter and an epoxy resin that can be applied either to virgin metal or to preexisting metallic items immersed below sea level. The coating in either situation is comprised of a plurality of layers of the epoxy composition sequentially applied about the affected surface area of the item with a wrap of vitrified cloth disposed intervening between juxtaposed of said layers. Where on site restoration of an item is to be performed, some or all of the layer applications can be conducted underwater by preceding application of the coating with an abrasive blasting of the surface to be coated.

Abstract: A device and process for reinforcing underwater structures of branched joints having a main element (1) and at least one secondary element (2), one end to which is integral with the surface of element (1). The device incorporates a flange (3, 3'), a first portion (3') of which is initially fixed to the secondary element (2), and a second portion (3') of which is thereafter fixed to the first portion. The flange portions define an annular space between the flange and the elements. A liquid composition which generates an elastic polymerized material (4) is introduced into an enclosure to fill the annular space and encapsulate the flange, which enclosure defines the outer boundary of the polymerized material (4).

Abstract: In a concrete column supporting an overhead load and having a base end resting on a surface, a process of strengthening the column to increase its ability to withstand atypical physical loading accompanying an earthquake, involving the steps of defining a work area about the surface of the column to which the strengthening is to be applied, the work area defined by circumferential marginal edges arranged in spaced-apart relation; overwrapping the work area with at least one layer of high-strength, stretchable fibers wherein the fibers are oriented at an angle to the vertical axis of the column; applying a coat of hardenable material, having a modulus at least as great as that of the fibers, over the layer of fibers to form a hard outer shell thereover; and, injecting a quantity of a hardenable, low-shrink liquid under the layer of fibers and over the surface of the work area in an amount sufficient to cause the fibers to undergo stretching from about 1/2% to about 4% of their elongation.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for forming an encapsulation or encasement about a structural member that is particularly well suited for use in a marine environment is disclosed. A two component polymer system for protective and repair encapsulation is pumpable in two separate streams to the location of the structural member to be encapsulated. The two reactive components are combined in a static mixer immediately prior to being injected within the surrounding translucent jacket. By combining the reactive components immediately prior to use, premature set up is avoided and the resulting grout may be directed to flow upwardly in the jacket for enhancing final properties. By suitable coloring of the components, visual monitoring of the final mxing and distribution in the translucent form or jacket of the encapsulation material may be monitored. A field test for determining bond strength of the encapsulation polymer to the structural member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for protecting a wood piling against marine borer attack wherein the piling is surrounded with a flexible sheet of UV-resistant material so as to define an annular space which is filled with a water-insoluble filler material.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful combination deck support leg holder and rub strip comprising a support leg holder comprising a first section adapted to have a support leg secured thereto, a second section adapted to be secured to a deck or dock, and means for securing a rub strip to be disposed about at least a part of the holder remote from the deck or dock, and a rub strip adapted to be secured to the means for securing and to be disposed about at least a part of the holder remote from the deck or dock.

Abstract: A corrosion protection system for protecting critical parts of an offshore structure. The structure is composed of an assembly of critical parts representing a small portion of the structure and noncritical parts representing a large portion of the structure. The critical parts are coated with a layer of material to form a protective treatment so that the critical parts are made electrochemically noble or passive relative to the uncoated noncritical parts when the offshore structure is submerged. The noncritical parts are electrochemically active relative to the coated critical parts to provide for cathodic protection current supplied to the coated critical parts by the uncoated active parts to produce corrosion protection to the coated critical parts. An accelerated corrosion system for destroying the critical parts uses a conductive layer including a slit and with the slit initially protected and then removed to accelerate corrosion to destroy the offshore structure.

Abstract: What is provided is a system for supporting well production conductor and/or caisson which is extending above the water the line in an offshore setting, the system which includes a plurality of support clamps having a center located clamp portion for clamping around the exterior of the conductor and/or caisson, and four arm members radiating outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A dock support having a piling composed of an upstanding rod the lower end of which is adapted to be embedded in the bottom of a body of water and an external telescoping sleeve having a cap at its upper end which normally confronts and seats on the upper end of the rod. A passage exists between the confronting surfaces of the inner and outer telescoping members and such passage is occupied by air, rather than water. The air prevents water in the passage rising to the level at which it may freeze, but should water in the passage rise to the freezing level compressed air may be admitted to the passage via a valve under sufficient pressure to purge such water.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing and repairing utility poles and the like, including the steps of placing gasket layers above and below the area to be repaired and a resin pervious layer, such as fiberglass, between the two gaskets followed by the step of wrapping the area from the lower gasket to a point near the upper gasket with a resin impervious layer, such as duct tape. Next, a liquid resin is preferably injected under pressure into the space between the utility pole and the resin impervious layer. Holes may be drilled to guide the resin into the interior of the pole, and injection tubes may be inserted into the hole to further direct the resin into the interior of the pole. The resin is then allowed to cure. Preferably, vertical grooves are formed in the exterior of the pole, and reinforcing rods are placed therein before the resin is injected.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for repair for poles which have beem damaged by environmental effects, which is easily transportable, simple to install, and easily adaptable to many classes of poles. The method involves excavating around the pole, cleaning the surface of the pole, pumping a fumigant into the pole, applying a bonding agent to the clean surface, and then applying strips of a composite fiberglass mat and resin to the pole in a controlled manner until a desired casement thickness has been achieved. The repair is completed by application of an ultraviolet resistant coating to the pole.

Abstract: A method of repairing, protecting or strengthening a utility pole projecting from the ground comprises fitting a compressible elastomeric interlayer around the pole so as to mechanically bind the interlayer to the pole, fitting a sleeve around the pole clad with the elastomeric interlayer, filling the clearance between the interlayer and the sleeve with a flowable hardenable composition essentially free from shrink on hardening, and allowing the composition to harden so as to form a solid core mechanically bonded to each of the interlayer and the sleeve. This method therefore provides an assembly of structural components each mechanically bonded one to the next.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for forming an encapsulation or encasement about a structural member that is particularly well suited for use in a marine environment is disclosed. A two component polymer system for protective and repair encapsulation is pumpable in two separate streams to the location of the structural member to be encapsulated. The two reactive components are combined in a static mixer immediately prior to being injected within the surrounding translucent jacket. By combining the reactive components immediately prior to use, premature set up is avoided and the resulting grout may be directed to flow upwardly in the jacket for enhancing final properties. By suitable coloring of the components, visual monitoring of the final mixing and distribution in the translucent form or jacket of the encapsulation material may be monitored. A field test for determining bond strength of the encapsulation polymer to the structural member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light weight, energy dissipation bumper system for protecting the columns of an offshore platform. A plurality of rows of crushable tubes are provided to dissipate collision energy through absorption without storing such energy. The tubes have a diameter to thickness ratio between 30 and 40 for mild steel providing neutral/positive buoyancy. The tubes may be easily replaced when their ability to protect the column to which they are attached to exhausted through flattening. The tubes may extend either axially along or radially outward from the column.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for forming an encapsulation or encasement about a structural member that is particularly well suited for use in a marine environment is disclosed. A two component polymer system for protective and repair encapsulation is pumpable in two separate streams to the location of the structural member to be encapsulated. The two reactive components are combined in a static mixer immediately prior to being injected within the surrounding translucent jacket. By combining the reactive components immediately prior to use, premature set up is avoided and the resulting grout may be directed to flow upwardly in the jacket for enhancing final properties. By suitable coloring of the components, visual monitoring of the final mixing and distribution in the translucent form or jacket of the encapsulation material may be monitored. A field test for determining bond strength of the encapsulation polymer to the structural member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pier adapted to support a load such as a foundation wall comprises a concrete pillar, a support tube oriented substantially perpendicular to and on top of the pier, a pair of threaded rods embedded in the pillar and extending through the support tube, and four threadably mounted on the threaded rods to secure the support tube to the pier. A portion of the support tube extends beyond the periphery of the pillar and is disposed below the load, whereby the load is supported by the extending portion of the support tube. A slippery, plastic liner surrounds the upper portion of the concrete pillar so that swelling of soil surrounding the liner is inhibited by the liner from displacing the concrete pillar.

Abstract: A method for constructing inspectable welded joints which are resistant to marine biofouling, and the welded joints formed thereby, are disclosed. The method comprises bonding a first coating of a substantially dielectric material to the welded joint and bonding a second coating of a marine growth-inhibiting material to the first coating. The first coating preferably is less ductile than the underlying welded joint. The second coating is electrically insulated from the underlying welded joint by the first coating and provides a source of a biocide which prevents the accumulation of marine biofouling encrustations. Fatigue cracks occurring in the welded joint propagate through the coatings and are readily visible on the outer surface of the second coating. Further, fatigue cracks in the welding joint may be detectable through the use of nondestructive testing techniques prior to the time when they are visible on the outer surface.

Abstract: A covering is applied onto the outer surface of a pile including a steel pipe or the like to surround a predetermined length thereof so as to reduce a frost heaving force or negative friction acting on the pile in a frigid area. The covering is closely adhered by an adhesion layer the like to the pile over a given length thereof. This given length is between 0.5 and 5 m. The covering member includes a smooth-surfaced plastic covering or elastic covering. A rugged surface covering may be provided below the smooth surfaced covering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for insitu reinforcement of a section of a wooden pole at a position below the groundline is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a cavity around the pole, mounting an elongated sleeve around the pole to define an annular space with the pole, and filling the space with a reinforcing material. The improved portion of the method includes supporting the sleeve above the groundline while mounting the same around the pole and securing the lower end against radial expansion, lowering the sleeve until it extends over the section to be reinforced, and filling the sleeve with a bonding agent, such as a foaming epoxy resin system, which bonds the sleeve to the pole over the length of the section to be reinforced. Preferably the upper end of the sleeve is contracted and sealed against the pole.

Abstract: A piling-jacket system (10) and method involves a piling jacket (12) having a side, vertically-slit, open port arrangement (14) with an internal flap valve in the shape of a duct (48) attached to a cord (56) which extends externally of the piling jacket to positively force the duct flap valve closed. The piling jacket system includes a steel band (84) at the top of the piling jacket which clamps the piling jacket in a notch (86,88) cut in a piling (80) to be repaired with the piling-jacket system. When the piling jacket is thusly hung from the piling, the lower portion of the piling jacket, pulling down on the vertically-slit open port tends to close the open port. A portable, rigid, access tube (66) is placed through the vertically-slit open port to hold it open for the insertion of a grout-supply hose.

Abstract: Precoated corrosion-resistant steel pipe piles, and structures thereof, for driving into the sea bed wherein the waterproofness, corrosion resistance, and scratch resistance of the steel pipe piles are considerably improved by applying a polyethylene resin over the length thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for covering pilings of piers and the like includes a plastic cover or sheet which is wrapped around the piling for protecting the piling against rot, weather and wear. The plastic sheet ends overlap as they wrap around the pile. The ends are sealed and secured by a heatable strip extending between the overlapped ends of the sheet and which forms a fused plastic seam between the overlapped ends as the sheet is held tightly about the pile. A strap and a bar which presses over the heatable strip is provided for temporarily cinching the plastic sheet tightly about the pile and holding it while the heat fusing occurs.

Abstract: A device and method of covering piles and the like includes a plastic cover or sheet which is wrapped around the pile for protecting the pile against rot, weather and wear. The plastic sheet ends overlap as they wrap around the pile. The ends are sealed and secured by a heating element extending between the overlapped ends of the sheet and which forms a fused plastic seam between the overlapped ends as the sheet is held tightly about the pile. A strap and bar which presses over the heating element are provided for temporarily cinching the plastic sheet tightly about the pile and holding it while the heat fusing occurs.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for repair for poles which have been damaged by environmental effects, which is easily transportable, simple to install, and easily adaptable to many classes of poles. The method involves excavating around the pole, cleaning the surface of the pole, pumping a fumigant into the pole, applying a bonding agent to the clean surface, and then applying strips of a composite fiberglass mat and resin to the pole in a controlled manner until a desired casement thickness has been achieved. The repair is completed by application of an ultraviolet resistant coating to the pole.