Abstract: A retaining wall utilizes an ordered array of modular blocks each having a horizontal cross-section defining a double "T" shape, the top of the double "T" defining a vertical planar member having a horizontal length greater than the vertical height with the stem of each "T" defining a generally planar leg member having a height the same as the vertical planar member. A hole is provided vertically through each leg distal the vertical planar member and adapted to receive a tension rod for tying the assembled blocks together. The "T" shaped blocks are vertically arranged in staggered courses with the holes of the legs in the course above vertically aligned with the holes in the legs in the course below. The lower end of the tension rod is adapted to be anchored in the concrete footing supporting the retaining wall.

Abstract: A method of lifting and stabilizing a concrete slab having an opening therein in which a plate is attached to the top surface of the slab, the plate having an opening coinciding with the opening in the slab, a hydraulic jack having a downwardly extending piston is removeably secured to the plate and a series of tubular shafts are forced downwardly through the opening in the plate and the slab to penetrate the earth beneath the slab and apply lifting force. When the slab has been lifted to the desired elevation, grout, such as a concrete slurry, can be injected below the slab so that the slab is stabilized in the selected elevational position. After the plate is removed the hole in the slab is filled.

Abstract: A caisson for an underwater structure is provided comprising an elongated sponge mat fitted along the outer edge of the base of the frame, said sponge mat being molded from a plastic material and having a skin of a dense foam structure and an interior of a coarse foam structure, a plurality of small holes being provided in said sponge mat so as to extend crosswise, or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mat, from one side of the mat to the other side, and at least one rope being passed through each of said holes, each of said ropes being of a length equal to or greater than the length of the corresponding small hole.

Abstract: A method for preventing or greatly reducing damage to building foundations resulting from the swelling of moisture-expansive clay beneath and about such foundations. The method includes the steps of first forming a trench about the foundation, the trench extending well below the basement or on-grade floor slab of that foundation, and then substantially filling the trench with an extrudable plastic mass of hydrated lime and water to help stabilize the moisture-expansive clay and to provide a yieldable buffer capable of being displaced upwardly to accommodate horizontal expansion of the clay beneath and about the foundation, thereby relieving lateral stresses and reducing upward forces against the floor slab.

Abstract: A method of lifting and stabilizing a concrete slab having an opening therein in which a plate is attached to the top surface of the slab, the plate having an opening coinciding with the opening in the slab, a hydraulic jack having a downwardly extending piston is removeably secured to the plate and a series of tubular shafts are forced downwardly through the opening in the plate and the slab to penetrate the earth beneath the slab and apply lifting force. When the slab has been lifted to the desired elevation, grout, such as a concrete slurry, can be injected below the slab so that the slab is stabilized in the selected elevational position. After the plate is removed the hole in the slab is filled.

Abstract: A foundation drain system comprising the combination of a footing, the first course of masonery blocks on the footing having a drain notch for each hollow space on the infacing side of each block. Irregular size and shape stones provided in each of the hollow spaces of the first course of blocks to a level above the notch. A bed of irregular size and shape stones on the interior of the foundation construction contiguous to the footing and to the first course of blocks to a level above the drain notches. A drain tile along the interior perimeter of the footing adjacent thereto in the bed of stones and a discharge pipe connecting the drain pipe extending to the exterior of the foundation.

Abstract: Articles are disclosed for use in providing both water-proofing protection to a foundation wall, and a support system for decorative landscaping material around the perimeter of a building. The article is in the form of an open pan having a waterproof and substantially impervious bottom, a continuous back-wall; a front-wall including perforations, and a pair of side-walls. The pan is used by placing it adjacent to a foundation wall at ground level with its back-wall abutting the foundation wall, its bottom on the ground at grade level, and its perforated front-wall spaced from the foundation wall. Additional pans may be placed adjacent to the pan at one or both of its side-walls.

Abstract: A method for the erection of a temporary bridge, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus to bear the coffering for the pouring of concrete up or against profiled piles used for waterworks, for the reinforcement of steep banks, quay walls, ducdalves etc. The poured concrete is beared by a coffering support composed of a component pinched horizontally and laterally in a rigid way in the notches of the profiled piles and this longitudinally to the curtain of sunken piles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a support system and method which permits the self-driving supporting columns after the structure has been fully assembled in place and which utilizes the gravitational force acting on this structure to achieve self-driving of the columns in a predetermined direction (e.g., vertically). In this manner, pile driving, predrilling deepholes or preparation of concrete footings can be avoided. The support system of the present invention is also provided with means for resisting movement of the columns out of alignment with the predetermined direction as they are self-driven into the substrate and means for maintaining the structure in a predetermined elevation (e.g., horizontal) as the columns are driven. The system can also include many means for maintaining the structure at a predetermined height relative to the substrate over which it is supported.

Abstract: A platform resting at the bottom of a body of water, including a plurality of longitudinally disposed bays supported by piers each consisting of a small number of transversely aligned posts resting on a common base and each supporting a cross-beam, each bay comprising a framework of longitudinal beams which rest at either end on the cross-beams, and a method of constructing the platform comprising the steps of preparing each pier onshore, transporting it to the installation site and setting it down on the bottom, raising the base at several points and adjusting their heights above the bottom in order to position the base horizontally, securing the base in that position by pouring concrete beneath it, preparing each bay on the shore, transporting it to the installation site and setting it down on two adjacent piers.

Abstract: Soil having liquefaction potential in a load bearing region is stabilized by the placement of load supporting pile means in the region and the placement of water impervious means in the region, the water impervious means extending to a depth at least equal to that of the soil having liquefaction potential to facilitate dewatering of the region and to prevent the entry of ground water thereinto.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant, even loaded man-made land structure including an open container provided in the earth, a plate slidably provided in and enclosing the opening of the container, at least one layer of sand provided between the plate and the container, a means for introducing hydraulic fluid into the sand for maintaining the hydraulic fluid under pressure and dirt provided on top of the plate and filling the remainder of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for leveling a relatively massive template structure which is positionable on the ocean bottom in proximity to one or more sites of subterranean wells. Since the template is primarily utilized to mount or guide later applied drilling, completion or production equipment, it is essential that the template be positioned on its fixing piles in a precise horizontally level position. Accordingly, a plurality of sleeves are secured to the template which respectively loosely encircle the hollow fixing piles. Hydraulically operated clamp means are provided to lock the encircling sleeves at any selected vertical position to a respective fixing pile. A hydraulic elevating mechanism is lowered into the top open end of at least one such fixing pile and utilized to effect the lifting of the sleeve and adjacent portion of the template to which the sleeve is secured to a height approximating the desired level position.

Abstract: A marine platform supports industrial installations. The platform comprises a barge and a lower keel on which the barge rests. The keel is positioned on the ocean floor. Intermediate friction elements are situated between the contact surfaces of the barge and the keel. Elastic elements are interconnected to the barge and the keel. These elastic elements oppose displacements between the barge and the keel. The displacements are controlled because the friction resulting from the intermediate friction elements impedes movements between the barge and the keel. These movements may be caused by external forces acting on the barge, such as waves, currents, and winds, or may be caused by the effects of acceleration on the keel induced by an earthquake of small magnitude. The intermediate friction elements have means for permitting displacements between the barge and the keel in the case of an earthquake of great magnitude.

Abstract: A gas-bag supported structural foundation comprises at least one flexible, substantially air-tight bag adapted to be placed on the ground; a floor structure superimposed on the bag; a source of gas under pressure; conduits connecting the source of gas under pressure to the bag, and the bags to atmosphere; and in the conduits valve means responsive to changes in floor level and operative to direct the flow of gas to and from the bag as required to maintain the floor in a substantially level condition.

Abstract: A subsea template is installed on a level base provided by lowering and landing on the floor of the sea a container to which is supplied a quantity of fluent, settable material which flows to form a level upper surface on which the template is landed. The template is fixed in place by setting a pile into the floor of the sea. The receptacle is a guide base anchoring guidelines on which the template is lowered after hardening of the fluent material, or, in the case of a guidelineless installation, the base and template are lowered together and the template raised above the base during setting of the fluent material and then lowered onto the level base.

Abstract: A fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector having an extended curved sawtooth-contoured surface covered with a metalized polymeric reflecting material, reflects solar energy to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary. The primary reflector may be constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery.

Abstract: A compact structure is disclosed for supporting a pipeline suspended over a sea bottom vale. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has a triangular outline, the sloping side of the triangle being a guideway of a wedge slidable unidirectionally, that is only upwards, until contacting the pipe to be supported.Actuating mechanisms are provided for the movable members of the triangular structure. The entire structure is mounted on a base plate and can be towed by a subsea vehicle until reaching the correct position.