Abstract: An apparatus for placing foundation devices and/or pipes and/or augers in the ground, as an attachment to be attached to the boom of a construction vehicle, including a mounting hinged to a coupling point of the boom, and a drive head, which is rigidly connected to the mounting and configured as a rotational driving and/or drilling and/or impact drilling and/or pile-driving drive and to which the foundation device/pipe/auger for placement in the ground can be coupled. The coupling point can be displaced with respect to the drive head in at least one first direction which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the foundation device/pipe/auger, and optionally in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction. The mounting can be a universal joint in which a first joint axis extends so that a first and a second joint part can be displaced thereon, relative to each other, in the first direction, so as to displace the coupling point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for environmentally friendly ramming under water. To reduce the noise input under water, the machine and the material that is to be rammed are surrounded by a fixed flooded sleeve. The sleeve advantageously has a sandwich-like structure.

Abstract: A primary earth penetrating mandrel formed of a hollow shell steel plate octagonal in cross-section has an upper end and a blunt lower end joined by an upwardly and outwardly tapered wall. The mandrel is driven downwardly in the earth to simultaneously form a vertical tapered cavity while compacting the sidewall of the cavity to provide structural integrity. The mandrel is then moved upwardly from the bottom of the cavity and aggregate is deposited in the bottom of the cavity following which the mandrel is lowered so that its blunt lower end engages the deposited aggregate and densifies the aggregate by vertical vibratory action and static force with these steps being repeated until the pier top is near the surface of the earth at which time the upper aggregate portions are densified by either the primary mandrel or a secondary mandrel having a substantially larger lower end surface than the lower end surface of the primary mandrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground working device comprising a carrier implement, a mast that forms a mast sequence and has a lower mast part, which is linked to the carrier implement, an upper mast part and at least one mast extension piece, whereby for the purpose of increasing the mast length the mast extension piece is removably inserted into the mast sequence between lower mast part and upper mast part and removed from the mast sequence, and, with the mast extension piece removed, the upper mast part can be fixed directly on the lower mast part, a work sledge which is guided in a displaceable manner along the mast, and at least one feed rope for displacing the work sledge, which runs at least in some areas longitudinally of the mast.

Abstract: A method for sealing piles in foundations in the construction field, wherein a hollow-body formwork element is used. The method includes: 1) applying a barrier layer to the foundation; 2) introducing a pile into the foundation, the pile being arranged so as to penetrate the barrier layer; 3) applying a hollow-body formwork element along the central longitudinal axis of the pile, the hollow-body formwork element surrounding the pile; 4) introducing mineral binding agents into the intermediate space between the pile and the hollow-body formwork element; 5) connecting the barrier layer and the hollow-body formwork element. The hollow-body formwork element has on the side facing the pile a contact layer, which includes a composite layer of a porous material and/or a sealant. The hollow-body formwork element can remain as a part of the structure and thus can perform a sealing function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for installing or removing foundation elements, such as piles, anchors, and conductors, in a subsea ground formation, comprising an impact weight, an hydraulic circuit in turn comprising an hydraulic cylinder for lifting and/or accelerating the impact weight respectively away from and towards the element, the cylinder comprising a piston connected to the impact weight, and wherein a pump for generating an underpressure in the hydraulic cylinder such as to lift and/or accelerate the impact weight by means of this underpressure.

Abstract: A tamper device including a shaft for driving a tamper head, and a shield. A tamper head is attached to the end of the shaft for tamping a lift of aggregate in a cavity formed in a ground surface. A shield attached to the tamper device and spaced a predetermined distance above a top surface of the tamper head, the shield having a predetermined length extending upwardly above the tamper head sufficient to prevent sidewalls of a cavity in soft soil in which the tamper device is used from failing and collapsing into the cavity. Methods of constructing aggregate columns with thicker lifts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of driving a pile or drill stem into the ground using a vibrational driver which is fixedly secured to an upper end of the pile or drill stem to be driven so that vibration of the driver in an elongate direction of the pile is effected to both push and pull the pile in correspondence to the vibrational drivers effort, and driving the pile or drill stem at resonance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the installation of pipe pilings into the ground for use as structural building foundations, geothermal piles, or both, are disclosed. In addition to specialized fittings for pipe pile assemblies, the inventions include specialized drive mechanisms used in conjunction with rotary or vibratory motors. Methods of installing pipe pilings are further improved with the disclosure of methods of adding grout or similar materials during or after installation of the piles.

Abstract: A conduit assembly for use in a drilling system that may include an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section. The upper section may include a first seal. The first seal may include an opening that may be sized and configured to receive and form a seal with an inner drill string. The first seal may include one or more slits that may extend from an outer edge of the first seal to the opening of the first seal. The intermediate section may include an outlet for a flushing medium. The outlet may include a projection that may extend into a hollow interior of the intermediate section. The lower section may be sized and configured to be connected to and disconnected from a connecting portion of an outer drill string. The lower section may be sized and configured to be connected to and disconnected from the intermediate section.

Abstract: A method of construction of a civil engineering structure that includes first and second superimposed components is described. According to one embodiment of the method: the second component is positioned beneath a fixed lifting structure that includes a lifting device, the second component is lifted using the lifting device, the first component is positioned beneath the fixed lifting structure substantially below the second component, and the second component is substantially placed on the first component using the lifting device, while the second component remains substantially in place.

Abstract: Disclosed are an earthquake monitoring device and a method of installing the same, which can permit stable and efficient installation and operation on any ground surface with free-field conditions including level and sloped ground conditions, and can provide precise monitoring results of earthquakes. The earthquake monitoring device includes a sensor for sensing vibration; and a base having an upper surface formed into a leveled surface, wherein the sensor is secured to the upper surface, and the base is placed on an excavated ground such that the upper surface of the base is positioned on a ground surface or the sensor on the upper surface of the base intersects the ground surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A circular pile head assembly that can facilitate the driving of the underpinning pile in a slab using a pile driving machine and locking-off the slab load to the underpinning pile is provided. A circular pile head assembly consists of the twin beam, the circular pile head and a section of an underpinning pile that is used in conjunction with a pile driving machine to drive, and lock-off the slab load to the underpinning pile.

Abstract: A plurality of piles is arranged in frame elements in an axially displaceable manner. Hammers are positioned on the piles. After driving of the piles into a seabed, the hammers are connected to the frame elements, wherein the frame elements together with the hammers are lifted to the surface of the water and to the seaborne vessel by a crane.

Abstract: A piling device including a support frame, a pile-gripping mechanism for gripping a pile and a pile-driving mechanism for driving the pile into the ground. The pile-gripping mechanism and the pile-driving mechanism are connected to and supported by the frame. The piling device also includes a rotation assembly to facilitate rotation of the support frame relative to a rotation footing about a rotation axis.

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

Abstract: A device (1) for drilling and tamping grounds is constituted by a tamping tip (1A) rigidly connected to a shaft (3) which constitutes the connection to the end part of a battery of rods moved by a drilling machine, which gives it movement in a vertical direction and a rotation around its longitudinal axis. The battery of rods is inserted into a covering tube (14). Between the tamping tip (1A) and the tube (14) a substantially cylindrical tamping element (9, 9a) is interposed, adapted to define a tamping diameter of the ground which forms the walls of the hole obtained by the device (1) at least equal to the diameter of the tube (14).

Abstract: A composite pile is comprised of two or more rigid hollow tubes interconnected together end-to-end by a pile connector. A boring head is secured to a leading lower end of a lowermost one of the tubes. A force transmitting member is removably connectable to a top end of an uppermost one of the rigid hollow tubes to receive a driving force for driving each of the two or more rigid hollow tubes into the ground. The pile connector has opposed axially aligned projecting pile connecting members extending from opposed parallel faces of a transverse impact transfer disc and extend a predetermined distance in adjacent open ends of the tubes to maintain the tubes in alignment with one another.

Abstract: A pile driver with an air pressure buffer comprises a pile following moving part, a rebound part, and an air pressure buffer. The pile following moving part comprises a pile cap (2) contacting the pile (1) and a piston lever (7), and the rebound part is the other part except the moving part. An air pressure buffer provided between the moving part and the rebound part is composed of a buffer piston (3), a buffer cylinder (4) and a vessel (5). The buffer cylinder (4) and the vessel (5) are intercommunicated with each other. Compressed gas (8) is filled in the vessel (5). The buffer piston (3) can slide in the buffer cylinder (4). The pile driver can save energy and accelerate the frequency of driving pile.

Abstract: An underpinning pile assembly for supporting a structure upon the earth has at least one steel pipe with an interior passageway, a concrete pile segment positioned above the steel pipe, and a cable extending through an interior passageway of the steel pipe and through the interior passageway of the concrete pile segment. A locking assembly is connected to the cable and affixed within the steel pipe. This locking assembly includes a collar having an outer surface affixed to an interior wall of the lowermost pipe. The cable is affixed within an interior of the collar. A pair of wedges secure the cable within the interior of the collar.

Abstract: Equipment for the construction of piles includes a drilling rod and a tool (10) mounted at a lower end thereof. The tool includes a hollow central shaft (11) with a door (18) for the concrete; a screw (12) integral with the shaft (11); a compactor (13) positioned along the screw (12); a base (14) of semicircular shape provided at the lower end of the screw (12); a plate (15) superimposed under the base (14) and rotating around the shaft (11) for alternatively assuming an open position, in condition of excavation wherein it superimposes on the base, and a reclosed position, in condition of compaction wherein it forms a surface circular with the base (14). Excavation teeth (16) are fixed to the lower end of the tool and an additional tooth (19) is constrained to the plate (15) that during the casting is outside of the tool in the condition of compaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for environmentally friendly ramming under water. To reduce the noise input under water, the machine and the material that is to be rammed are surrounded by a fixed flooded sleeve. The sleeve advantageously has a sandwich-like structure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the creation of large diameter piles in all types of soils (cohesive, cohesionless or rocky), particularly for the construction of bulkheads made of juxtaposed or secant piles, while maintaining the deviation from the vertical well below the limit ?2% required by European standard EN 1536. The invention reduces verticality errors, advantageously exploiting the accuracy provided by the directional drilling technology. Tools for implementing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A drive tool for connecting a member to the drive tool of a drive tool assembly includes a flange connectable to the drive tool assembly. A wall has a first portion extending axially outwardly from the flange and defining a socket for receiving a first member. The wall has a second portion extending axially from the first portion of the wall and having a circumferential extent less than that of the first portion to facilitate receiving the first member by providing a laterally and axially open alignment opening. The first member can have a second portion extending axially further than a first portion and having a circumferential extent less than the first portion to facilitate connecting a second member to the first member by providing a laterally and axially open alignment opening.

Abstract: A concrete filled tubular steel column includes a longitudinally extending vertical tubular steel shell and an inner tubular steel member disposed at the center of the steel shell. A plurality of spaced vertical steel plates extend from the inner members toward but not abutting the steel shell. In addition a plurality of horizontally disposed perforated pipes extend outwardly from the inner member and have a plurality of meltable polymer plugs or caps to prevent plastic cement from flowing into or closing the openings. In the event of fire the plastic or polymer plugs or caps melt and allow gases and smoke to flow into the pipes and up through the inner member and out therefrom at the top of the column.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting apparatus includes a mounting frame coupled to a pile capable of being anchored in numerous terrain and slope conditions, universal clamping for mounting any type of solar panel thereto, and components enabling customized angles of inclination of photovoltaic modules mounted onto the frame. Optimized testing and preparation for installation are part of a process ensuring that design of materials and installation of a photovoltaic mounting apparatus is customizable to reduce time and expense in a method of installation.

Abstract: A clamp member for use in securing a vibratory device to a pile comprises a structural portion and a surface layer. The structural portion defines peaks and valleys. The surface layer is formed on the structural portion and defines an engaging surface. The surface layer defining a thickness dimension of at least approximately 0.0025 inches and a grit of at least approximately 180 Emery.

Abstract: A method for applying a pivoting ground anchor on considerable depth, the anchor including; a first coupling member for temporary coupling the anchor with a driving rod to drive the anchor to the considerable depth; and, a tension member for coupling the anchor to the object to be anchored, a second coupling member which fixedly couples the anchor to the tension member, wherein the tension member is of one piece and has a considerable length for applying the pivoting ground anchor on considerable depth, and wherein the method includes the step; continuously supplying the tension member to the ground anchor without interruption during driving the ground anchor to the considerable depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for installing tubular foundation elements having open ends, in particular (mono)piles, in an underwater ground formation, comprising an hydraulic driver, an anvil, and an adaptor for transmitting energy from the anvil to the toe of the foundation element, which adaptor fits inside the tubular foundation element.

Abstract: Forcing equipment meant for forcing piles, steel profiles and other elongated objects into the ground which forcing equipment comprises a body (1) which can be attached to a working machine, a vibration device (6) attached to the body (1) with the help of damper cushions (9) and moveable grip jaws (10) adjusted to the mentioned vibration device (6) in order to grip the object to be forced at least with a side grip. The body (1) comprises an upper part (2) including an attachment arrangement (4), (5) for attaching it to the working machine and side parts directed from the upper part (2) downwards between which side parts the vibration device (6) and grip jaws (10); (17, 18) can be attached through cassette (7) comprising damping rubbers (9) in which case the attachments comprise pin/hole attachments (11, 23, 14); (20, 8) or (21, 8) which can be opened by detaching the mentioned pins (11, 20, 21).

Abstract: A clamp system includes a frame, a plurality of clamp members, an actuator collar, and an actuator system. The frame includes an attachment member and a stop ring defining a stop cam surface. The clamp members each define first and second cam surfaces. The actuator collar defines an actuator cam surface. The actuator system displaces the actuator collar. The frame supports the actuator collar and the plurality of clamp members such that the first cam surfaces engage the actuator cam surface and the second cam surfaces engage the stop cam surface. Operation of the actuator system displaces the actuator collar towards the stop ring. As the actuator collar moves towards the stop ring, the actuator cam surface acts on the first cam surfaces and the stop cam surface acts on the second cam surfaces such that the clamp members place the clamp system in an engaged configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-part caisson-clamp, wherein each half of the caisson-clamp contains only one jaw face. The two half caisson-clamps together pinch the top of a pile between them. The jaw faces may have a concave curve to secure the pile between them. The pile extends up between the two caisson-clamps to contact the caisson-beam. Horizontal forces on the two caisson-clamps, which would otherwise drive the two caisson-clamps apart, are resisted by mechanical stop(s). A mandril may be inserted into the pile to reinforce the top of the pile relative to the forces applied and transferred by the half-caisson clamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piling and drilling rig having a leader, a deflection apparatus for the deflection a rope which is pivotally connected to the head of the leader in a manner pivotable between at least one transport position and at least one working position, with the deflection apparatus being rotatable about an axis standing obliquely on the axis of extent of the leader.

Abstract: Described herein are shallow post tensioned foundation systems for mounting light to medium weight structures. Methods of installation are also described. The systems, apparatus and methods described can reduce waste, increase efficiency and reduce cost and installation/construction time.

Abstract: A system and method of determining lift deflection during construction of aggregate columns allows for real time monitoring of construction to ensure meeting defined parameters. The amount of deflection of a tamper head during tamping is determined multiple times for each lift. When the amount of deflection matches a predetermined value, tamping is stopped.

Abstract: A pile and method for driving a pile includes a pile having a structural outer tube, and an inner member disposed generally concentrically with the outer tube. The outer tube and inner member are fixed to a driving shoe. The pile is constructed and driven such that the pile driver impacts only the inner member. The impact loads are transmitted to the driving shoe to drive the pile into the sediment, such that the outer tube is thereby pulled into the sediment. In a particular embodiment the outer tube is formed of steel, and the inner member also comprises a steel tube. In an alternative embodiment one or both of the inner member and the outer tube are formed of an alternative material, for example, concrete. In an embodiment, the outer tube has a recess that captures a flange on the inner member. In an embodiment the outer tube is attached to the inner member with an elastic spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pile wall system, pile, and method of installation. A pile adapted to be used in a wall system with at least one other pile. Hexagonal polygonal tubes assembled from chevron panels make up the piles. The panels and piles are held together with through connectors. The pile wall system is easily made by stacking the panels against each other and bolting them together. It is just as easily taken apart.

Abstract: Assemblies for improving the installation of pilings into the ground are disclosed. The assemblies may include a modified pipe pile and a removable point inserted into the end of the pile. Methods of using the assemblies in the installation of pipe piling into the ground are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vibratory pile driver configured to insert curved sheet pile beneath a conduit by rotating the pile driver about a fixed pivot element to advance the curved sheet pile along a fixed arc. In one exemplary embodiment, the distance between the fixed pivot element and the clamps that secured the curved sheet pile to the pile driver is the same as the radius of curvature of the curved sheet pile. In another exemplary embodiment, when the curved sheet pile is secured to the pile driver by the clamps, the center of the radius of curvature of the curved sheet pile lies substantially on the rotational axis of the fixed pivot element. In this embodiment, the vibratory pile driver may be rotated about the fixed pivot element to advance the curved sheet pile along an arc having curvature substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the curved sheet pile.

Abstract: A sling for securing a pipe pile to a pipe pile driving apparatus so that the pipe pile is suspended substantially vertical from the pipe pile driving apparatus is provided. The sling includes a sleeve clamp configured to encircle and clamp against the sleeve for conjoint movement therewith. A pipe pile clamp configured to encircle and clamp against the pipe pile for conjoint movement therewith. First and second pawls are pivotally supported by the pipe pile clamp. The pawls are diametrically opposed and confronting each other and being configured to receive the pipe pile between them. A first suspension tether is connected to and extends between the sleeve clamp and the first pawl.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.

Abstract: Manufacturing, driving and injection method of underwater piles that serve as a foundation for any structure or platform in which one starts with a pillar or pipe (4) to which, during manufacturing, a pile (5) has been inserted in its interior. The methods solve all the possible cases, independently of whether the ground has little resistance or that the load is very great since there are several solutions that the system may adopt to solve all the problems, which are: pile driving on the ground, central injection and by bulb, peripheral injection and radial injection. In addition it includes load tests and an embedding system of the pillar in the slab or structure that is going to support it.

Abstract: A method for increasing load capacity of a foundation pile installed in a ground material is described. At least one electrode is embedded in the ground material at a predetermined distance from the installed pile. A direct current power source is provided, with the power source including at least one cathode connection and at least one anode connection. One of the at least one cathode connection is secured to the foundation pile. One of the at least one anode connections is secured to each of the at least one electrodes. The direct current power source is activated to generate an electric gradient between the foundation pile and the at least one electrode, with the electric gradient being selected to direct charged soil particles in the ground material toward the foundation pile.

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

Abstract: A pile segment for foundation underpinning. In some embodiments, the pile segment includes a head, a trunk extending from the head, and a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbore has a longitudinal centerline. The area of a cross-section through the head and normal to the centerline is greater than the area of a cross-section through the trunk and normal to the centerline.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pile driver with a lead that is capable of receiving and supporting a pile in a substantially horizontal orientation and subsequently rotating the lead and received pile from the substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation needed before the pile can be driven into the earth. In one embodiment of the pile driver, the chassis is of a relatively short length to be more maneuverable and the lead is capable of supporting a long and/or quite massive pile. To prevent the chassis, lead, and pile from tipping or being placed in an unstable condition, the pile driver further comprises a movable counterweight system. The method is also directed to methods of using such a pile driver to accomplish the driving of a pile.

Abstract: A screw pile substructure support system comprises a tubular pile with a fixed conical tip having a helical flight thereon which draws the pile into a soil bed when a torque is applied to the pile. The tip has a substantially conical shape, and the largest diameter of the tip is substantially the same as the diameter of the tubular pile to which it is attached. The helical flight is attached to the outside surface of the tip. The tip may also be provided a point tip and one or more cutting teeth attached its surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for installing tubular foundation elements having open ends, in particular (mono)piles, in an underwater ground formation, comprising an hydraulic driver, an anvil, and an adaptor for transmitting energy from the anvil to the toe of the foundation element, which adaptor fits inside the tubular foundation element.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a retaining wall and a construction method therefor whereby fixation between a steel sheet pile wall and a formwork panel to form the retaining wall is made easy, and can be reliably made, so that construction schedule reduction is achieved. The retaining wall is composed of steel sheet piles 100 driven in the ground preliminarily, a formwork panel 201 fixed in close contact with a face of the steel sheet piles 100 opposite to a ground region, and a formwork panel 202 vertically provided at a position facing the formwork panel 201. The formwork panels 201 and 202 are vertically provided on runners 204 fixed preliminarily to the ground by screws 203, and have caps 205 on their tops to maintain horizontal states and linear states of the formwork panels 201 and 202.