Abstract: A concrete footing/foundation retainment co-features integral (unitary) drainage means. Two preferred embodiments present, first, a rigid, environmentally nondegradable and free-standable footing/foundation concrete retainment form similar to an ordinary plank but featuring a hollow core which communicates through a multiplicity of foramens (holes) with only one face of the plank, the other being smooth and generally unrelieved in character. The second preferred embodiment presents a similar plank bearing a colinear, foraminous conduit adjacent one margin of the plank and permanently joined with the plank member. Thus, in the second embodiment, only one face is essentially smooth and unrelieved, while the other, in cross-section, appears bulbous. The bulbous feature may take on any conceivable geometric definition ranging from a semi-tubular to a rectangular conduit shape.

Abstract: A pier driving assembly is disclosed which supports the foundation under compression forces. The pier driving assembly includes a driving pier bracket which drives the pier pipes into the ground, a pier head which is placed on the pier pipe after the pipe has been driven to bedrock and the pier driving bracket assembly has been removed, and a loading bracket which gives the final lift to the foundation to make it level. When complete, all that is left in the ground is the pier and the pier head. The pier driving bracket and loading bracket are removed when their use is completed. This assembly allows for easy access to the pier should the building settle again.

Abstract: An equipment for excavating and constructing straight or circular continuous monolithic structural walls, comprises a motor driven vehicle provided with a support structure for substaining a beam which is orientable about a vertical and horizontal axis, a slide on one side of the beam, an excavator mounted onto the slide and comprising a chain that is substantially vertical in an operative position, a framework provided with vibrators and carried by the slide following the excavator and a hose meant to convey concrete following the excavator inside the excavation.

Abstract: A ground surface contour modifying apparatus and method which includes a plurality of independent, selectively actuable hydraulic elements positioned below the surface of a defined area of ground. Selective actuation of the hydraulic elements enables modification of the contours of the overlying ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for influencing the interaction between a layer of earth and a structure situated in association with the layer of earth. What is characteristic of the invention is that a casing filled with a medium and introduced into a layer of earth is introduced into a material surrounding the casing, which material preferably consists of a bentonite or a bentonite mixture.

Abstract: A recreational area construction comprising a base having depressions and rises thereon; a plurality of borders forming a perimeter around said base; strips of water pervious material on the base and lining the depressions, and having their ends overlapping whereby water flows laterally across the strips toward the borders; an end of one of said strips extends beneath and beyond said border whereby water is conveyed away from the said area; and a top layer of cushioning material supported on the base and water pervious material.

Abstract: A method of forming a base for a building structure comprises forming a plurality of holes in the ground on which the structure is to be supported, each hole diverging upwardly and pouring a mould for a concrete support column formed in situ therein, the support columns supporting beam sections forming a ring beam on which the building structure can be built.

Abstract: A pinned foundation system with resiliency under certain loading conditions and requiring minimum excavation, having a cast footing in combination with a plurality of sleeves through which piles may be driven into the soil to create the necessary bearing, uplift and lateral forces to support a structure. The sleeves are retained in fixed position relative to the footing, at predetermined angles corresponding to the specific structure loading characteristics desired for the ensuing foundation.

Abstract: A recreational area construction comprising a base with a plurality of borders forming a perimeter on the base; a layer of water pervious material on the base between the borders, and a top layer of cushioning material supported on the base and layer of water pervious material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for making a foundation by creating a block constituted by the ground itself, the method being characterized in that at least one deep anchor point is established by using anchor means (1/3) buried underground by pile-driving, which means (3) extend in the anchoring position up to the surface of the ground in order to project beyond the surface; a slab (10) is placed on the surface, the slab including at least one opening for passing extensions from the anchor means; and traction is exerted on the slab in order to presetress the ground by using means situated above the slab (10) to put the anchor means under tension until an in-service force is obtained suitable for holding the structure to be built on the surface.

Abstract: A conglomerate layer is formed in ground which has a high water permeability and is liable to be liquefied. An underground base of the structure is constructed on the conglomerate layer. One or more drainpipes are extended substantially horizontally from the conglomerate layer through the underground base so as to communicate with the surface of the ground.

Abstract: Apparatuses for lifting and supporting a structure comprising a support collar disposable on a support shaft, a jackstand with a support ledge disposable under the structure, and a lifting head for use with a support collar. A method for using the apparatuses comprising disposing a portion of the jackstand under the structure, driving the support shaft with a jack supported on the jackstand, and removing the jackstand. A support collar is disposed on the support shaft, and the structure lifted with a lifting head device secured to the support collar. The collar is secured to the shaft.

Abstract: A low-cost easy to install underpinning apparatus (14) for supporting below-grade structural footings such as foundations (10) or the like is provided which makes use of a power installed, load-bearing helix-type screw anchor (16) together with a connecting bracket assembly (18) secured to the foundation (10). The anchor (16) is screwed into the earth below the foundation (10), leaving the upright end of the anchor shaft (20) adjacent the foundation (10). The bracket assembly (18) advantageously includes a foundation-engaging plate (28) with a pair of spaced, outwardly extending wall portions (30, 32) rigidly secured thereto. An elongated, U-shaped bracket (36) together with a mating retainer (42) are releasably secured to the wall portions (30, 32) and serve to captively retain the upper end of the anchor shaft (20), with the U-bracket (36) having a top crosspiece wall (38) provided with a threaded opening (40) therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously driving two parallel pile members that function to raise and reposition building foundation structures. The apparatus consists of a foundation support member, a frame assembly removably attached to the foundation support member, and a hydraulic ram and pile gripping assembly supported within said frame assembly. Alternately, the apparatus consists of a founation support member, a pile gripping assembly and a hydraulic ram removably interconnected between said foundation support member and said pile gripping assembly. As the hydraulic ram is actuated, the pile gripping assembly grips the pile members upon the start of downward movement relative to the pile members and completion of the stroke drives the pile members into the earth to a predetermined point of resistance. The apparatus then functions to raise and reposition the foundation after which the foundation is held in place by the pile members.

Abstract: An improved method of constructing a basement piling is disclosed. The piling of an improved pile, which consists of a plurality of pile units connected with each other, is completed by first driving a pile unit into the construction site of the building, then connecting other pile units to the previously driven pile unit, and further driving the connected pile units into the construction site. The improved method of constructing a basement of a building on a construction site comprises a first step of pre-forming a basement with seat members formed thereon, a second step of providing a plurality of hydraulic devices associated with the seat members, a third step of providing a plurality of piles onto the hydraulic devices and a fourth step of manipulating the plurality of hydraulic devices to allow descent of the pre-formed basement into the construction site.

Abstract: A method for aligning a series of posts begins with providing a first alignment apparatus adjacent a first hole. A first post is attached to one end of the alignment apparatus and hung at the desired elevation in the post hole. A second alignment apparatus is then provided and one end is connected to the first post such that the alignment apparatus may be swung about the post like a door. Once the second alignment apparatus is positioned in the desired orientation, support members are lowered to support the frame. A second post is then provided and hung on the opposite end of the second alignment apparatus at the desired elevation within a second post hole. The second post is plumed and aligned with respect to the first post upon attachment to the second alignment apparatus. Subsequent alignment apparatus and posts may be attached in a similar fashion to form a series of aligned posts.

Abstract: A foundation watering system includes a ground motion sensor which detects relative movement between a building and a stable soil zone beneath the building. The ground motion sensor includes a hole dug in the earth to a depth below a zone of shrinking and swelling a a rigid element embedded in the stable soil zone and extending upwardly to cooperate with a mechanism on the building. When the sensor detects significant downward movement of the periphery of the building, a valve is actuated to deliver water to the shrinking and swelling zone.

Abstract: A system for extracting radon and other gases from a subterranean cavity beneath a floor slab and venting of collected gases to the atmosphere is provided which conducts cool, naturally occuring radon and other gases under high vacuum across a vacuum pump motor for cooling the motor. A vacuum pump is disposed within a housing chamber under vacuum. Cool gases within the housing chamber thereby conduct heat generated by the pump motor to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of producing structural supports for use particularly in mining applications includes the use of a relatively rigid and cylindrical shell casing. The shell casing is separable along the plane parallel to its axis, has open ends and is closed about a fabric tube which is axially supported therein. The fabric tube is filled with pressurized liquid building materials such as concrete. Once filled within the casing, the pressure of the building material forces the liquid component thereof out of the tube laterally and through perforations provided in the shell casing to drain the liquid away from the building material in the tube. The casing and tube are of size such that the remaining building material, which will constitute a pillar, extends completely between the surfaces it is to separate and support.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for collecting and removing noxious gases including radon gas for the soil proximate a basement or other enclosure to minimize any health hazards. The apparatus includes a fan situated outside the enclosure that draws the noxious gas from the soil proximate a basement and dispenses it harmlessly into the atmosphere. A collection chamber component of this invention may alternatively also include a pump for disposing of fluids which may also seep into the collection chamber.

Abstract: Generally mat shaped concrete construction units provide novel, versatile building materials particularly for flexible multi-ply concrete composites in pavement or floor construction, roadbeds, driveways, waste disposal sites, etc. The mat-like structures comprise an outer shell subdivided into parallel tubular compartments which are filled with dry concrete mix so as to provide controlled chemical hydration for greater strength and durability. The multi-ply structures fabricated with the concrete construction units exhibit enhanced resistance to fracturing and possess residual structural values not found in equivalent poured concrete structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a building or other structure from smic vibratory motion which provides increased assurance that large horizontal motion of the structure will not occur than is provided by other isolation systems. Increased assurance that large horizontal motion will not occur is achieved by providing for change of the natural frequency of the support and structure system in response to displacement of the structure beyond a predetermined value. The natural frequency of the support and structure system may be achieved by providing for engaging and disengaging of the structure and some supporting members in response to motion of the supported structure.

Abstract: In the construction of a building in which a basement is prefabricated on the ground and then lowered into the ground by excavating soil below the basement, a process for lowering the basement comprises: driving corrugated steel plates into the ground around a region in which the basement is to be installed; applying an adhesive on a surface of the basement adjacent to the steel plates; applying a lubricant on a surface of the steel plates adjacent to the surface of the basement; forming in-situ a flexible and resilient material in a space between the surfaces of the basement and the steel plates, the material serving as a guide member which is bonded securely to the basement; excavating soil below the basement; and causing the basement to descend into the ground.

Abstract: The process herein disclosed to lower into the ground building structures, such as shutdown nuclear power plants or building structures to be erected as they are lowered. A caisson for supporting the building structure is provided below the bed plate of the building structure, and is lowered in steps together with the building structure. To permit a controlled lowering of the building structure by a predeterminable distance, the caisson is provided with a reinforced concrete top plate and with a reinforced concrete outer ring which depends from the rim of the top plate and constitutes an outer cutting edge. An inner reinforced concrete ring, which constitutes an inner cutting edge is arranged approximately on the same level as the outer ring. Hydraulic presses are placed between the top surface of the inner ring and the bottom surface of the top plate and are used to support the top plate on the inner ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for raising and supporting the foundation or slab of a building, in which a lifting arm assembly engages the lower surface of the foundation or slab and is secured thereto. A piling assembly is disposed in a support sleeve adjacent the lifting assembly and is engaged by a clamping assembly. A hydraulic ram is connected between the clamping assembly and the lifting arm assembly in the expanded position of the ram so that when the ram is retracted, the piling is driven into the ground until it encounters a predetermined resistance. A drive plate is placed in operative relation to the piling assembly and over a pair of rods attached to the lifting arm assembly. The ram is further actuated after the predetermined resistance is encountered to raise the lifting arm assembly, the rods, and the foundation or slab a predetermined distance relative to the drive plate, after which the rods are secured to the piling assembly.

Abstract: A water collection and drainage system is described for a masonry block wall having bond beam block courses and intervening standard block courses. A system of upper water collection pans is supported along each upper bond beam course. Downspouts leading from drain openings in the upper collection pans drain collected water from the pans through the vertical block cavities in lower block courses to the next lower series of collection pans. The lowermost bond beam course supports a series of base collection pans which collect water drained through the vertical block cavities from the upper collection pans. Weeping spouts lead laterally from the base collection pans to the exterior of the wall to continuously drain collected water from the interior wall cavities.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for installing in the ground an array of posts of a photovoltaic panel support assembly. According to the invention, there is provided an adjustable template which comprises a rigid frame having a plurality of adjustable post guides and a plurality of guide rails, which are used in cooperation with an impact driver to install a plurality of support posts quickly and easily. The template is portable and provided with clamping means and a plurality of laser targets for use in cooperation with an alignment laser and an elevation laser to secure and align the template to previously installed posts.

Abstract: A bucket is set to surround an upper end portion of an old pile, and an intermediate portion of the pile is radially cut by jetting high pressure water from the bucket from the center and opposite sides of the outer periphery of the old pile. The pile portion above the cut portion is chucked with a chuck mechanism, and in this state the chuck mechanism is turned to twistingly sever the pile portion above the cut portion with the stress thus produced, and the separated pile portion is removed. The above sequence of operations is repeatedly performed to remove the entire old pile.

Abstract: A method of constructing a foundation 10 for a building includes forming in the ground a grid 12 of intersecting foundation trenches 14, 16. The grid 12 is made up of two sets of substantially parallel trenches, the trenches of the sets being respectively designated 14 and 16, each trench 14, 16 of each set intersecting at least one trench of the other set. Settable material, eg concrete, is continuously cast within the trenches 14, 16 to obtain an integral grid 18 of two sets of intersecting foundation between 20 (in the trenches 16) and 22 (in the trenches (14). The spacing A between adjacent pairs of trenches 14 or 16 and between adjacent pairs of parallel beams 20 or 22 of the grid 18 is 1,5 meters. A covering of concrete is continuously cast over the beams 20 and 22 and integral therewith, to obtain a slab 24 (FIG. 3) covering the beams and the ground 26 between the beams 20 and 22, the slabs having a flat upper surface 28 (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A method and means for basement construction includes the steps of: excavating a continuous side wall trench; preparing a plurality of reinforcement structures with projecting steel rods extending on one side; attaching a baffle plate to a lower portion of each reinforcement structure for being placed in the side wall trench with the projecting steel rods being driven into the earth; providing a trough device at each running side of each reinforcement structure in the side wall trench with a buffer material lining the inner wall of each trough device; and positioning an H-member against the open section of each trough device for sealing up the side wall trench thereat; so that, after removing the earth within the side wall area and after completing grouting operations, a continuous side wall for a basement will be effectively accomplished without requiring molding operations.

Abstract: A seismic anchor has a head for location in a hole in ground-connected structure and a shaft connected thereto to extend out of the hole and mount members or equipment to be isolated from vibrations. The head is surrounded by vibration damping means, such as a high durometer rubber or rubber-like material. A covering extends along the shaft to the damping means. Solidified bonding agent in the hole, above the head and the vibration damping means, secures the anchor in place while the sleeve prevents the bonding agent hardening to the shaft and preventing relative vibration between the ground-connected structure and the shaft.

Abstract: An operator for levelling a drilling or production template on the sea bed is formed from a rotatable hydraulic cylinder, a piston within the cylinder to which hydraulic pressure can be applied, and a drive shaft from the piston to a screw jack. Hydraulic pressure applied to the piston counteracts the weight of the template so that the operator can rotate the screw jack with relatively little torque. The operator may fit into a housing of the template through an intermediate housing. The operator and the intermediate housing may be releasably locked to each other and the template so that they can be recovered for re-use. A cementing/retrieving tool and a suspension tool may be used in combination with the operator.the screw jack may bear onto a mud mat or pile of the template.

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

Abstract: A method of providing a foundation support in unstable ground includes digging a hole into the soil until a stable substrate is reached, erecting column shuttering, back-filling the soil around the column shuttering, and casting a cementitious mix into the cavity defined by the column shuttering to form a column extending upwardly from the stable substrate. A footing is formed at the bottom of the hole e.g. by pouring a settable cementitious mix into the hole. Footing shuttering can be provided e.g. in the form of an inverted frustoconical shell or a hemi-spherical shell, or formed from bendable sheet material, shaped to an appropriate form and secured together e.g. by stapling, or it can be made up of trapezoidal panels which are assembled to form a flat topped hollow pyramid.

Abstract: A method of forming a support or foundation for a building structure comprises forming a number of upwardly diverging support members interconnected at their upper ends by making correspondingly shaped holes in the ground on which the structure is to be supported thereafter pouring concrete into the holes and allowing it to set to form the foundation. In certain grounds it may be necessary to extend the support structures by driving piles from their base.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a first structural element relative to a second structural element wherein a flexible container containing a foaming agent is positioned between the structural elements, the agent is expanded within the container and partially migrates from the container to form a bond with at least one of the structural elements, and the agent is hardened in place.

Abstract: A liquid support system for separating a building structure from its supporting foundation wall includes a trough-like member extending around the top surface of the foundation wall, an inverted U-shaped slide member slideably disposed over the trough member and a flexible but non-expandable liquid-filled conduit seated in the channel confined between the trough member and the slide member such that the weight of the building structure can be supported by the liquid-filled conduit. The conduit is divided into segments which can be separated into various sections whereby various sections can be maintained under higher liquid pressure than other segments to support the heavier portions of the building structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for raising and supporting the foundation or slab of a building, in which a lifting assembly engages the lower surface of the foundation or slab and is secured thereto. A piling is disposed adjacent the lifting assembly and is engaged by a driving assembly. A hydraulic ram is connected between the driving assembly and the lifting assembly in the expanded position of the ram so that when said ram is retracted, the piling is driven into the ground until it encounters a predetermined resistance. The ram is further actuated after the predetermined resistance is encountered to raise said foundation or slab a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A foundation piling system in which pilings are used to support a foundation system in soil having a varied composition and moisture content. The pilings extend into concrete grade beams forming a portion of a monolithic system including a concrete slab. Flanges extend from the end portions of the pilings that are disposed in the grade beam and a plurality of horizontally extending reinforcing bars extend through openings in the flanges.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a stone column in the ground is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of concentric tubes (2,3) the inner one (2) of which is open at both ends, and at or near its lower end may be connected to the outer tube (3) by an outwardly extending wall portion (4). A driving plate (14) is attached at or close to the upper end of one of said inner and outer tubes, so as to extend around said one tube, so that the apparatus may be driven into or against the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion of the inner tube (2), the outwardly extending wall portion (4) and the lower portion of the outer tube (3) together define a cavity comprising an upper, relatively narrow portion (7) and a lower, relatively wide portion (9). A method of forming a stone column using the apparatus is also disclosed. After driving the apparatus into the ground, it is withdrawn in stages, after each of which a compacting force is applied in order to consolidate the stone column.

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: The present invention is a foundation piling system in which pilings are used which support a foundation system in soil having a varied composition and moisture content which eliminates the need for drilling a hole in the ground to receive pilings formed of steel pipes. The pilings extend into concrete grade beams forming a portion of a monolithic system including a concrete slab.

Abstract: This invention relates to an offshore unit structure. When the sea bottom ground on which an offshore structure is to be built is weak, in order to prevent the structure from being deformed by gravitational load of the structure or by horizontal load applied thereto, a cement type solidifying agent is impregnated into and mixed with subsoil in such weak ground to construct a unit-volume reformed ground, and a unit structure body is built upon such reformed ground. The structure according to this invention can be advantageously used for prospecting or producing oil in the sea.

Abstract: The invention relates to a railway track structure of which the rails are fastened to sleepers. Under each sleeper there are provided one or more bags filled with ballast material in the form of pebbles, broken stone and/or sand. The invention also comprises a method of building such a railway track structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and supporting the foundation or slab of a building in which a lifting assembly is inserted underneath the foundation or slab and is adapted to receive a pipe assembly. A clamping assembly is provided for engaging a portion of the pipe assembly extending above the lifting assembly, and a hydraulic system extends between the lifting assembly and the clamping assembly for sequentially lowering the pipe assembly into the ground so that, when it encounters resistance, the foundation or slab is supported and can be raised to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of supporting a structure comprises driving a pile casing through a hold in a structure to be supported until the leading end of the pile casing reaches its desired position and thereafter introducing a cutter into the top of the pile casing, positioning a cutting element of said cutter to a location at or near the lower surface of the structure to be supported, actuating the cutter to cut off the pile above said location so that the unwanted top portion of the pile can then be removed and introducing concrete into the pile casing and hole through the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building material and to its application in particular for embankments, surfacings, or mass foundation over loose ground.Said material comprises at least one flexible continuous element distributed tri-dimensionally in random manner in a mass of solid particles (such as sand) so as to contribute to creating a certain cohesion between the different parts of the mass of particles by entwining these parts.The invention finds an application in the production of road surfacings or as foundation mass over a loose ground.

Abstract: To make a continuous fiber-reinforced concrete slab, a totally free and independent slab is cast by using limited shrinkage concrete. After having carefully prepared a course, a separation sheet is layed thereon and a compressible mattress is intercalated between the concrete and the constructions or construction parts susceptible of limiting or traversing the slab.

Abstract: A compacted deep foundation structure, a method of and an apparatus for making such structure. This structure may be a pile made in situ, or prefabricated, a pile with enlarged footing, or without it, a micro-pile, a large-diameter pile, a pile without any skin bearing capacity, an underground wall portion, or the like. The foundation structure of the invention permits the foundation ground strength to be raised by compacting it, and reduces the settling of the structure. The compacted deep foundation structure includes a separate foot block pushed in the foundation ground, and a foundation body supported by the foot block and separated from it by space which is initially filled by a separator and later by hardenable material. In the foundation body there is provided at least one longitudinal through hole for accommodating a strut.

Abstract: A support structure, especially for under-water work, comprises a hollow pillar, which downwardly merges into a reversed funnel structure, having a base area selected with respect to the expected load and to local ground conditions and macadam, or other material with internal friction, filling the funnel structure and at least part of the pillar, the base angle of the funnel structure being slightly greater than the natural angle of repose of the fraction of friction material used. After a possible vibration of the macadam the funnel structure will be completely filled, whereby the load on the pillar will be transferred to the cone of macadam and be distributed over the bottom surface, below the funnel structure, which may along its lower edge be provided with a dented skirt suited to enter into a soft bottom surface.