Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for reinforcing compressible soil strata. The system comprises at least one helical rigid-inclusion comprising a elongate body, a top member secured to one end of the elongate body, and at least one lower helically-formed member secured to the end of the elongate body opposite to the top member, and a load transfer platform configured to transfer at least a portion of a load from an overlying surface to the helical rigid-inclusion. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to methods of installing the system for reinforcing compressible soil.

Abstract: Anchor cage for a foundation of a wind turbine. The anchor cage comprises at least an upper load distribution plate (1), at least a lower load distribution plate (2), and a plurality of first reinforcement elements (3) extending between said plates (1, 2). It further comprises at least one intermediate load distribution plate (4) placed between the upper load distribution plate (1) and the lower load distribution plate (2), and a plurality of second reinforcement elements (5) extending between the upper load distribution plate (1) and the intermediate load distribution plate (4), and being shorter than the first reinforcement elements (3). An assembly method for the anchor cage is also described. A foundation is also provided in which the total post-tensioning value provided in the upper part of the foundation (6) is different from the total post-tensioning value provided in the lower part of the foundation (7).

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a solid object having a borehole, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The blast can be used to fracture solids and/or to create a shockwave to mapping underground structures.

Abstract: A modular foundation support system includes modular foundation support components including self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler features wherein a plurality of axially elongated ribs are aligned with a plurality of axially elongated ribs on a second distal end to rotationally interlocked the modular foundation support components to one another. First and second pair of fastener holes are self-aligning with one another to receive a fastener therethrough such that the fastener is mechanically isolated from rotational torque transmission.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole in soil, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises wet concrete. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The blast is used to force the wet concrete into a customized shape within the borehole.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole in soil, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises wet concrete. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The blast is used to force the wet concrete into a customized shape within the borehole.

Abstract: An anchor driving device includes an anchor, a driving member with a slide stop, an anchor rod, a slide collar, and a load cell. The driving member is removably coupled to the anchor. The slide stop of the driving member is spaced apart from and disposed above the anchor. The anchor rod is permanently coupled to the anchor. The slide collar is disposed on the driving member and is selectively affixed to the driving member with a release mechanism. The load cell is permanently coupled to the slide collar and selectively coupled to the anchor rod. The load cell is configured to measure a load through the anchor rod during a setting operation of the anchor.

Abstract: A system and method to enhance the structural performance of a reinforced concrete pile in a ground hole is provided. The ground hole includes an upper shaft cavity connected to a lower bell-shaped cavity. The concrete pile includes a cage assembly disposed within the hole in the ground surface and includes a plurality of rebars coupled together by a plurality of fixtures. Each fixture has a generally hexagonal sheet with a plurality of fingers connected to the sheet at corner junctions with each having a concave edge. Each rebar is designed to secure within the concave edges of the corner junctions of the plurality of fixtures. Concrete is disposed within the ground hole to secure the cage assembly therein, thereby enhancing the structural performance of the reinforced concrete pile by minimizing shear stress failure and enhancing load-bearing capacity of the pile.

Abstract: A self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler assembly includes an outer coupler coupled to a first shaft of and an inner coupler coupled to a second shaft. The outer coupler comprises an inner surface having primary and secondary alignment and torque transmitting features, and the inner coupler comprises an outer surface having primary and secondary alignment features. The primary and secondary alignment features are configured to interlock and facilitate alignment of the first and second shafts along a common axis in an exemplary application of a foundation support system.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a gravitation anchor for offshore anchoring of ships and platforms, comprising a main body (10) with a longitudinal axis of revolution (11), comprising a means of stabilization (14), whereby the means of stabilization (14) comprises a means of automatic activation (140). Optionally, the means of stabilization comprises at least one stabilizer (14), whereby each stabilizer (14) comprises an end pivotally attached (141) to the gravitation anchor (1), and a free end, whereby when the stabilizer (14) is in a retracted position, the free end is positioned closer to the main body (10) of the gravitation anchor (1), and whereby when the stabilizer (14) is in an extended position, the free end is positioned away from the main body (10) of the gravitation anchor (1).

Abstract: A composite structure for a pile foundation for anchoring a tower structure (e.g., an offshore wind turbine) in ground, which includes a hollow pile introduced into the ground at an erection site of the tower structure and a corner post which is connected to the tower structure and which, on a connection side, is arranged within the pile. The pile and the corner post are fixedly bonded to one another in a bonding region by a cured bonding material. At least one bonding means for transmitting shear forces is fixedly arranged on the pile and/or on the corner post in the bonding region. The bonding means has at least one aperture which is filled with the bonding material or, together with the corner post or pile, forms the aperture that is filled with the bonding material. The aperture encloses the bonding material by an angular range of 90° or more.

Abstract: A bar sealing apparatus includes a hollow, cylindrical intermediate end cap. The end cap has a fitting disposed within an opening. The sealing apparatus further has a hollow, cylindrical terminal end cap and a hollow, cylindrical sleeve that is configured to surround the bar. Internal threads or other fasteners of the fitting may be threaded onto the bar, and internal threads or other fasteners of the intermediate end cap and internal threads or other fasteners of the terminal end cap may be threaded onto external threads or other fasteners of the sleeve. The intermediate end cap, terminal end cap, and sleeve facilitate grout to fill a space between each of the intermediate end cap, terminal end cap, sleeve, and the bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind turbine generator foundation with pressure-dispersive pre-stressed anchor rods or anchor ropes. The foundation comprises a pile cap, a plurality of foundation piles arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the pile cap at uniform spacing, and a wind turbine generator tower connected to an upper part of the pile cap.

Abstract: The present invitation relates to a soil anchor footing supporting system within the ground surface to support steel or concrete column, brick or block wall, light post, sign post, substation equipment, pre-cast panel, retaining wall etc. It comprises of a footing slab (2) made of concrete; plurality of deformed steel bars (1) or fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars embedded in the lower surface of the concrete slab (2) and plurality of anchor bolts (4) or reinforcing starter bars which are embedded into upper surface of concrete slab (2) to suit steel or concrete column. The bars, which act as mini piles, are configured for ground penetration and a concrete slab is cast on top to encase all the bars and is capable of holding desired loads. These footings can be cast-in-situ type where the bars are pushed into ground (3) individually or in groups and concrete is cast on top, or it can be pre-cast type where, the whole footing is pushed into ground using pile driving equipment or mobile press.

Abstract: A foundation-piering system for lifting and supporting a foundation or structure. The system provides a bracket that includes a seat plate and a pier guide. The seat plate extends horizontally below the foundation to engage the bottom surface thereof. A pad is disposed between the seat plate and the foundation to resist lateral movement of the bracket when under load. The pier guide is provided at a non-vertical angle to enable driving a pier from an initial position laterally adjacent to the foundation to a position that is vertically below the foundation. To install the bracket a face is formed along a bottom edge of the foundation and at an angle corresponding to the angle of the pier guide. The pier guide is abutted against the face when installed to minimize rotational forces encountered by the bracket. The bracket requires no fasteners or other coupling with the foundation.

Abstract: An anchoring device for a self-propelled irrigation system includes a screw pile and drive assembly that drives the screw pile into the ground to anchor a drive tower of the irrigation system to the ground. The screw pile is rotatably driven about a vertical axis and movable vertically relative to the drive tower. The drive assembly can include an electric motor with a suitable gear reduction that causes the screw pile to be rotated slowly with a large amount of torque. The drive assembly can be mounted stationary to the drive tower, or it can be mounted on tracks so as to move vertically together with the screw pile. A low voltage electrical system with one or more batteries can be used to power the electric motor. A solar battery charger or other charging system can be used to maintain an electrical charge in the batteries. A controller is provided to activate the drive assembly when adverse weather conditions are detected, or upon receiving a remote command from the operator.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

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 load bearing pile arrangement comprising a plurality of load bearing construction pile assemblies. Each comprises a pile provided with a support manifold at an upper end thereof. Each pile includes an outer tube and an inner tube between which, when the assembly is in use, provides a pathway for fluid pumped from above and down through the inner tube to a vortex manifold where the fluid swirls before passing upwards between the inner tube and the outer tube. The fluid also swirls as it passes upwards between the tubes and by at least one collar comprising an annular ring fixedly mounted on the tube the ring having helices, which cause the fluid to continue swirling as it passes upwards between the tubes and. In use, the load bearing pile arrangement can be used to recover heat from the surrounding ground; store heat in the surrounding ground; or, to store coolth, especially in a desert locality.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for securing a hollow pile in the ground. The pile has a wall with an inner surface. The apparatus includes a first actuator and a second actuator. Each of the actuators has a central chamber, a pair of spaced-apart peripheral chambers, a pair of pistons interposed between the central chamber and the peripheral chambers, respectively, and a pair of piston rods coupled to and extending outwards from respectively ones of the pistons. The piston rods of the first actuator are shaped to form protrusions in the pile when the first actuator is actuated to move its piston rods outwards. The apparatus includes a pair of support members operatively connected to the piston rods of the second actuator. The support members are shaped to abut and support the inner surface of the pile when the second actuator is actuated to move its piston rods outwards.

Abstract: An anchor socket system for vertically supporting a post includes external and internal, open-ended cylinders, wherein the external cylinder includes first and second semi-cylinder halves each having mirroring tapers and semi-annular upper rims on each respective inner facing wall. Tightening bolts in communication with the internal and external cylinders are rotated to raise the internal cylinder relative to the external cylinder, thereby causing tapered wedges on the outer facing surface of the internal cylinder to exert pressure against the corresponding tapers on the inner facing surface of the external cylinder. As the diameter of the internal cylinder contracts, pressure is exerted against a post by the inner facing walls of the internal cylinder while the outer facing walls of the external cylinder halves simultaneously exert pressure against the inner facing surface of a core-drilled hole, thereby locking the anchor socket and post into place within the core-drilled hole.

Abstract: A post footing device facilitates replacement of broken posts. The device includes a tube having an upper end, a lower end, and a perimeter wall extending between the upper end and the lower end. A sleeve has a top end, a bottom end, and a peripheral wall extending between the top end and the bottom end. The sleeve is insertable into the tube and configured for receiving and laterally supporting a post. Each of a plurality of alignment bars extends between the tube and the sleeve wherein the sleeve is held in position within the tube. The alignment bars are spaced around the sleeve such that the alignment bars align the sleeve in the tube. A support is positioned in the sleeve between the top end and the bottom end wherein the support is configured for supporting the post in the sleeve above the bottom end.

Abstract: A piling is provided with a pipe provided with a generally cylindrical shape, a first end, and a second end. A first end fitting is located at the first end of the pipe and a second end fitting is located at the second end of the pipe. The first end fitting is provided with an out-of-round shape that transmits torque and is dimensioned so that at least a portion fits within the second end fitting, and the second end fitting is provided with an out-of-round shape that transmits torque with at least a portion that fits about a portion of the first end fitting.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for securing a hollow pile in the ground. The pile has a wall with an inner surface. The apparatus is positionable within the pile. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior and a plurality of apertures. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions slidably extending through the apertures of the housing. The protrusions are moveable outwards from the housing for selectively deforming portions of the wall of the pile and creating anchor knobs in the pile upon pressurized hydraulic fluid being applied to the interior of the housing. The apparatus includes a plurality of support members extending outwardly from the housing. The support members are shaped to selectively abut and support the inner surface of the wall of the pile when the anchor knobs are being formed.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for establishing and securing a foundation in a substrate. For example, in one embodiment, a pump conveys a first fluid (e.g., water) through a pile member to produce an elongate opening in a substrate, which allows the pile member to be advanced into the substrate. After the pile member has been advanced into the elongate opening in the substrate, a second fluid (e.g., fluidized concrete) is conveyed out of openings on the side (and the bottom) of the pile member to substantially secure the pile member in the elongate opening defined in the substrate.

Abstract: A ground mounting assembly, system and methods for ground mounting a structure include one or a plurality of posts, each of which are attached to at least one stabilizing plate. The posts may be at least partially positioned underground, with the stabilizing plates being buried to a depth of, for example, about 1 foot. Posts in a front portion of the mounting assembly optionally may be connected to an adjacent one of posts in a back portion of the assembly by a cross member. A ground mounted post that is driven them lifted to deploy uplift members. A ground mounting system based on a double pounder pile driven mono pole is also described.

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: 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 supporting a double hull platform section above the surface of the earth for the exploration of oil, gas, or hydrate reserves comprising lowering a platform to a distance above the surface of the earth, engaging a first set of supports with the surface of the earth, drilling holes in the earth, inserting a second set of supports in the drilled holes, adding a slurry in to the drilled holes, allowing the slurry to freeze to support the platform, and disengaging said first set of supports from the earth.

Abstract: Pile forming includes providing an anchor having a shaft with a major axis, a bit fixed at one end, and a stop releasably coupled to the shaft. A casing having a major axis, is co-axially aligned with the major axis of the shaft, between the bit and the stop. A centralizer maintains separation between the shaft and casing, creating a region therebetween. The anchor is placed in soil, ground or substrate, the shaft turned and pressure applied to advance the anchor, forcing material out of a region surrounding the shaft. The stop is decoupled from the shaft. The shaft is continually turned and pressure applied to further advance the anchor. A fluid grout is flowed into said region surrounding the shaft and into the region between shaft and the casing. The turning and application of pressure are stopped, and the fluid grout allowed to solidify.

Abstract: An anchoring system and method according to which a tubular member is positioned in a subterranean substrate and a conglomerate is formed within the subterranean substrate, the conglomerate including respective portions of the subterranean substrate and a chemical fastener in a cured state. The conglomerate is adhered to the tubular member. To form the conglomerate, the chemical fastener in a liquid state is injected into an internal passage defined by the tubular member so that the chemical fastener flows from the internal passage and into the subterranean substrate via at least a first radial opening formed in the first tubular member.

Abstract: A pier bracket comprises a metal bar having a plurality of bolt holes formed through a top half of the metal bar and a plurality of opposingly faced barbs extending from planar side surfaces in a lower half of the metal bar. The barbs are configured to provide asymmetrical resistance force to movement of the pier bracket when received within an aperture formed in a concrete pier or footing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for drilling a cased hole and installing a micropile. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground. The cased hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A micropile is then lowered into the cased hole. Grouting material may be discharged into the cased hole before or after the drill string is removed from the ground.

Abstract: An assembly for inhibiting wind erosion including an anchorage structure, an erosion mat and a retaining member. The anchorage structure includes a downwardly facing base surface, an upwardly facing anchorage surface, and a rigid elongate member. The anchorage structure is supportable on its base surface with the elongate member in an upright position. The anchorage structure is disposed within a plant growing medium with the elongate member extending upwardly through the erosion mat. A retaining member is secured to the elongate member and engages the upwardly facing surface of the erosion mat to inhibit the removal of the erosion mat. The assembly can be used in a green roof system by placing a drainage layer on the roof and a filter fabric between the plant growing medium and the drainage layer. The anchorage structure is positioned above the filter fabric.

Abstract: There is provided a method for drilling a cased hole and installing a micropile. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground. A retrievable drill bit is operatively connected to the drill string. The cased hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the drill string into the ground. The retrievable drill bit is retrieved from the cased hole following the drilling of the cased hole to the desired depth. A micropile is lowered into the cased hole following the retrieval of the retrievable drill bit. Grouting material may be discharged into the cased hole before or after the drill string is removed from the ground. In another embodiment, a removable drill bit may be used in place of the retrievable drill bit.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a template (10) for use in installing a plurality of foundation elements, in particular anchor piles (3), relative to one another in an underwater ground formation (2). The template (10) comprises a plurality of guides (11) for the foundation elements (3), which guides (11) are fixed relative to one another by means of a frame (12). At least one of the guides (11) comprises a sound-insulating sleeve (11A) for surrounding a foundation element (3) during driving.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support. a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material.

Abstract: An equipment for constructing micropiles in soil, includes a drilling rod with a bit with at least one nozzle jetting fluid forward, and at least one nozzle jetting fluid substantially orthogonal; an element pulling a protective tube, not adhering to the rod. A corresponding method includes drilling with a drilling rod jetting liquid in front of the bit until reaching stable soil strata; drilling and injecting high-pressure grout with one or more lateral nozzles, while the drilling rod rotates; pulling the protective tube, the tube being inserted to the area of grout injection; when the required depth is reached, the proximal end of the drilling rod is anchored to a plate; when the grout is consolidated, traction is applied to the drilling rod if necessary. Grout is injected into the protective tube.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method and apparatus for placing a helical pile in the soil with minimal disturbances to the soil. The helical pile has an elongated pipe with a central chamber. The pipe has a helical blade with an opening in the trailing edge of the blade where grout is extruded. The grout fills those portions of the soil which were disturbed by the blade. Advantageously, those portions of the soil which were not disturbed by the blade are not infused with grout.

Abstract: A device for reinforcing a pylon foundation against being pulled out, said foundation comprising at least one block (10) which is buried in the ground of the site of the foundation and that presents a portion (12) of greatest section in a horizontal plane, the device comprising a slab (20) buried in the ground and disposed around said block (10) between said portion (12) and the surface (T) of the ground, said slab extending beyond the vertical projection of the periphery of said portion (12). The slab (20) may be made from a mixture comprising materials extracted from the site or materials brought in from elsewhere (such as a treated gravel mix) or a mixture of both, together with at least one binder. Advantageously, the total proportion of binder in said mixture lies in the range 3% to 15% by weight. The device is used to compensate for a deficit in resistance to being pulled out presented by an existing shallow foundation for a pylon.

Abstract: A C-type underbracing has developed for installing on a lower portion of a utility pole for firmly anchoring the utility pole. The underbracing is comprised of: a body (12) formed a half-annular or C-shape with a rectangular cross section; a pair of the enlarged end portions (11, 11?) having larger rectangular cross section than that of the body; a pair of the conjunction (17, 17?) for connecting between the body and the enlarged end portions; a hook receiving hole (13) horizontally through a center of the body, and a pair of nut mounting portions (16, 16?) formed flat surfaces for seating the nuts and a pair of slit-shaped holes (14, 14?) for horizontally inserting U-bolts (20) through the body portion, the nut mounting portions and slit-shaped holes disposed both sides of said hook receiving hole, and an earth plate (30) made of conductive material is attached to the bottom surface of the body.

Abstract: A joining device (8) for hybrid wind turbine towers (5) intended for the fixation of a metal portion (6) of a wind turbine tower (5) to a concrete portion (7) of said wind turbine (1) which comprises a metal body (9) having a generally tubular configuration that is suitable to be fixed to the metal portion (6) of the tower (5) which in use is adjacent to the concrete portion (7), and suitable for being at least partially embedded into said concrete portion (7), said metal body (9) being provided with a number of anchoring openings (11) adapted such that the material of the concrete portion (7) passes therethrough. A hybrid wind turbine tower (5) comprises such a joining device (8) provided between one metal portion (6) and one concrete portion (7).

Abstract: An assembly for inhibiting wind erosion including an anchorage structure, an erosion mat and a retaining member. The anchorage structure includes a downwardly facing base surface, an upwardly facing anchorage surface, and a rigid elongate member. The anchorage structure is supportable on its base surface with the elongate member in an upright position. The anchorage structure is disposed within a plant growing medium with the elongate member extending upwardly through the erosion mat. A retaining member is secured to the elongate member and engages the upwardly facing surface of the erosion mat to inhibit the removal of the erosion mat. The assembly can be used in a green roof system by placing a drainage layer on the roof and a filter fabric between the plant growing medium and the drainage layer. The anchorage structure is positioned above the filter fabric.

Abstract: A pier bracket comprises a metal bar having a plurality of bolt holes formed through a top half of the metal bar and a plurality of opposingly faced barbs extending from planar side surfaces in a lower half of the metal bar. The barbs are configured to provide asymmetrical resistance force to movement of the pier bracket when received within an aperture formed in a concrete pier or footing.

Abstract: A post hole shoring device is provided for receiving and securing a vertically extended 4×4 post. The post would be placed within a hole, secured with concrete, and the hole formed would be backfilled with the soil removed from the hole. By use of the shoring device around the post at the bottom of the hole, additional vertical support is provided to strengthen the vertical installation and prevent movement of the post. The shoring device can be back-filled over, or even filled with aggregate or concrete to provide additional support at very little cost and without modifying conventional materials or construction techniques.

Abstract: A screw pile substructure support system is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a screw pile substructure support system including a tubular pile having a centerline, wherein the tubular pile includes a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section attached by a weld, a pile tip including a first pile tip end attached to the tubular pile, an end plate having a substantially flat surface disposed perpendicular to the centerline of the tubular pile, a tapered portion disposed between the first pile tip end and the end plate, and a helical flight attached to an exterior surface of the tapered portion, wherein the helical flight extends along the exterior surface for a distance of at least one quarter of a circumference of the tapered portion, wherein the end plate is fixedly attached to the pile tip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support, a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material.