Abstract: A method of building an underground structure using concrete columns to be vertically installed at corners and at positions between the corners and concrete panels to be filled between adjacent concrete columns. The method comprises the steps of determining positions for the concrete columns, digging a trench for a guide composed of outer and inner frames, drilling holes for the columns, the holes being deeper than a level where the concrete panels are placed, installing the columns into the holes and setting with concrete, removing the outer frame of the guide, deepening the trench, fitting concrete panels between the columns, installing a reinforcing metal beam using concrete on the columns and panels to prevent inward buckling, and removing the inner frame of the guide after the concrete on the reinforcing beam has set.

Abstract: A building foundation is formed by a plurality of pre-cast concrete elements. Each of the pre-cast elements has a length corresponding to the length of a corresponding side or leg of the foundation perimeter. The foundation includes a plurality of pre-cast concrete footing pads that are dispersed along the perimeter and specifically at the corners of the foundation. The pre-cast foundation elements rest on the footing pads and are contiguously arranged to complete the foundation. A bonding agent can be introduced into the joints between adjacent foundation elements to seal the joint. Alternatively, or in addition, mechanical fasteners can be used to interconnect adjacent panels. Certain ones of the pre-cast foundation elements define an integral brick ledge, with varying configurations to ensure continuity of the brick ledge around the corners of the foundation. In a method of the invention, a trench around the perimeter is dug and the pre-cast concrete elements laid in place with a crane.

Abstract: A durable frost heave damage preventive structure of underground structures applicable easily and at low cost to many different kinds of underground structures. The frost heave damage preventive structure includes a plate-like reaction member (7) provided at the bottom of an underground structure (1) approximately in parallel to a freezing front in the ground.

Abstract: The system for attaching a reinforcing band to a wall (2) of a reinforced supporting structure comprises a winding support (10) for the reinforcing band and two staples (11a, 11b) for fixing the winding support (10) to the wall (2), which are formed from a loop of non-corrodible material. The placement device comprises a template for shaping the loop and forming the two staples (11a, 11b), two pairs of collars, mounted on the template and intended for laterally holding the two staples (11a, 11b) respectively along the template, and two spacers, each extending between the collars of one pair to ensure a parallel arrangement between the two branches of each staple (11a, 11b).

Abstract: A fixed construction (10) comprises rigid piles (12) and a monolithic concrete floor slab resting (14) on the piles. The floor slab comprises straight zones connecting in the two directions, i.e. lengthwise and broadwise, the shortest distance between the areas of the floor slab above the piles. The floor slab (14) is reinforced by a combination of: (a) fibers (22) distributed over the volume of the floor slab (14); (b) and steel rods (16, 16′) with a yield strength of at least 690 MPa and being located in those straight zones. This construction reduces considerably the amount of reinforcement steel, increases the bearing capacity and enables to reduce the time for making such a construction.

Abstract: A covering plate assembly includes a bottom plate secured to an upper side of a cross reinforced plate that is in turn secured to the upper end of a pipe pile. A plurality of reinforcing rods are secured to the upper surface of the bottom plate and extend vertically from the bottom plate. The rods may be secured to the bottom plate by either welding or threaded engagement. The bottom plate may also be secured to the cross reinforced plate by either threaded engagement or welding.

Abstract: A integrated scheduling method for installing modified precast building columns, first floor grade slab and supporting beams prior to site excavation, and to use these components, together with specialized shoring panels and/or modified exterior wall panels, which are installed simultaneously with the excavation, and together with underground floor structures and beams, as a shoring system during excavation. The shoring or wall panels are forced downwardly to support the excavation sides as excavation proceeds downwards, avoiding the necessity of a conventional shoring system.

Abstract: A process of installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of forming a receptacle in a first pile segment, affixing an end of a strand into the receptacle such that the strand extends outwardly from the first pile segment, sliding a second pile segment onto the strand until the second pile segment contacts a surface of the first pile segment, and driving the second pile segment a desired distance into the earth. The receptacle is formed in the first pile segment while the first pile segment is in the earth. The step of affixing an end ofthe strand includes the steps of introducing a structural adhesive into a hole formed in the first pile segment, introducing an end of the strand into the hole such that the adhesive contacts the strand and the pile segment, and solidifying the adhesive around the end of the strand such that the end of the strand is rigidly and non-removably secured within the hole in the pile segment.

Abstract: This invention relates to generally to geosynthetic materials which can be used for earthen reinforcement, and more particularly to a novel geosynthetic material exhibiting less strain under an initial tensile load then presently available geosynthetic materials.

Abstract: An improvement for use with a pier installation apparatus of the type employed in lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. The invention comprises a mounting beam assembly for mounting hydraulic power cylinders in a straddling position around a pier to be driven into the ground by the installation apparatus. The beam assembly is a planar member having a central opening for receiving the pier therethrough. It is comprised of opposing plate members upon which the hydraulic cylinders are mounted. The plate members each have an opening which allows passage through of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The mounting beam assembly allows for lateral placement around a pier in the installation apparatus, and may be completely disassembled for quick and efficient installation and removal.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for raising and supporting an edge of a foundation includes a lifting saddle slidably received over a pier that is driven into the ground adjacent the edge of the foundation, a bracket supported by the lifting saddle and adapted to be affixed to and to support the foundation, and a load transfer device configured to be supported atop an upper end of the pier. The lifting saddle is connected to the load transfer device by threaded rods slidably received through the load transfer device. The bracket is pivotally connected to the lifting saddle such that the bracket can rock side-to-side, thus self-aligning and remaining aligned with the foundation during a lifting operation. The bracket can also pivot about a vertical axis and can slide in a forward or rearward direction relative to the lifting saddle. The lifting saddle can pivot relative to the pier about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A building foundation is formed by a plurality of pre-cast concrete elements. Each of the pre-cast elements has a length corresponding to the length of a corresponding side or leg of the foundation perimeter. The foundation includes a plurality of pre-cast concrete footing pads that are dispersed along the perimeter and specifically at the corners of the foundation. The pre-cast foundation elements rest on the footing pads and are contiguously arranged to complete the foundation. A bonding agent can be introduced into the joints between adjacent foundation elements to seal the joint. Alternatively, or in addition, mechanical fasteners can be used to interconnect adjacent panels. Certain ones of the pre-cast foundation elements define an integral brick ledge, with varying configurations to ensure continuity of the brick ledge around the corners of the foundation. In a method of the invention, a trench around the perimeter is dug and the pre-cast concrete elements laid in place with a crane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique wherein a sliding member is disposed between a supporting portion formed on a head of a pile and a binding portion formed on a bottom of a footing. Thus, the binding portion of the head of the pile acts as a roller bearing structure or a pin structure, thereby making it possible to relatively slidingly move in a horizontal direction or slidingly rotate the footing and the pile. As a result, the present invention can prevent damage or destruction in applying a great external force such as an earthquake to the structure, enhance execution and achieve low-cost by means of decreasing the amount of reinforcing steel used.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing moisture content of soil around and beneath the foundation of a building. The system includes a source of pressurized water; one or more conduits buried in the soil around the building foundation, at least a portion of soil conduit being pervious to water, allowing water therein to enter said soil; and a remotely operated valve connecting the source of water to the conduits to permit or prevent flow of water, respectively, from the source of water to the conduits. A controller is operatively connected to the remotely operated valve for transmitting signals to the valve for opening and closing thereof in a predetermined time cycle. At least one soil moisture sensitive device is operatively connected to the controller and/or the valve for interrupting signals transmitted to the valve, to prevent opening of the valve when the moisture content of the soil exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An improvement for a bracket assembly of the type used in lifting and supporting a foundation upon a pier is provided. An adjustable brace member is provided in the bracket assembly to decrease the available front to back space within the bracket to prevent movement of the retained pier within the bracket so as to reduce bending moment on the pier. The brace member comprises a slot disposed within a top of the bracket, which receives one or more locking tabs to retain the pier. Threaded bolts which enable the bracket to engage and be supported on the pier are received in elongated holes on the bracket to allow positioning of the lifting and support hardware directly over the pier. The modified bracket assembly allows for the replacement of any size or configuration of pier.

Abstract: A perimeter-wall foundation is created by attaching galvanized-steel corrugated panels to an in-place structure. The freely hanging bottom edges of the panels, which have continuous deformation specific to the enhancement of bearing and anchorage within concrete, are cast in-situ with footing concrete, so becoming a cast-in-place perimeter-wall foundation, capable of residential-scale bearing and shear loadings. The panels can have screened ventilation built into the top, utilizing corrugation flute apertures, or they can be thermally optimized for cold climates.

Abstract: A method for underpinning a building comprises arranging at least one elongated supporting element below and substantially parallel to the foundation of the building. A whole side wall of the building may thus be underpinned in a single operation without unnecessarily weakening the existing underground. By coupling a plurality of elongated supporting elements, a kind of large-surface foundation that securely supports the building can be created. The architectonic substance of very old buildings may thus be preserved in a non-aggressive manner. In addition, the underpinning method can be carried out very quickly and at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of block-like building elements which may be bolted to each other to form a variety of support structures without the use of heavy hoisting equipment. Some of the building elements have a generally U-shaped appearance when viewed in plan, i.e., the building elements are open or slotted on one side so that a hydraulic cylinder or other lifting device may be inserted into the interior of the building element, or into a post formed from a stack of connected building elements. The lifting device may be used to preload the support structure. Advantageously, the lifting device may be used to progressively lift a load to a higher elevation by elevating the load a sufficient distance to enable the addition of an additional building element. The lifting device may then be repositioned within the structure for further elevating the load.

Abstract: A foundation lifting and support system and method according to which two mounting units are attached underneath the foundation and to a wall of the foundation, respectively. A piling is inserted thougb support sleeves of the mounting units and, and a load is applied by a hydraulic unit to the pilings to drive the pilings to bedrock. After resistance is encountered, an additional load is applied to raise the foundation and the foundation is secured in the raised position. The additional load can be applied by the same unit that applied the driving load or by a different unit.

Abstract: An undercut excavation method is provided, which is particularly suitable as an undercut-and-fill mining method, wherein concrete posts are inserted into holes drilled in the ground and are used to support a concrete floor poured on their top ends, which serves as a roof for the lower excavation level. The bottom ends of these posts rest on resilient elements to provide protection against seismic events or excessive ground movements. Excavation beneath such roof is thereby safely carried out in areas prone to seismic events such as rock bursts or earth quakes or to excessive ground movements. The concrete posts may be attached to the resilient elements at their bottom ends, thereby producing yielding posts suitable for such excavation. For still greater safety, a double post system may be used, which involves placing a second post beside the first after excavation on a given level and tying them all together with the concrete used to make the floor/roof for the next lower level of excavation.

Abstract: Heavy duty mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable positions on a heavy duty mobile push-it tower. The heavy duty mobile push-it tower and metal foundation holder and push-it carriage mounted on the heavy duty tower are attached to a track roller frame tractor structure. The push-it tower is attached to the track roller frame tractor structure by a hydraulically activated tractor boom arm, a pivot point on the tower, and a hydraulic cylinder for rotating and positioning the tower about the pivot attachment point.

Abstract: An excavation support structure has a vertical face and includes an array of two or more soil-cement columns positioned internal to the vertical face. The columns are positioned within the array so that each of the columns is not connected by soil-cement to any other column. Soil surrounds the soil-cement columns except where the soil-cement columns meet the vertical surface. The soil-cement columns are distributed within the support structure so as to form a composite structure with the soil.

Abstract: An insulated concrete slab assembly for use over expansive soils. A slab is cast in place by pouring concrete into preshaped insulating forms. The forms remain permanently in place and provide insulation to reduce heat transfer through the slab. The shape of the forms provides strengthening ribs on the slab. The ribs act as beams which allow the slab to bridge or cantilever over expansive soil between foundation walls. The forms are supported during construction by support members or legs which later prevent damage to the slab by eliminating or limiting the forces which can be applied to the slab by expanding soil.

Abstract: Method of reducing moisture damage to a building having a foundation, such as crawl space or a basement, with a floor that includes excavating a pit in the floor and positioning a plastic liner in the pit. This plastic liner defines a cavity and an inlet intersecting the cavity that is configured to collect water. A space exists between the liner and the pit. A trench is formed in a portion of the floor and configured to intersect the pit. A drain tile is put in the trench that has an outlet engaging the inlet of the liner. A pneumatic conveyor system is positioned outside the crawl space or basement that has an intake and a dispensing outlet. An aggregate source is provided outside the foundation adjacent the intake, and the aggregate generally does not exceed the size of pea gravel. A flexible hose is connected to the dispensing outlet which has a discharge outlet selectively positioned within the crawl space or basement.

Abstract: A flotation system for a building (300) is disclosed including a watertight basement (540) having a unitary piece of concrete forming the floor and walls (615) of the watertight basement (540). Rollers (610) are attached to the watertight basement (540). As floodwater rises or recedes, the rollers (610) roll along guide posts (310) located near corners of the watertight basement (540). Attached to the guide posts (310) are a ratchet system (620) for moving the watertight basement (540) along the guide posts (310) and maintaining it at a desired height. A preferred embodiment includes pressurized cylinders (1550) for lifting the building (300) prior to a surge of floodwater.

Abstract: A basement wall is formed by a series of vertical metal studs supported at their lower ends on a metal sill extending along the upper face of a concrete footing. An insulating sheathing is mounted on the metal studs to form the wall outer surface. The sheathing is formed by two panel layers of rigid foam core insulator material. Edges of the inner panels are offset from the edges of the outer panels to form labyrinth seals preventing migration of ground water through the sheathing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized fluid barrier member and to methods of forming the same. The fluid barrier comprises a first outer sheet member having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a stabilizer element overlying at least part of the first sheet member top surface and abutting the top surface along at least a portion thereof. The stabilizer element contains a plurality of interstitial apertures adapted to contain a quantity of a selectively fluid-impervient barrier material and for substantially preventing displacement of the barrier material from the apertures, notwithstanding the angular inclination at which the fluid barrier member is oriented during manufacture, transport, installation and/or use. The barrier material is chosen for its ability to prevent passage of one or more particular fluids, in liquid or gas form, depending upon the application for which the barrier member is intended.

Abstract: A foundation pier for supporting a movable dwelling, such as a mobile home or commercial coach, is provided with an anchor assembly for positively anchoring the pier to the ground. The invented pier includes a plurality of force distribution members affixed to a base and an adjustment mechanism of the pier. The force distribution members are coupled to the adjustment mechanism for distributing force, including temporarily increased environmental forces applied to the dwelling and to the pier, to prevent the pier from failing. The adjustment mechanism adjusts the height of the pier and includes coupling members for securing the pier to a support beam of the dwelling. Clamp members are affixed to the force distribution members for causing the force distribution members to cooperate with the adjustment mechanism to increase the pier's ability to withstand increased environmental forces.

Abstract: A dynamic, self compensating constant volume deformation support system includes a sealed constant volume containment chamber including a base and a rigid peripheral wall; a load-carrying deformable plate carried by and attached to the peripheral wall; a non-compressible fluid within the containment chamber supporting the plate and responding to a negative deflection created by an applied load to the plate by creating an opposite and offsetting pressure uniformly distributed on the underside of the plate for creating a positive deflection of the plate and producing a net deflection an order of magnitude lower than normally induced by the applied load.

Abstract: The object of the present invention to provide a method for thawing frozen ground for laying concrete primarily at a construction site by use of a continuous length of circulating hose placed on the frozen ground inside and/or adjacent a concrete form or over the area where the concrete will be laid, covering the circulating hose with a layer of aggregate material for insulation from cold air leaving the ends of the circulating hose protruding from the aggregate connecting the ends of the hose to a source of heated liquid to circulate warm liquid through the circulating hose to thaw the frozen ground, laying the concrete over the identified area while continuing to circulate heated liquid in the circulating hose to prevent the concrete from freezing, leaving the portion of the hose in the aggregate under the concrete by cutting the ends protruding from the aggregate, removing the remaining portions of the hose.

Abstract: A prefabricated form for molding a footing of a settable structural material at the bottom end of a tubular form for a structural pillar is disclosed. The form is preferably constructed from a thermoplastic such as a high density polyethylene or ABS and is molded as a single disposable unit. The form is bell-shaped and has a sidewall which is inclined at an angle of about 45.degree. to about 65.degree. with respect to the bottom edge. A top flange of the form is preferably adapted to accommodate two or more different diameters of the tubular form for the structural pillar. The sidewall may include integral ribs which open inwardly to facilitate evacuation of air as the form is filled and to lend rigidity to the sidewall to ensure that it will not collapse if earth is backfilled around the form before the form is filled with settable material.

Abstract: A flotation system for a building (300) is disclosed including a watertight basement (540) having a unitary piece of concrete forming the floor and walls (615) of the watertight basement (540). Rollers (610) are attached to the watertight basement (540). As floodwater rises or recedes, the rollers (610) roll along guide posts (310) located near corners of the watertight basement (540). Attached to the guide posts (310) are a ratchet system (620) for moving the watertight basement (540) along the guide posts (310) and maintaining it at a desired height. One preferred embodiment includes pressurized cylinders (1550) for lifting the building (300) prior to a surge of floodwater. In one embodiment, the floatation system includes pressurized cylinders (1740) for lifting a foundation (1725) and a building structure (1725) off of a concrete slab (1720) prior to a rising floodwater.

Abstract: A seismic damping system for a building structure, comprises a foundation for supporting a structure, a fixed anchor disposed in an accessible position centrally of the foundation, and damping members connected between the foundation and the anchor for damping seismic movement of the foundation.

Abstract: Compression of soft subsoils to support loads such as roadways, widened roadways, etc. with conventionally accomplished product piling surcharge onto the subsoils for a time long enough to compress them. The speed and undesirable compression (which often causes interference with aquifers) can be avoided by installing isolation slabs supported at or near the grade of the subsoil by caps resting on piles driven to sufficient depths to support the intended load. Fill can then be placed on the isolating slabs without the undesirable compression of the subsoil.

Abstract: A method of entombing a nuclear reactor where the reactor with its bio-shield remains intact. An access shaft, several lateral adits, and several chambers below the reactor location are excavated to provide access at underground locations below the reactor. A main cavern is excavated and lined with a lower base, surrounding sidewall, and a roof structure which has thermal plate at its lower surface. Freeze/thaw pipes are erected vertically in the cavern, and these extend through the earth strata below the cavern into a lower operating chamber. The cavern is filled with water which is then frozen, and the earth strata immediately below the reactor and are isolated from the surrounding earth strata and structure. The upper surface of the ice block is melted by the thermal plate in a controlled manner to lower the reactor, after which concrete and other material is used to fill all of the man made cavities and thus entomb the reactor.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable positions on a mobile tower. After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. As the foundation is pushed into the ground, at least one vibrator on said push-it carriage is actuated for vibrating the cylindrical foundation body and longitudinal fins. An auger is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors.

Abstract: In a process of preventing liquefaction of the structure foundation ground, the ground where the structure weight is supposed to produce distribution of relatively large stress in the event of earthquakes is reinforced with a Iron-Lime stabilized soil that is highly resistant to water and is able to connect hard and soft portions in a well balanced manner, thereby forming a buffer layer against impacts to improve safety of the pile foundation and prevent liquefaction of the foundation ground. To this end, the depth at which the load stress due to a structure to be constructed is equal to the bearing capacity of the existing ground is determined, the equivalent depth converted from the aforesaid depth on an assumption that the modulus of deformation is 21,000 kgf/cm.sup.2 is determined, and a refilled portion of the structure underground corresponding to the equivalent depth is formed as a stabilized layer comprising natural soil iron oxide and lime.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the curing of concrete poured under hostile ambient temperature conditions. The apparatus includes a liquid reservoir and pumping system and a number of spaced-apart tube segments overlaid into the forms for receiving the concrete with respective ends of the tubes positioned outside the concrete forms. A liquid manifold is connected to one set of tube ends and a second liquid manifold is connected to the other set of tube ends. The temperature of the liquid in the reservoir is adjusted for optimum curing of concrete, and the liquid is pumped through the tubes after the concrete has been poured; when the concrete hardens the liquid is disconnected, and the tubes are disconnected from the manifolds without removing the tubes from the hardened concrete.

Abstract: A floor is supported above an area of expansive soil by foam blocks defining an elongated channel along a top surface of the foam block. A plurality of supports attached to a bottom surface of each foam block positions the bottom surface of the foam block a predetermined distance above the soil and on a level substantially equal to the level of a flat surface defined by opposing foundation walls. The foam blocks are aligned between the opposing foundation walls and the elongated channels are filled with concrete to form concrete joists extending between the flat surfaces of the opposing foundation walls. The floor is installed on top of the concrete joists and the foam blocks while a void is effectively maintained between the concrete joists and the expansive soil. The supports may be made from a crushable foam material to increase the effective size of the void.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage (2) movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable position on a mobile tower (15). After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. An auger (4) is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors (57) hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger (80) mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors. The second auger can swing laterally to dig a left or right side outboard or satellite anchor hole.

Abstract: A flotation system for a building is disclosed including a watertight basement having a unitary piece of concrete forming the floor and walls of the watertight basement. Rollers are attached to the watertight basement. As floodwater rises or recedes, the rollers roll along guide posts located near corners of the watertight basement. Attached to the guide posts are a ratchet system for moving the watertight basement along the guide posts and maintaining it at a desired height.

Abstract: Method of reducing moisture damage to a building having a foundation crawl space with a floor that includes excavating a pit in the floor and positioning a plastic liner in the pit. This plastic liner defines a cavity and an inlet intersecting the cavity which is configured to collect water. A space exists between the liner and the pit. A trench is formed in a portion of the floor and configured to intersect the pit. A drain tile is put in the trench which has an outlet engaging the inlet of the liner. A pneumatic conveyor system is positioned outside the crawl space which has an intake and a dispensing outlet. An aggregate source is provided outside the crawl space adjacent the intake, and the aggregate generally does not exceed the size of pea gravel. A flexible hose is connected to the dispensing outlet which has a discharge outlet selectively positioned within the crawl space.

Abstract: A self-refrigeration keel-type foundation system for supporting a structure, such as a building floor slab, hot or cold pipelines, bridging foundation and the like, above a permafrost earth strata located below the ground includes at least one and preferably a pair of elongated hollow containers underlying the structure, a load bearing assembly mounted on the upper sides of the containers for supporting the structure in a spaced relation above the containers, and a passive arrangement for transferring heat to the atmosphere above the ground via a heat exchanger unit located above the ground in substantial contact with the atmosphere, from the region of the permafrost earth strata adjacent to and supporting the containers via a natural thermal-siphon flow of refrigerant fluid in a refrigerant flow circuit extending through the containers and heat exchange unit and extending therebetween to thereby maintain the permafrost earth strata in a frozen condition.

Abstract: A nuclear power generation complex constructed on a stratum of rock overlain by soil deposits. All major structures in the power generation complex (i.e., reactor, turbine, radwaste and control buildings) are located on a common mat foundation that houses elastomeric bearings or seismic isolators. The foundation includes a concrete slab supported by a plurality of pedestals. Each of the pedestals is embedded in the rock. Preferably, each pedestal is a circular metal shell filled with underwater-type concrete, and the concrete slab is reinforced with steel bars. For example, a reactor building is supported by one set of seismic isolators mounted on the concrete slab, and a turbine building is supported by another set of seismic isolators mounted on the concrete slab. The isolators filter out a great deal of the seismic vibratory inputs. The common mat foundation eliminates differential movements between the buildings.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable positions on a mobile tower. After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. An auger is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors. The second auger can swing laterally to dig a left or right side outboard or satellite anchor hole. An extensible satellite anchor augering guide and anchor structural support extends and retracts on both sides of the mobile tower.

Abstract: The object of the present invention to provide a method for thawing frozen ground for laying concrete primarily at a construction site by use of a continuous length of circulating hose placed on the frozen ground inside and/or adjacent a concrete form where the concrete will be laid, covering the circulating hose with a layer of aggregate material for insulation from cold air caving the ends of the circulating hose protruding from the aggregate connecting the ends of the hose to a source of heated liquid to circulate warm liquid through the circulating hose to thaw the frozen ground, laying the concrete in the concrete form while continuing to circulate heated liquid in the circulating hose to prevent the concrete from freezing, leaving the portion of the hose in the form under the concrete by cutting the ends protruding from the aggregate, removing the remaining portions of the hose.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an underground water drainage sump system to below a floor slab for protecting the floor slab includes the steps of forming a sump hole below a floor slab of a building, drilling into and removing soil from below the floor slab so as to form a plurality of lateral passageways extending from a central location relative to an outer perimeter of the floor slab, extending the lateral passageways outwardly at two different levels and lengths and alternating therebetween to and beyond a footer at the outer perimeter of the floor slab, inserting a plurality of perforated collection pipes into the lateral passageways, placing a perforated drum into the sump hole such that inner ends of the perforated collection pipes are adjacent to the perforated drum, filling the sump hole around at least the lower portion of the perforated drum with drainage stones, placing a sump pump into the perforated drum, connecting the sump pump to a discharge pipe for transporting the drainage water from the perfor

Abstract: A machine for simultaneously augering and thrusting an anchor into the ground for later attachment of a utility pole or road sign. A vehicle is used to transport the thruster machine with a hydraulic control system such that a rail track is moved into thrusting position and locked in place. A winch, plus a system of hydraulic pistons will raise and lower an auger and thrusting device into the position desired. With an anchor affixed to the bottom of a platform, the auger is then used to drill out the dirt and other material so that the anchor may be more easily inserted into the ground. The thrusting process is facilitated by an indexing feature contained within the platform. A series of hydraulic pistons drive the anchor into the ground until fully stroked, whereupon the platform is re-indexed as needed to completely sink the anchor. Furthermore, a counter-thrust device may also be employed to stabilize the vehicle during the thrusting operation.

Abstract: A basement wall is formed by a series of vertical metal studs supported at their lower ends on a metal sill extending along the upper face of a concrete footing. An insulating sheathing is mounted on the metal studs to form the wall outer surface. The sheathing is formed by two panel layers of rigid foam core insulator material. Edges of the inner panels are offset from the edges of the outer panels to form labyrinth seals preventing migration of ground water through the sheathing.

Abstract: A railroad crossing signal foundation has upright guide rods (19) to which an upper frame member (14) and a lower frame member (15) are mounted. A concrete reinforcement gridwork (16,17) is supported on the lower frame. After erection in a ground hole, concrete is poured into the hole to a fill plane defined by the upper frame member (14) so as to embed the frame member and gridwork and a portion of the guide rods located below the fill plane.