Abstract: A foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the foundation underpinning includes a pile having one or more pile segments and an elongated reinforcing tubular member. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile, and the elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.

Abstract: A jetting system for installing foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the jetting system includes a pile having one or more pile segments, an elongated reinforcing tubular member, and a jetting tube. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile. The elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage, and the jetting tube is inserted into the reinforcing tubular.

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: The invention relates to an excavation tool assembly comprising a housing having a base and an excavation tool having a tool shaft connected to the assembly and extending downwards from the base at an angle, the assembly further comprising a connector portion for attachment to a mechanical power source.

Abstract: A system for forming a movable slab foundation has a slab foundation, a support pier, and a housing positioned within the support pier. A support sleeve is positioned within and is substantially surrounded by the housing. Portions of the support sleeve are encased within the slab foundation. The support sleeve is capable of axial movement relative to the housing. A guide plate is connected to the lower end of the support sleeve. A cavity is defined by the space between the guide plate and the lower end of the housing. A port is located in and extends through the guide plate and into the cavity. The slab foundation, the support sleeve, and the guide plate are raised to a desired height relative to the housing. The cavity is filled with support media through the port to secure the position of the slab foundation, the support sleeve, and the guide plate.

Abstract: To form a new structurally suspended slab or to raise an existing slab for a structural foundation, structural supports are placed in the ground. The structural supports are attached to lifting assemblies, which are also installed in the slab. Actuation of the lifting assembly allows the slab to be raised and/or lowered, thereby forming a suspended slab over a void of a desired size. Existing slabs may be repaired using similar techniques.

Abstract: An underpinning pile assembly for supporting a structure upon the earth has at least one steel pipe, at least one concrete pile segment positioned above the steel pipe, and a transition member interposed between the steel pipe and the concrete pile such that the load of the concrete pile is supported by the steel pipe. The steel pipe includes a plurality of steel pipe segments extending in end-to-end relationship in generally vertical alignment. A key member is received in slots formed in the respective ends of the first and second segments. The plurality of concrete pile segments includes a strand affixed in holes formed through the plurality of concrete pile segments.

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: An assembly for driving pier sections and for foundation lifting, the assembly incorporating a “T” bar having a stem, a left arm, and a right arm, the stem having lower end and an upper end, and the stem forming a vertically extending and rearwardly opening channel which is fitted for receipt of the pier sections; the assembly further incorporating a collet clamp for alternatively clamping and releasing pier sections, the collet clamp being welded to the lower end of the “T” bar; the assembly further incorporating a sleeve having a bore which is fitted for sliding receipt of the pier sections; the assembly further incorporating left and right hydraulic cylinders spanning between and vertically interconnecting the “T” bar's arms and the sleeve; and the assembly further incorporating a foundation hooking member fixedly attached to and extending forwardly from the sleeve.

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: A piering system includes a heave plate attached to a foundation and supported by a pier. A downward facing socket is permanently attached to the heave plate. The socket receives the top end of a heavy stud of a coupling assembly, the bottom end of the stud is screwed into a captive nut of a shim-block. A nut is welded to the stud leaving about ½ inch of the stud protruding upwards for insertion into the socket. The nut may be turned to adjust the height of the stud. The shim-block and coupling assembly are supported by a head plate which is supported by the pier. The head plate includes a wide table for supporting a pair of jacks on opposite sides of a house jack facilitating installation of the system. The cooperation of the ball and socket helps to prevent “off-set loads” which otherwise may break the piering system.

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 foundation slab for a structure is repaired by driving piers into the ground and then lifting the slab against the piers. A bracket assembly is attached between the slab and a jack. One or more jacks are used to drive piers into the ground and to raise the slab. One or more brackets remain installed to support the slab on the piers.

Abstract: A jetting system for installing foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the jetting system includes a pile having one or more pile segments, an elongated reinforcing tubular member, and a jetting tube. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile. The elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage, and the jetting tube is inserted into the reinforcing tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting, stabilizing or enhancing load capacity of heavy objects, such as a building foundation and the like, is disclosed in which a bracket attaches to the object to be lifted and the bracket is then lifted using the apparatus which is supported by a pier or pile on an object or surface suitable for withstanding the weight of the object being lifted. The bracket includes side plates with interlocking side track pieces fitted therein to provide adequate support when under strain and also to assist in guiding the bracket in close cooperation with the pier during the lifting process.

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: 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: A lifting bracket and associated lifting bracket system for mounting on an anchor pier for lifting generally horizontal building supports such as foundations, wherein the lifting bracket includes, collectively, a lifting plate, a gusset plate and a slide collar. The slide collar may be elongate and sized to fit snugly over an exposed upper end of the anchor pier for sliding engagement thereon. The lifting plate is mounted to the slide collar so as to extend cantilevered in a first direction substantially orthogonally therefrom, and so as to leave at least an upper portion of the slide collar extending upwardly from the lifting plate. The gusset plate is rigidly mounted at a lower edge thereof to an upper surface of the lifting plate so as to extend substantially entirely across the lifting plate in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and is rigidly mounted at at least an upper portion thereof to the upper portion of the slide collar disposed above the lifting plate.

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: 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: A lifting assembly for raising, supporting, and stabilizing a foundation or other weighted member. An anchoring bracket, which is mounted to a piling or pier that has been driven into the ground below the location where the foundation is to be poured, is attached to a jacking assembly. The jacking assembly includes a bottom plate which rests on the upper end of the vertical support column, a hydraulic jack which rests on the bottom plate, and a top plate which is supported by the hydraulic jack. Concrete which will form the foundation is poured into the foundation mold and around the anchoring bracket which rests in said mold. The concrete foundation is allowed to cure. Support rods which are secured to the anchoring bracket and bottom and top plates, transfers the upward force generated by the hydraulic lift, from said top plate to said anchoring bracket, thus lifting the foundation to which the anchoring bracket is integrally attached.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for raising and supporting a load includes a removable and reusable lifting bracket. The lifting bracket is designed to fit around and support a support bracket that supports a load. The support bracket is installed on the pole of the pier and engages the edge of the load. The lifting bracket is removably attached to a jacking apparatus for pushing or pulling the piering pole through the support bracket and raising the load on the support bracket. After the lifting operation, the lifting bracket is removed from the jacking apparatus and the support bracket attached to the piering pole for use on adjacent piers and on other lifting assemblies.

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 invention is a sleeved, segmented support product for supporting a foundation, for example a building foundation. The product comprises support segments that can assemble together into a variable-length pile. The segments assemble together telescopically so that adjacent segments are held in coaxial relation and resist radial misalignment and other misalignments that can reduce a load-bearing capacity of the support product.

Abstract: A lifting bracket and associated lifting bracket system for mounting on an anchor pier for lifting generally horizontal building supports such as foundations, wherein the lifting bracket includes, collectively, a lifting plate, a gusset plate and a slide collar. The slide collar may be elongate and sized to fit snugly over an exposed upper end of the anchor pier for sliding engagement thereon. The lifting plate is mounted to the slide collar so as to extend cantilevered in a first direction substantially orthogonally therefrom, and so as to leave at least an upper portion of the slide collar extending upwardly from the lifting plate. The gusset plate is rigidly mounted at a lower edge thereof to an upper surface of the lifting plate so as to extend substantially entirely across the lifting plate in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and is rigidly mounted at at least an upper portion thereof to the upper portion of the slide collar disposed above the lifting plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed an underpinning pile to provide an efficient, simple and sure method in driving and lifting the foundation and at the same time securing the direct transference of preload without further loss of preload from the building into the newly completed driven pile. A pile anchor head (11) is provided that receives a pile (12) and is provided with a lifting means (13). The pile anchor head (11) and lifting means (13) receive the building load and transfers it to the pile (12), which allows practically any kind of material and shape of pile (12) to be used.

Abstract: A device and a method for raising and supporting the foundation of a building, using a mobile assembly comprising facing jaws and an arm pivotable between a first position where an area between the facing jaws is open and a second position where this area is closed, actuating means adapted to draw the mobile assembly driving a pile secured between the facing jaws when the arm is in the second position, downwardly in the ground, the pile being made of a series of pile sections that are connected together. A pile section that needs to be added to the pile is front-loaded into position atop the pile and between the facing jaws when the arm is in the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for increasing the concentric bearing load capabilities of the length of liner is disclosed. Overlapping ends of vertically aligned pipe lengths are joined by a coupling which provides aligned throughholes through the respective pipe ends. A cylindrical liner having a length substantially equal to co-lengths of an individual pipe member is positioned such that a series of throughholes passing through an approximate mid-length portion of the liner are positioned opposite to and aligned with the pipe coupling throughholes. Fasteners are then used to secure the two vertically aligned overlapping pipe ends to the interior liner pipe.

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 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. The apparatus is advantageous in situations where extra support is needed for raising the subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations or buildings 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: A method and apparatus for repairing building foundations by segmented underpinning. More specifically, the a method and apparatus is provided for repairing building foundations using interlocking segmented underpinning piles which are reinforced in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A grout injecting/structure anchoring system has a support bracket with a horizontal portion and a pair of threaded recesses and a sleeve there between. A grout tube has a plurality of apertures along its length. A lower cross brace is positioned above the sleeve and guide tube and grout tube with unthreaded holes axially aligned with the threaded recesses of the support bracket. The lower cross brace has associated there with threaded cylinders with lower ends coupled to the threaded recesses and upper ends extending through the unthreaded holes. Nuts are received by the upper ends of the threaded cylinders above the lower cross brace. The nuts are adapted to be rotated for raising the support bracket.

Abstract: A bracket assembly rests upon a pier set adjacent to a foundation and a secondary component elevates the bracket assembly. The bracket provides adjustable engagement to limit rotation of the bracket with respect to an installed pier. The bracket assembly has an housing, a bearing member, load transfer plates, reinforcing means, and an adjusting bolt beneath the bearing member. The housing is either two parallel plates or a tube. In the plates embodiment, two slots receive either a pin, a gate alone, or a gate with a moveable plate. In the tube embodiment, the pier fits snugly within the tube. Further, the bracket permits locating tools over the piers to reduce induced bending moment at the junction of the pier and the bracket. The bracket assembly stabilizes and lifts piers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for raising, leveling, and supporting a foundation by placing steel piers beneath the necessary peripheral and interior beams and using a jack to raise the slab beams, then allowing the slab beams to rest on piers. The piers are constructed from steel piling segments, driven into the ground, connected with adhesive, and anchored at a depth offering reactive force sufficient to support the foundation. The piling is pointed at its bottom facilitating insertion and preventing upheaval. A crown is attached to the upper most end of each pier which offers a platform to provide a stable support once the jack is removed and easy access to the slab beam for later readjustment. Multiple piers are utilized to achieve a level foundation. Piers may be placed beneath interior beams on a slab without drilling holes in the interior of the slab.

Abstract: A pier assembly (2, 60) is provided that utilizes a rotatable shelf (12, 70) structure to place a screw jack assembly (15) under a footing (28) of a foundation.

Abstract: A piering member includes a generally tubular body that has a flarable end so that when the piering member is inserted into the ground, the flarable end of the piering member can be flared outward to increase the area of support for the foundation that rests upon the piering members. The flarable pier includes slits formed in the body to allow a flaring member to force the segments of body, formed by the slits, outward. The flaring member may be inserted from the top of the piering member or may include a conically shaped flaring member inserted into the bottom of the pier.

Abstract: A mounting plate and bolt assembly adapted for attachment to a top portion of a helice pier shaft. The helice pier shaft threaded into the top of a ground surface. The assembly is used for supporting various types of building, highway and other types of structures. The mounting plate and bolt assembly includes small circular upper and lower pierhead plates spaced apart and welded to the top portion of the helice pier shaft. Also, large circular upper and lower mounting plates with bolt holes are disposed next to the upper and lower small pierhead plates and held thereon using a plurality of threaded bolts received through the bolt holes. The bolt holes are disposed around an outer circumference of the large mounting plates. The top of the threaded bolts may be used for securing a base plate of a post. The post is used for supporting various types of structures thereon. The large mounting plates may be welded directly to the pier shaft if the movement of the post is not large.

Abstract: A sling-traverse device for lifting system for elevation of the massive objects (constructions) provides a possibility to lift the solid over size and over weight objects. An improved sling-traverse device for massive construction lifting system includes an arched form traverse, a traverse connector, comprising a traverse flange, a lower portion of which is by a traverse hinge coupled with the traverse, and a sling flange, an upper portion of which is intended for coupling with the lifting system, and the opposite sides of the traverse flange and the sling flange are rigidly connected to each other. The traverse includes two pairs of levers on each of side of the arch, and each two appropriate levers are coupled to each other by the stiffener and resting girder in their frontal lower part. Also the improved sling-traverse device includes a pushing spiral springs with a directional fingers respectively coupled with the appropriate brackets connected to the appropriate shackles and levers.

Abstract: A grout injecting/structure anchoring system has a support bracket with a horizontal portion and a pair of threaded recesses and a sleeve there between. A grout tube has a plurality of apertures along its length. A lower cross brace is positioned above the sleeve and guide tube and grout tube with unthreaded holes axially aligned with the threaded recesses of the support bracket. The lower cross brace has associated there with threaded cylinders with lower ends coupled to the threaded recesses and upper ends extending through the unthreaded holes. Nuts are received by the upper ends of the threaded cylinders above the lower cross brace. The nuts are adapted to be rotated for raising the support bracket.

Abstract: A building foundation support and repair system includes a column of generally cylindrical pile sections driven into the earth below the edge of the foundation and having an earth penetrating bit attached to the lowermost pile section. The bit includes a center post member extending within a bore in the lowermost pile section and/or a sidewall journaling the lower end of the lowermost pile section. The bit may be connected to an elongated rod extending through the series connected pile sections and used to drive the bit rotatably during installation of the pile sections and to minimize lateral excursion of the support system during and after installation of the column of pile sections.

Abstract: A method of construction includes positioning at least one support member (2) in the ground, forming a foundation (4) substantially adjacent the at least one support member, excavating ground beneath the foundation to a prescribed depth below the surface (5) temporarily forming cavities or voids (8) and supporting bridges (10) beneath the foundations, excavating the supporting bridges and dropping the formed foundation to the prescribed depth. Structures such as walls (12) may be constructed on the foundations prior to dropping the foundations and bracing members (22) may be used to prevent deflection of the walls.

Abstract: An in-ground lifting system and method are provided that is operable for raising a structure and its foundation at least several feet. In one presently preferred embodiment, the method is utilized to raise the structure above any anticipated flood levels to thereby prevent future flooding of the structure. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of excavations are formed underneath the foundation, such as with a hydro-excavator. A sleeve with seal members and hydraulic lines is installed and aligned within each excavation. Hardenable material is poured outside the sleeve to form a cylinder. Hardenable material is poured inside the sleeve to form a piston. Fluid is pumped through the hydraulic lines to lift the structure and the foundation.

Abstract: A continuously interlocked segmental precast concrete underpinning pile using a method of installation where a cooperating extension on one segment engages a cooperating depression on an adjacent segment and aligns the precast segments during installation, which provides a laterally stable pile. With the addition of an adhesive, a locking engagement or both the piling has both linear and rotational stability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing building foundations by segmented underpinning. More specifically, a method and apparatus is provided for repairing building foundations using interlocking segmented underpinning piles which are reinforced in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A bracket assembly used for raising and supporting the foundation or slab of a building. The assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve, lifting beam, spacer and two removable flanges to which a hydraulic or screw lifting system is attached. The assembly is used where the lifting bracket is installed under a foundation and a piling inserted through the sleeve and force into the ground by the lifting system attached to the top of the piling. Cost saving is realized since the flanges are removed after the building has been leveled and reused at subsequent jobs.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for positioning and fixing beams, in particular made from wood, in particular for the construction of ground foundations, by means of at least one ground dowel. The ground dowel receives, in a retaining part, a ground dowel insert part which can be fixed therein and which possesses a retaining means, attached to a baseplate, for determining the position of the beam relative to the ground dowel insert part, the ground dowel insert part being fixed at least adhesively on the pressed-on beam. After the ground dowel, placed at the desired position and provided with the ground dowel insert part, has been adjusted to the desired height, the beam is pressed on to the retaining means in the desired position. The ground dowel insert part is fixed on the removed beam in accordance with the position determined by the retaining means, and the beam thus positioned, with the ground dowel insert part fixed thereon, is inserted into the retaining section of the ground dowel.

Abstract: A structure has a foundation positionable on soil over bedrock. A hollow cylindrical supportive tube has a closed bottom end, an open top end and a plurality of spaced apertures along the length. A bracket coupled to the tube is adapted to be securely placed under a foundation of a structure. A pressurized grout dispensing unit is coupled to the upper end of the filling tube.

Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having interspaced threaded portions and unthreaded portions extending axially along at least a portion of its length. The unthreaded portions of the shaft are radially recessed with respect to the threaded portions. A helical plate with a threaded passageway can engage the threaded portions of the shaft at any desired location along the shaft. A key is then inserted into the passageway between the helical plate and an unthreaded portion of the shaft to hold the helical plate at the desired location on the shaft.

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. The apparatus is advantageous in situations where extra support is needed for raising the subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations or buildings 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.