Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for a flush-mounted vehicle control barrier having a shallow foundation. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a vehicle control barrier includes a sub-frame, a wedge plate, and an actuator mechanism that is coupled to the sub-frame and disposed within an interior space of the sub-frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and carriage therefore for installing a foundation support such as a helical anchor or pier. One embodiment includes a base, a boom, and a carriage. The carriage may include a carriage frame and a mount pivotably connected to the carriage frame. The mount may include a rotatable ring in which a motor drive unit may be attached.

Abstract: A pier bracket comprises a metal bar having a plurality of bolt holes formed through a top half of the metal bar and a plurality of opposingly faced barbs extending from planar side surfaces in a lower half of the metal bar. The barbs are configured to provide asymmetrical resistance force to movement of the pier bracket when received within an aperture formed in a concrete pier or footing.

Abstract: Designs and methods for a modular foundation provide a strong and secure foundation in a time efficient and cost efficient manner. The modular foundation can include a cap structure having one or more pile guides coupled together. The modular foundation can further include piles that extend through the pile guides and into the ground. The cap structure and pile guides can be configured to use both vertical and angled piles. A plurality of connectors can connect the cap structure to the piles. The resulting foundation can be used to support various superstructures.

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: Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support. a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material.

Abstract: A building system that includes a plurality of screw piles (34, 36) positioned in the ground and one or more perimeter beams (16), wherein at least part of the perimeter beam (16) has a sloped lower surface (66, 68). The sloped lower surface of the perimeter beams (16) can divert swelling soils away from the perimeter beam (16). The swelling soils can be diverted into voids.

Abstract: A device is described for a foundation to be placed in a sea bed, comprising a housing-formed, downwardly open, coat-forming construction set up for placing in the sea bed, said construction comprises a top part, and the top part comprises an extended hollow body (140) that stretches a distance into the inside of the construction. The invention is characterised in that the length of the inner pipe is shorter or longer than the length of the coat. When the inner pipe is shorter, its length is of the order of 10-90% of the length of the skirt 10, preferably 25 to 60%, and most preferred 50%. When the inner pipe is longer, its length is more than 100% and up to 300% of the length of the outer coat (10), preferably 150 to 200% and most preferred 300%. A method and different applications are also described.

Abstract: An security barrier underground footing (12), and a security barrier post (10) are provided. The footing (12) comprises a substantially vertical shaft (16) having a back plate (14) and a foot plate (18) both arranged substantially perpendicular to the shaft (16) and extending to at least one side thereof. In use, the footing (12) is at least partially buried. The back plate (14) is attached to the rear facing side of the shaft (16) away from which an impact will occur and is located at a position that, in use, is flush with or slightly below a surface in which the footing (12) is buried, and the foot plate (18) is towards the lower end of the shaft (16), at a position spaced from the back plate (16).

Abstract: Described herein are methods of improving the durability of concrete by the infusion of the concrete with a low-viscosity oligomeric solution, and subsequent curing of the oligomeric solution to form a high toughness polymer. Also described herein are compositions containing concrete and high toughness polymers, and formed articles made from concrete and high toughness polymers. The methods and compositions are useful for improving the durability of concrete roads and structures, as well as the durability of repairs to concrete roads.

Abstract: The proposed invention is a flood and wind resistant building foundation. The building construction consists of an attached superstructure to a buoyant raft foundation with steel pipe anchor and bent steel plate guide assemblies attached at the foundation corners. The raft foundation is uniformly supported on grade during dry conditions, and on water during flood conditions. The corner anchor/guide assemblies resist wind forces during dry conditions, and provide lateral stability during flood conditions. The raft foundation has plumbing trenches and access space that permit continued use of the building utilities during a flood. This building is made with standard, light weight, low technology construction materials and products with a cost comparable to traditional construction.

Abstract: A foundation wall vapor barrier system comprising a wall vapor barrier extending vertically along an interior portion of a foundation wall to resist moisture transfer through the foundation wall. The wall vapor barrier includes a non-woven fibrous core layer, a moisture impervious solid top layer bonded to and completely covering a first side of the core layer, a moisture impervious solid bottom layer bonded to a second side of the core layer opposite the first side, and, an adhesion strip defined by an absence of the bottom layer along a portion of the second side exposing the core layer for receiving adhesive to secure the wall vapor barrier to the foundation wall. A fire retardant low-VOC compliant non-solvent adhesive is disposed in the adhesion strip mounting the core layer to the foundation wall without mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: Unstable ground is found in many situations in many locations around the world and causes such locations to be unsuitable for building without further support or stabilization. Unstable ground, such as landfills, can be used for beneficial purposes as opposed to laying dormant. A segmented ballast base support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to support free-standing structures, such as solar power collection systems and wind turbines. The segmented ballast base support structure can be deployed at unstable ground sites without digging or expensive filling stabilization techniques. Segments of the base support structure can be precast at an offsite location and transported to a site in segments and sections. The segmented base support structure allows for a cost effective solution to digging, as well as an easier method of shipping and transporting structures that would otherwise have to be built on site.

Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.

Abstract: A method of raising a building with respect to the ground; the method including the steps of: forming a mat having a number of through holes; inserting a foundation pile through each hole; fitting each foundation pile with a lifting device; exerting thrust on the foundation piles by means of the lifting devices to raise the building with respect to the ground; and fixing each foundation pile axially to the mat once the building is raised; the lifting devices are divided into three equivalent, symmetrical, independent work groups; and the lifting devices of one work group at a time are activated simultaneously, so that the building is raised isostatically, by simultaneously activating the lifting devices of one work group at a time, while the lifting devices of the other two work groups are left idle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support, a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one support pier, at least one housing, a seal plate, and at least one support sleeve. The seal plate is positioned within the at least one housing and its outer peripheries are sealingly engaged with the inner surfaces of the at least one housing. The at least one housing and the seal plate are positioned within the at least one support pier. The at least one support sleeve is encased within the slab foundation and its lower end is positioned in abutting contact with the housing. A port is located in and extends through the upper end of the housing and into a cavity between the housing and the seal plate. The at least one housing is capable of movement upward relative to the seal plate.

Abstract: A novel simplified system for protecting a crawlspace against the entry of sub-soil water vapor and external ground water from the crawlspace walls and floor and for completely isolating the crawlspace from water vapor from the ground. The present system comprises applying over the floor of the crawlspace, generally a dirt floor but sometimes a poured concrete floor, a continuous durable embossed plastic drainage panel, and extending the drainage panel vertically-upwardly to cover and seal the interior peripheral foundation walls enclosing the crawlspace to an elevation at least slightly greater than the elevation of the ground in contact with the exterior surfaces of the peripheral walls and preferably to the tops of the peripheral walls. This encapsulates the dirt surface of the entire crawlspace against the penetration of external ground water or floor water and also sub-soil water and water vapor and provides a water drainage space beneath the drainage panel for the escape of water and vapor therefrom.

Abstract: A process of decontamination of sediment particles to reduce active pollutant components through particle size reduction and stabilization treatment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of subsurface support devices, interior underpin brackets, and systems and methods for elevating a settled or settling structure are disclosed. One embodiment comprises an interior underpin bracket. One such bracket comprises: a support shaft having a bore adapted to receive an underpin pipe; and at least two support arms pivotally fixed to the support shaft, the support arms adjustable between a retracted position in which the support arms are disposed parallel to the support shaft and an extended position in which the support arms are disposed perpendicular to the support shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforcement of foundation which comprises at least two base steel plates arranged to be upright with respect to the ground and shaped as a plate with a cutaway formed at a top portion thereof, a reinforced steel plate coupled to upper portions of both ends of the base steel plates, fastening steel rods placed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the base steel plate and coupled to the reinforced steel plate, and a connection steel rod bored sequentially through the base steel plates and coupled to the base steel plates. According to the present invention, huge concentrated load exerted on a foundation can be uniformly distributed, and thus, load transmitted from a pillar or column installed on the foundation can be stably supported. Further, the thickness of foundation can also be reduced as compared with the prior art, and thus, the excavation can be made shallow. Accordingly, the period and expense of construction can be reduced.

Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foundation-unit structure of a structural object such as a retaining wall installed fixedly on a foundation ground, in which the foundation ground is formed therein with a concavity, a sliding resistive element is placed within the concavity, and at least the front surface side of the sliding resistive element is filled with a grain-sized material so as to form a layer thereof, and an internal frictional angle of the grain-sized material forming the grain-sized material layer is equal to or greater than that of a grain-sized material comprising the ground and supporting the grain-sized material layer, and the grain-sized material layer exerts a reaction force (passive) via the sliding resistive element so as to reinforce a sliding resistance of the structural object mounted on the grain-sized material layer. In this way, a retaining wall excellent in a sliding preventive function is provided.

Abstract: Vertical segmented support and media consolidation plates swingably mounted about pivot points on the vertical segmented support, incorporate media-facing surfaces swingable outwardly from the vertical support means into the surrounding media. Varying segmented lengths form the segmented vertical segmented support. The novel segmented apparatus and installation method further provide for a centering collar 113, an anchor positioning means at level force pivoting plates 194, and pivoting plates 194 positioned 40-50 degrees from vertical. A frusto-cone 197 dx equal to a predetermined distance of one-half inch forms gap 204. The novel method installs an anchor and foundation device in the earth by preparing a hole in the earth, lowering into the hole a segmented anchor or foundation device having swingable media facing plates, and applying force to swing the plates outwardly into the surrounding media.

Abstract: A structure to strengthen a house against earth movement, such as earthquake. The house can be known as the central house. In one embodiment, there is a slab under the house. The central house has a number of neighboring houses around it. There is also a slab under each of the neighboring houses. The slab under the central house can be known as the central slab, and the slabs of the neighboring houses can be known as the neighboring slabs. At least one carbon nanotube wire is embedded in each slab. The at least one carbon nanotube wire in the central slab is connected to two of the carbon nanotube wires in neighboring slabs.

Abstract: An anchor system for a structure which experiences periodic buoyancy situations. The anchor system has a member connected at one end to a foundation and the other end to the buoyant structure. The member restricts movement of the buoyant structure in the transverse and longitudinal directions. The system allows the buoyant structure to move vertically between an upper and lower limit.

Abstract: A system and method of repairing or reinforcing an existing structure using a reaction force of pressurizing means are provided. In a state in which structure supporting means, such as a steel pile, is pressed fit into the ground located under an existing structure to reach a predetermined rigid bearing layer, and the existing structure is lifted by the structure supporting means, a target portion for repair or reinforcement can be repaired or reinforced, irrespective of the construction site or space, without causing any harmful environmental impact.

Abstract: This invention comprises a wind turbine foundation with a hollow central body in the shape of a truncated cone which has an upper flange or a pedestal to connect with the tower (not shown), and a lower slab in the shape of a plane ring. In the preferred embodiment, the foundation leans the interior surface of the cone and the lower slab on earth from the local terrain, which takes on the role of permanent formwork; in an alternative embodiment, the interior of the foundation is left hollow and accommodates components of the wind turbine within it; and in a final alternative embodiment, the foundation is placed over the surface of the terrain which supports only the base of the lower slab, the central body not being buried.

Abstract: A piling device including a support frame and a footing for mounting the frame. A mechanism for gripping a pile and a mechanism for driving the pile into the ground is provided. Each of the mechanisms can be connected to and supported by the frame, and a pivotal connection can be made. The frame can include an opening for removing the device from around pile while the footing can enable movement of the device.

Abstract: An anchor member securing system includes a securing member and a rebar cage structure secured to the member. The securing system may include at least a first foundation placement guide. The anchor members may comprise mudsill anchors and anchor bolts, and the system provides more exact placement of the member or members in a foundation.

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 pile foundation, wherein a foundation structure is built on the ground, and has at least one through hole, and a connecting member fixed to the foundation structure, adjacent to the hole, and having at least one portion projecting upwards; a pile is inserted through the hole; and a number of thrusts are applied statically on the pile, to drive the pile into the ground, by means of a thrust device, which is located over the pile, cooperates with a top end of the pile, and is connected to the projecting portion of the connecting member which, when driving the pile, acts as a reaction member for the thrust device.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing a foundation structure including the steps of forming foundation trenches in the ground; and heating the ground defining the trenches sufficiently to irreversibly change the properties of the ground defining the trenches. In the case where the ground consists primarily of clay, it is heated to a temperature above a level where the ground is baked into a brick-like consistency, wherein the structural water of crystallisation is removed and any carbonaceous material and Fe is oxidised. If the ground consists primarily of sand, it is heated to a temperature above its vitrification point wherein mullite (AI6Si2O13) begins to form. The method includes the further step of pre-treating the ground by adding an additive such as potash or slaked lime to the soil, prior to the step of heating.

Abstract: Non-cementitious tower foundations and structures, kits and methods for making the non-cementitious tower foundations. Aspects of the present invention operate to decouple the required mass for the foundation from the structural components needed to resist compression and tension forces. Aspects of the present invention include a foundation structure made of structural components for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower. This foundation structure may be filled with non-cementitious fill of any type to provide the required mass to stabilize the foundation and the tower. A non-cementitious tower foundation structure includes a central shaft; a storage tank; and structural members coupling the central shaft to the storage tank. The storage tank comprises one or more voids for containing non-cementitious fill as ballast to stabilize the central shaft. The total volume capacity of the voids may be at least a threshold volume.

Abstract: A circular concrete cap foundation poured in-situ within a perimeter forming corrugated metal pipe set atop or within an excavated pit and enclosing a series of circumferentially spaced pile anchors. The circular concrete cap foundation supports sets of inner and outer circumferentially spaced tower anchor bolts having their lower ends anchored to an embedded anchor ring and their upper ends projecting vertically and upwardly out the top of the circular foundation to engage the base flange of a supported tower. The pile anchors are formed with perimeter corrugated metal pipes set deep in subsurface soils with cementitious material surrounding and partially bonding to a centralized steel bolt or tendon which extends through the cap foundation. The tower anchor bolts and the pile anchor bolts are both partially encased in a PVC sleeve so that the bolts can be post-tensioned. The pile anchors are in tension only and serve to pull the cap foundation down to compress the underlying ground soils.

Abstract: A system and method for elevating a construction implement relative to a surface under construction includes erecting a support post having a generally hollow cavity on the surface under construction, such as a dam. A quantity of granular material is then dumped into the hollow cavity of the support post. The support post and, specifically, the construction implement, is then jacked to a desired height relative to the surface. A portion of the granular material is then permitted to disperse through and beneath the support post thereby creating a higher support structure on which the support post may then rest. This process may be repeated as the construction progresses and the surface is gradually raised.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is to present a method in which holes (1) are drilled into the ground for the injection of highly expansive grouts (5), so that the subsoil is void filled and compacted and thus the liquefaction potential under earthquake and vibration forces are reduced.

Abstract: A method of construction using sheet piling sections that includes the steps of: (a) installing a sheet piling wall in the ground to enclose a first area and a second area; (b) excavating a plurality of holes in the first area; (c) excavating the second area; (d) installing a plurality of first area structural supports; (e) leveling the first area; (f) forming a first floor in the first area; (g) excavating the first area to form a first area chamber; (h) leveling the bottom surface of the first area chamber; (i) forming a first area chamber floor; (j) repeating steps (g) through (i); (k) installing a plurality of second area structural supports; (l) forming a bottom floor in the excavated second area; (m) forming a ceiling above the bottom floor to form a second area chamber; and (n) repeating step (m) until a plurality of second area chambers are formed.

Abstract: A protective covering and method for enclosing a pier and a post mounted to the pier and their connection that includes a body having perimeter wall defining a top end and a bottom end, an upper aperture disposed around the top end, a lower aperture disposed around the bottom end, and a cavity and a seal disposed proximate the upper aperture for compressively engaging an outer surface of the post.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing and lifting subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of buildings or other structures, and, in particular, to the slab pier and bracket which are used in the repair and support of said subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of building or other structures. In a specific embodiment, the subject method and apparatus can include a bracket, top piece, and pier column. In this embodiment, the subject apparatus can use these components as the means for lifting the subsided slab.

Abstract: Cellular foil (3) is unfolded between the surface of earth base course (1) and the first floor layer (5) during building the subsoil, which cellular foil (3) is poured over with fill (4) from loose material at least up to filling the compartments. A bedding (2) from loose material, optimally from sand, is created under the cellular foil (3). Geotextile (6) may be incorporated to the area under the cellular foil (3). Bedding (2) of lower grain size than that of the fill (4) is preferably used, wherein the fill (4) has optimal grain size of 8 to 63 mm. Compaction is done by at least eight travels of roller of 10 to 11 tons weight, also including vibrations when the height of fills is exceeding 25 cm above the cellular foil (3).

Abstract: A foundation watering system is provided having a water supply, a water distribution system, a hygrometer and a controller that allows water from the water supply to flow into the water distribution system based upon data from the hygrometer.

Abstract: A lateral force resistance device for a ground achoring system suitably used in expansive soils has an inner sleeve structure and an outer collar connected to the inner sleeve structure by a plurality of load transfer members such as longitudinal load transfer plates. The lateral force resistance device is embedded in the soil over a ground anchor, such as a helical anchor, by sliding the inner sleeve structure of the device over the top end of the anchor and using an embedment method involving vibration, pushing or other technique. The outer collar of the lateral force resistance device provides a relatively large surface area displaced from the inner sleeve structure for providing efficient load transfer to the surrounding soil.

Abstract: In this invention, after a hole has been drilled or excavated, injection probe(s) are placed at appropriate depth(s), the excavated native materials are replaced with appropriately sized crushed rock or other natural or synthetic materials, and then a polymeric resin is injected through the probe(s) to encapsulate and bind the fill material, whereby upon curing the polymeric resin and fill material forms a foam friction pile. Such friction piles drilled or excavated adjacent to each other will form a foam sheet piling system. The foam piles can also be re-enforced using nylon, polypropylene, fiberglass, other synthetic or non-synthetic materials or combinations of these materials. The polymeric resin typically would comprise a high density closed cell, water resistant expanding two component polyurethane foam system.

Abstract: A slotted mandrel is used in displacement pier construction. Longitudinal slots are formed in the sides of the hollow mandrel which allow for the introduction of aggregate efficiently into the mandrel from a hopper through which the mandrel passes while being driven into the ground. Water may also be employed with the aggregate. Once in the ground the mandrel is raised to release the aggregate (and water if present) into the formed hole in lifts and a mandrel head then compacts the aggregate in the hole. This apparatus and method obviates the need for complicated and expensive hoppers that are raised with the mandrel or the use of expensive aggregate delivery systems.

Abstract: A lift bracket system for lifting a building structure such as a foundation and the like comprising a lift plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface for insertion under the building structure; a generally cylindrical housing affixed to the lift plate and extending perpendicularly from the top surface and the bottom surface of the lift plate, the housing defining a generally circular opening through the lift plate, the opening being disposed away from the center of the lift plate; and at least one gusset for supporting the lift plate, the gusset having a first end and a second end, the gusset disposed beneath the lift plate, wherein the first end of the gusset is attached to the bottom surface of the lift plate and the second end of the gusset is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A novel foundation system, method of manufacture and method of implementation are disclosed, comprising a simplified cast structure/pile combination advantageously shaped for selective positioning in different soil conditions to become a supporting foundation. In at least one aspect, the shape comprises a cavity or shaped recess that is initially empty, and operable to accept soil displaced by soil heave. The cavity preferably is configured to have a depth estimated to be equal to or greater that an estimated vertical heave displacement of a given site soil, in order to minimize soil heave displacement of the cast structure/pile combination. In at least one other aspect, the shape comprises a portion configured to cleave soil if the soil heaves.

Abstract: A foundation system for a manufactured building structure includes a pier for attaching the building structure to a foundation.

Abstract: The present invention is for a pier that supports a foundation. The pier includes a pier shaft, a bracket mounted to a top end of the pier shaft that supports the weight of the foundation, and a pair of braces that extend laterally from the pier shaft and mount to the foundation.

Abstract: A pier boot is fabricated for installation around a pier in the crawlspace of a building. The pier boot includes a substantially impermeable polymer sheet. The polymer sheet has a flange portion and two or more slits therein. The slits define flap portions of the polymer sheet, and the slits each have an end that defines a hinge in the polymer sheet. The pier boot is installed around a pier in order to optimize the seal around that pier when constructing a conditioned crawlspace.