Abstract: A subsea foundation system and a method of connecting a lower pipe portion to a subsea foundation are provided. The method includes: providing the subsea foundation, an upper pipe portion being connected to the subsea foundation, deploying the subsea foundation subsea; and connecting the lower pipe portion to the upper pipe portion. The subsea foundation system includes: the subsea foundation; the upper pipe portion connected to the subsea foundation, and the lower pipe portion. The lower pipe portion can be connected to the upper pipe portion subsea. The lower pipe portion may be connected to the subsea foundation in a stowed position before deployment subsea. The lower pipe portion may be connected to a pull-in arrangement before deployment subsea.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a water intake pipeline structure passing through a soft foundation embankment below a flood level and a construction method. The water intake pipeline structure comprises: pipelines, a gate valve well, a concrete pipe bed, a high-pressure jet grouting pile continuous wall, cement deep mixing piles, geogrids, backfilling clay, a clay bound macadam and concrete key walls. After the embankment is broken and excavated to reach a pipeline embankment-passing design elevation, the cement deep mixing piles are fully disposed in a plum blossom type, and the high-pressure jet grouting pile continuous wall is disposed under the gate valve well. A plain concrete cushion layer, the gate valve well, the concrete key walls and the concrete pipe bed are poured, the water intake pipelines are installed, and the pipelines behind the gate valve well are wrapped with concrete. The geogrids are placed during clay backfilling, and layered soil filling is performed.

Abstract: The rapid consolidation and compaction method comprises (i) first driving a hollow pipe, (ii) driving a pipe with a removable end plate after filling and compacting the sandy material in it, through the hollow pipe, to required depth, creating high excess pore-water pressures in the range of 50 to 300 KPa in clayey soils, (iv) pulling out the pipe section leaving behind the removable end plate and thereby installing porous displacement piles which allows dissipation of the excess pore-water pressures horizontally to the porous displacement pile, in which the excess water flows out vertically to the ground surface, and (v) the length of the drainage path is reduced to half the spacing between adjoining porous displacement piles, allowing rapid consolidation resulting in increase in density. Installing the porous displacement piles in the layer of loose to medium dense sand layer results in the instantaneous increase in its density.

Abstract: A machine for rotary driving screw anchors into underlying ground and related. The machine has a mast with a rotary driver and a mandrel driver oriented on a common axis. The mandrel driver passes a mandrel through the rotary driver and the screw anchor to allow the mandrel to be actuated ahead of the screw anchor while the rotary driver drives the screw anchor into the ground. Alternatively, the mandrel driver may also drive a hammering drill through the screw anchor to clear a path ahead of it through subsurface rocks.

Abstract: An offshore structure having a foundation structure, wherein the foundation structure has at least a first and a second profile, the first profile is designed as a pile and the second profile is designed as a pile sleeve, the second profile encloses the first profile over a penetration length, wherein an interspace is formed between the first and the second profile, the interspace has a casting compound filling over the total penetration length, shear elements are provided on the first and/or the second profile, the shear elements extend into the interspace and effect an axial load dissipation into the casting compound filling, the shear elements are provided only over a first partial length of the penetration length, the first partial length is between 65 and 90% of the total penetration length and a second partial length is free of shear elements, wherein the second partial length forms the upper length of the penetration length in the installed position.

Abstract: A pile anchor reinforcing system includes a pile anchor having an end penetrating a seafloor, and a reinforcing pile penetrating the seafloor past the end of the pile anchor and being operatively coupled to the pile anchor to reinforce the pile anchor against lateral and vertical loading.

Abstract: A structure for anchoring load-bearing posts in a post frame (“pole barn”) type building on footings in post holes below grade. The structure comprises a flexible cable or similar anchored in or under the footing and extending up through or around the footing to fastening points on opposite sides of a below-ground portion of a post resting on the footing. The footing-anchored cable and the fastening points are then buried in the post hole. A method for constructing the anchor structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: In various implementations, an anchoring system may include one or more anchors. An anchor may include a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a plate. The anchor may be coupleable to other anchors and/or objects. The anchoring system may be used to secure an object to a location.

Abstract: A segment-assembled type pier column member with a steel-concrete composite structure includes a reinforcement tube embedded in a pile cap, wherein the reinforcement tube is connected with a bottom of a lower segment of a hollow steel tube pier and is poured with concrete, and pier columns in upper and lower segments are reinforced by means of segment connecting and being embedded with local reinforcing meshes. A steel cross beam is connected with an upper segment of the hollow steel tube pier in an assembled way. A pre-stressed tensioning duct is reserved between the steel cross beam and the pier column in the upper segment.

Abstract: A method controls force transmission between a structure and its base during grouting-in the fastening parts of the structure in the corresponding bases on or in the seabed. The method may include connecting a bracket to at least one of the fastening parts of the structure; arranging an elastic material on the bracket; displacing the fastening part to an overlapping position with the base until the elastic material transmits at least a portion of the weight of the structure to the base; and filling an opening between the fastening part and the base with a curable mass.

Abstract: An anode sled for assembly is disclosed which is constructed using a bag or sack which can be filled on-site with ballast. The sled design includes at least one stanchion or post extending upward from the sack and supports an anode. The sled can be used for both sacrificial anode and impressed current applications.

Abstract: A method for controlling power transmission between a structure and its base during grouting—in the fastening parts of the structure in the corresponding bases on or in the seabed, and where the method is characterised by comprising:—connecting a bracket to at least one of the fastening parts of the structure;—arranging an elastic material on the bracket;—displacing the fastening part to an overlapping position with the base until the elastic material transmits a least a portion of the weight of the structure to the base; and—filling an opening between the fastening part and the base with a curable mass.

Abstract: A dock structure, dock assembly and dock constructing method use one or more dock elements that are attachable to vertical pilings. Each dock element is a pan-like structure having a first end and a second end, a opposing side walls and opposing end walls, with one end wall disposed at each end of the element, and a floor. The side walls, the end walls and the floor form a pan-like cavity. Two cylindrical rims are disposed at the first end of the dock element, each rim forming a vertically-disposed cylindrical opening in the floor of the element and each opening being functionally adapted to receive a piling through it. Each dock element is attachable to pilings and a pair of overlapping members formed at the second end of each dock element allows adjacent elements to be attached one to another. Following attachment, each dock element is filled with concrete.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ice composite body with a layer of water close to its freezing point within the body's armor shell at its base, with a pressurizing system for the water which maintains an upward pressure on the ice core at the set level needed to structurally support any burden resting on the top part of the shell, the top part of the shell & the ice core. The ice core has a separate non structural layer at its lowest level & a separate system of melting & freezing this layer of the ice core for thermal conditioning purposes, while using the pressurizing system to maintain hydrostatic and litho-static balance & thus maintain structural integrity. The pressurization system results in a more reliable structural support system for the top part of the shell particularly for dealing with thermal cycling & in warmer climates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed and a method for manufacturing said foundation, formed by a conical structure which is made up of an assembly of columns (1) like generatrices, arranged between an upper apex core (2) and a lower annular footing (3), the constructive mounting of said assembly being carried out on an annular mold (8) which is arranged floating in the water, in which the annular footing (3) is formed, with the attachment thereon of the columns (1), which are held in the constructive formation of the structural assembly by means of a support jig (10).

Abstract: Sub-aquatic sediment is covered with capping material by a capping system comprising a template barge and a spreader barge. While the spreader barge is distributing capping material, the template barge guides the spreader barge as it systematically moves over a pre-defined sediment capping region. The spreader barge comprises a spreader pool in which a broadcast spreader accurately and evenly distributes capping material within the pool, which then sinks to the sediment. The capping material is distributed with minimal disturbance to the sediment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for post-installation in-situ barrier creation. A multi-layered device provides a medium for of remedial substances such as waterproofing resins or cements, insecticides, mold preventatives, rust retardants and the like. The multi-layer device preferably consists of three conjoined layers: first layer, intermediate layer, and second layer, and at least one piping. The first layer is preferably semi-permeable; the second layer is a non-permeable layer; the intermediate layer is a void-inducing layer. The second layer, intermediate layer, and first layer are fixedly attached, with the intermediate layer interposed between the second layer and the first layer. The multi-layered device is fixedly attached to shoring system exterior surface. At least one piping is engagedly attached to a panel of the multi-layered device. A structural construction material is constructed exterior the multi-layer device.

Abstract: A material distribution vessel for distributing material recovered in a dredging operation is disclosed. The material distribution vessel includes a hull; a propulsion system for selectively moving the hull through a waterway; and a conveyor system supported by the hull. The conveyor system has a first end for receiving recovered material and a second end for depositing the recovered material. At least a portion of the conveyor system is movable relative to the hull to move the second end to a desired position. The material distribution vessel also includes at least one support pad. The at least one support pad is movable in at least a vertical direction to support the hull on a bottom of the waterway. The recovered material may be deposited into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an object located proximate an underwater floor is disclosed, in a preferred embodiment comprising a foundation implantable in the underwater floor; a lifting frame extending between the foundation; and a multiplicity of slings mounted adjacent to each other and attached to the lifting frame such that each of the slings is suspended in a cradle-like configuration from the lifting frame. Each of the slings further comprises a top surface facing away from the underwater floor and a padding material mounted proximate the top surface of each sling. The foundation may further comprise suction piles. A monitoring system comprising instrumentation may also be used to aid in guiding the load transfer of the object from the floor to the lifting frame.

Abstract: A method of installing a cementitious composition includes providing a dry fast setting cementitious composition having a set time and in the form of finely divided particles of at least one cement binder, pouring an amount of the dry cementitious composition into a volume of water located in a hole without any type of physical mixing of the cementitious composition and water other than the mixing which occurs merely by applying the cementitious composition into the water. The major portion of the particles of the cementitious composition have approximately the same drop rate through the volume of water. The water contacts the dry cementitious composition when poured into the volume of water to hydrate the particles of the dry cementitious composition, the particles of cementitious composition dropping through the water to displace excess water and form the hydrated cementitious composition particles in a substantially non-segregated mass.

Abstract: An improved method for underwater reclamation is disclosed. Dredged mud sent under pressure by an earth and sand conveying device is treated with solidifying material, and before it is solidified, it is directly fed to an underwater reclaiming apparatus. The treated mud is fed through a discharge port of the underwater reclaiming apparatus, while the discharge port is always maintained embedded at a constant depth in a previously deposited underwater reclamation mud layer at the bottom of the water. An apparatus for underwater reclamation that is suitable for practicing the improved method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the conveyance of cement under water to form concrete. The method claimed utilizes, inter alia, a positive displacement pump and feed pipe to convey unreacted cement, suspended in an environmentally safe and non-reactive liquid vehicle or carrier (polyethyleneglycol, for example), to an underwater site comprised of a hydrated aggregate mass (usually sand), permitting said carrier to diffuse from said suspension into surrounding water and further permitting said cement to react with water in the aggregate thereby causing the cement, water and aggregate mixture to form concrete.

Abstract: Dry cementitious compositions and packages and methods for their application. The dry compositions do not have to be mixed with water but instead are poured, sprayed or troweled onto a substrate which contains water in an amount in excess of that necessary for the hydration of the cementitious materials. These compositions can be applied by layering, dropping through a conduit, or preferably, merely dropped into the water.

Abstract: A method of constructing a column-like marine structure including the steps of constructing and placing an assembly of floats in a dry area, placing on the float assembly a column base having its own buoyancy, flooding the area to float the assembly of floats and column and moving them to deeper water, ballasting the floats to sink them and while maintaining buoyancy of the column removing the floats, completely ballasting the column to sink it, reconnecting the floats around the top of the column, constructing a further column part on top of the column, lifting the assembly by the buoyancy of the floats and/or the buoyancy of the column and floating it to a desired location in deeper water.

Abstract: Procedure for the construction of a concrete shaft for a platform or similar structure, where one of several of the shafts will be outfitted with relatively much equipment. The shafts are constructed of prefabricated sections which are consecutively installed butt-in-butt on top of each other and which are left in the shaft as an internal fully shaped shaft component, as the sections internally contain associated equipment and externally feature bodies for the installation of easily removable formwork elements, preferably easily mountable slipforms, while the space between the formwork elements and a prefabricated section is filled with reinforcement and concrete. The formwork elements, after the hardening of poured concrete, by a per se known procedure, are moved to a higher level.

Abstract: This invention is a method and casing (1) for constructing a rigid structure upon the bottom of the water. The casing to be used is a lost pillar casing of particular shape. It is larger at the bottom than at a higher level and preferably is composed of flat plates formed into a polygonal cross sectional shape with similarity to a multiple sided pyramid. It can be combined with wall casings slit into recesses of the pillar casings. The wall casings can be double wall casings in which case concrete is filled therein and bulk stoney material is filled into the interior of the pillar casings or between the casings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a floating apparatus (1, 2, 18) for the construction of columnlike elements (16, 17), forming part of a pier, a jetty or the like marine structure, in which a first part (16) is manufactured on a support (5) attached to the floating apparatus. Whilst said apparatus rests on the waterbottom (15), which first part (16) is lowered on the waterbotton (15) after lifting the floating apparatus to free it from the waterbottom and after displacement to a place with deeper water. There the next part (17) is made upon the still deeper water, lowered again until they rest on the bottom, after which the next part is made and so on until the final height and destination are reached. The floating apparatus is completely equiped (10, 11, 14) for performing the work and has a construction such, that it can be disengaged from the finished structure.

Abstract: This invention is a method and casing (1) for constructing a rigid structure upon the bottom of the water. The casing to be used is a lost pillar casing of particular shape. It is larger at the bottom than at a higher level and preferably is composed of flat plates formed into a polygonal cross sectional shape with similarity to a multiple sided pyramid. It can be combined with wall casings slit into recesses of the pillar casings. The wall casings can be double wall casings in which case concrete is filled therein and bulk stoney material is filled into the interior of the pillar casings or between the casings.

Abstract: A method of formless underwater casting of cement is disclosed. The method involves the addition of silicate to water in which a structure bound with Portland cement or high-alumina cement is to be cast. The cementitious mixture as a slurry is then poured into the water to form a structure. The silicate and cementitious mixture can be placed in the water at the same time using concentric nozzle systems.

Abstract: Arrangement in an offshore concrete platform comprising a base structure (1) and at least one tower structure (3) having a tower foot (5). The tower foot (5) is supported by a pair of annular, downwardly diverging, conical shell structures (6,7) forming a transition to the base structure (1). The shell structure (6,7), having angles of inclination which can be varied independently of each other, advantageously may be supported directly by the walls of respective cylinders (11,12) being an integral part of the walls of the base structure (1). The structural shape and geometry of the arrangement implies that the size of the diameter of the tower foot (5) can be chosen independently of the size of the base.

Abstract: An underwater pile-framed structure comprises a plurality of upright piles 11 arranged in two parallel and spaced rows, reinforcing cages 13 surrounding the piles in peripherally spaced relationship thereto, and precast block stacks 22, 23 connecting together the piles in the two rows and surrounding individual pile-cage assemblies in each row. The piles are driven into the seabed in two spaced and parallel rows, the reinforcing cages are lowered over the piles to predetermined positions, the blocks are stacked over the cages to connect together the pile-cage assemblies in the two rows, and concrete is poured into the annular clearances between the piles and the block stacks.

Abstract: A method of placing concrete into a steel encasement constructing an offshore structure. The steel encasement is erected. A plurality of first concrete injection holes are formed through the steel encasement in a heightwise spaced manner. The concrete is injected through the lowest disposed concrete injection hole into the erected steel encasement to a level below another concrete injection hole disposed just above said lowest disposed concrete injection hole. Then, the injection step is repeated in connection with a subsequent first concrete injection hole nearest to the level, to which the concrete has been placed, for placing the concrete into the steel encasement to a predetermined level.

Abstract: An offshore platform structure of reinforced concrete for standing on the bottom of a sea as a consequence of its own weight. The structure includes a base supporting a tower for a platform deck. The lower part of the tower includes a cylindrical portion extending downwardly towards and through the base and providing a skirt. A frusto-conical annular wall extends coaxially with the tower between the tower and the top of the base to provide an annular chamber with a triangular cross section. Also a method of building a platform structure includes building the lower portion of the structure in a dry dock and floating the lower portion out into deeper water for continuing a casting operation for the remainder of the platform structure.

Abstract: Dry cementitious compositions and methods for their application. The dry compositions do not have to be mixed with water but instead are poured, sprayed or troweled onto a substrate which contains a substantial excess of water than that necessary for the hydration of the materials.

Abstract: A concrete composition for underwater use contains about 0.1 to 4% by weight based on cement content of a water soluble vinyl polymer containing vinyl units having sulfonic groups. The concrete composition is easy to mix and prevents separation of concrete composition constituents as it is laid under water.

Abstract: Slipforming means intended for slipforming inclined, hollow columns of reinforced concrete, comprising a slipform platform (14) including the form work (28, 29), which is supported by and may be lifted/lowered by means of a climbing rod system (12) which is fixed to the already cast, cured portions of the column (11). The form work is by means of a number of yokes (26,27) suspended from the slipform platform and comprises inner and outer formsheets (28,29) extending in circumferential direction. The yokes are adjustable in radial direction with respect to the slipform platform while the form sheets are adjustable in tangential or circumferential direction with respect to each other. One of the form work walls is radially adjustable with respect to the other. The slipforming means is intended for slipforming hollow, inclined columns having increasing and/or decreasing diameter.

Abstract: A marine operations structure for use in arctic seas having steel/concrete composite ice walls positioned to permit multi-year ice ridges to be broken up with lower vertical forces imposed on the structure than heretofore possible. The structure provides for simultaneous contacting and fracturing of both surface ice floe and multi-year ice ridges by proportioning of the ratio of the annular dimension of a first sloped surface to the radius of the structure within the range of about from 0.15 to 0.30. The structure is fabricated by modular construction techniques which lowers total construction costs. The structure is in the form of a sixteen-sided polygonal sloped walled marine structure with internal ballast tanks for providing gravity founding of the structure on the sea floor. Modular drilling equipment is provided for and supported by the structure for use through two rectangular shaped moon pools extending vertical throughout the central core of the structure.

Abstract: A foundation for a retaining wall-type of structure acted upon by a principal force tending to slide same in a predetermined direction is anchored by a plurality of slide resisting walls. The slide resisting walls extend parallel to the predetermined direction in which the foundation tends to slide. The upper portions of the slide resisting walls are embedded in a concrete mass. The lower portions of the slide resisting walls project downwardly from the concrete mass into the earth, and are solely in engagement with the earth and not with concrete.

Abstract: An offshore platform structure (1) comprising a deck superstructure (4) which is supported at least by three inclined lower supporting columns (5) which are arranged apart and extend convergingly upwards towards an intermediate structure (6), and one or more upper columns (7), extending upward from the intermediate structure, supporting the deck superstructure. At least the lower supporting columns (5) have varying diameter, the columns having their largest diameter in the area of the towing water line during the towing-out of the platform structure from the construction site. Slipforming means intended for slipforming inclined, hollow columns of reinforced concrete, comprising a slipform platform (14) including the form work (28,29), which is supported by and may be lifted/lowered by means of a climbing rod system (12) which is fixed to the already cast, cured portions of the column (11).

Abstract: A method of construction is provided in which a casing or assemblage of casings which can be handled as a unit is partly immersed in water to a controlled variable depth and used to mould a self-hardenable material such as freshly mixed concrete to form a required shape while isolating it from the surrounding water. Throughout ths stage of construction hydrostatic pressure exerted by the water on the casing or casing assemblage acts in opposition to pressure exerted by the self-hardenable material or by a temporary substitute therefor, (e.g. a bontonite slurry) together with any other forces or pressures that may act. This enables casings to be used which otherwise and for construction in a dry environment would require substantial or extensive support from falsework in order to prevent fracture or undesirable deformation thereof.

Abstract: A seabed mound creating method suitable for a construction of a large scale offshore structure comprises the steps of setting up a plurality of sheet piles along the outer periphery of a mound creation region in a seabed area of soft ground to form an earth-retaining wall projecting from the seabed, and raising the ground level of the seabed within the earth-retaining wall by depositing soft soil into the earth-retaining wall to heap the deposited soil to a predetermined height. The method further comprises the step of implementing a ground improvement process to both the heaped-up soft soil and the soft ground of the seabed within the earth-retaining wall so that the ground improvement process is provided to a predetermined depth below the seabed, thus to form a seabed mound integral with the improved ground. The seabed mound may be provided at the upper portion with a projection area serving as a shear key with respect to a horizontal external force.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing articles in which the articles are partially fabricated in a work area which is in portion of a buoyant platform and at least partially below the level of water within which the platform is located, the partially fabricated article being moved rearwardly through a seal or gland into the water, the seal or gland preventing water ingress to the work area. The article is supported by the rearward portion of the platform which fabrication can continue in the work area.

Abstract: An underwater construction which includes a concrete base slab and a protective wall. The lower end of the protective wall remains somewhat in the concrete cast of the base slab. The protective wall is formed by vertically extending elements. Water may be pumped from the space within the protective wall to produce a dry space.

Abstract: An artificial island located on the high sea is formed of a support structure and a platform mounted on the upper end of the support structure. During erection, the support structure, not completed for its full height, is moved into position and founded on the ocean floor. The platform is floated into position and mounted on the upper end of the support structure. The height of the support structure is then extended until the final height is reached. During the completion of the upper end of the support structure, the platform is lifted so that it remains on top of the support structure. A housing is provided around the upper end of the support structure so that it can be sealed from the environment for completing the construction of the upper end of the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of casting of repairing concrete under water whereby the concrete (mortar) to be cast to a minimum extent contacts water and leaching of the binding agent is prevented. The purpose of the process according to the invention is achieved such that a "plug" of liquid organic material based on a reactive or non-reactive synthetic resin or other organic carrier having a suitable viscosity, good cohesion and poor water solubility and with a specific gravity higher than water, but less than cement-based concrete, is introduced into the bottom of a tight formwork to contact a support cement-based concrete having a good flowability is then introduced below the surface level of the plug, the introduction initially being effected in the very plug.

Abstract: A drilling rig comprises a platform (10) supported above a sea surface (14) by legs which extend to the sea bottom (16). A drill guide (30) of rigid open framework construction extends down from the platform to the sea bottom. The drill guide is only minimally affected by turbulent sea conditions because of its open framework construction. A hardenable substance such as concrete (54) is poured into a flexible bag (50) at the lower end of the drill guide to form a solid structure conforming to the uneven sea bottom and having a substantially flat upper surface. Drilling takes place through the hardenable substance and into the underlying sea bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a free standing structure in a body of water, comprising the steps of attaching an impervious membrane to a floating formwork, filling the membrane with water thereby expanding it, partially filling the expanded membrane with non-hardenable particulate material which settles to form a body within the expanded membrane resting on the bed of the body of water, removing water from the particulate body so that the body of water exerting a confining pressure on the particulate body renders it coherent, and filling a remaining upper portion of the expanded membrane with a material which hardens.

Abstract: The structure is made in several "storeys" (D1, D2, D3). These are floated away from their construction site in conventional manner. Once in sufficiently deep water, the storeys are tilted over so that they float on their side, and they are then joined together end-to-end. With tilting and rotating operations performed by suitable ballasting and unballasting of compartments in the storeys, the joining operations can all be performed on members at or near (just above or just below) the surface of the water. Once the storeys are assembled together, the entire structure may be towed on its side to a point of use, and then immersed so that it stands vertically on the sea bed.

Abstract: A method for constructing an offshore platform structure having a plurality of supporting legs inclined inwardly towards each other is disclosed. The entire structure may be constructed in a dry dock, or optionally the lower raft may be constructed in the dry dock and then towed out to a deep water site where the structure is completed. The platform foundation includes a plurality of foundation footings and the lower end of the inclined supporting legs are built in the dry dock. The legs are cast in vertical position using conventional slip forms. Subsequent to the termination of the casting of the inclined legs the supporting legs are tilted towards each other and permanently interconnected at their upper ends. At their lower ends the legs are permanently anchored to the foundation footings. Remaining sections of the legs, if any, may then be cast in any conventional manner, preferably using slip forming.

Abstract: Submerged cavities such as occur in jacketed pilings in offshore structures are grouted by the sequential use of materials with initially decreasing densities, the heaviest of which is lighter than water, followed by the use of conventional grouting materials of greater density. The first material is quick setting and generally water-immiscible. Water is thus displaced downwardly out of the cavity by the lighter material. The first material is forced to the bottom of the cavity and allowed to set as a plug to support the conventional grouting materials.