Abstract: The invention provides a method for making piles and apparatus for practising the method. The piles may be used to support the foundation of a structure, such as a building. The method draws a soil displacer on a shaft down through a body of soil by turning a screw at the lower end of the shaft. The soil displacer forces soil out of a cylindrical region around the shaft. The cylindrical region is filled with grout to encapsulate and strengthen the shaft. The grout may be fed by gravity from a bath of grout around the shaft. The soil displacer has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the screw and may be a disk extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting various structures, and especially freestanding structures such as walkways, boardwalks, prefabricated buildings, electrical towers, and decks. The apparatus includes a pier assembly comprising a pier member connected to a helix, the pier member also having a compression member fixed to an intermediate portion thereof. The compression member having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface of a generally frusto-conical configuration. Upon rotation of the pier assembly, the compression member is forced downwardly into the earth thereby compressing and compacting the earth there beneath to provide a stable support structure. Furthermore, a tubular member may be inserted at the upper end of the compression member and a body of rigid material may be provided within both the compression member and the tubular member.

Abstract: An anchor apparatus for anchoring an article to the ground includes a pair of spaced apart legs rotatably mounted on an axle. Each of the legs has a curved tine attached thereto for insertion into the ground as the legs are rotated in opposite directions about the axle. A lug on each leg receives a pin in an aperture for preventing rotation of the legs relative to one another and the tines have flanges which resist pulling the tines from the ground. A chain is connected between one end of the pin and a sleeve. When the tines are inserted into the ground, the pin is inserted into the apertures in the lugs and the sleeve is positioned on the pin between the lugs, the chain can be looped around a portion of a sports goal frame resting on the ground and a lock can be inserted through the chain and an aperture in one of the lugs such that the anchor apparatus prevents the sports goal from tipping over.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage (2) movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable position on a mobile tower (15). After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. An auger (4) is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors (57) hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger (80) mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors. The second auger can swing laterally to dig a left or right side outboard or satellite anchor hole.

Abstract: A socket drive adapter for retrofitting to a solid hub earth anchor to convert the solid hub earth anchor into a socket drive earth anchor. The socket drive adapter is formed from a trapezoidally shaped steel plate by a series of 90.degree. bends. The bends create square, bore-defining adapter that can be welded to the top surface of the helical blade around the solid hub. A drive wrench fits in the socket drive adapter and engages both the socket drive adapter and the solid hub to enhance the torque strength of the anchor while retaining the better ground penetrating aspects of the solid hub design.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing the rock formation of a structure, such as in the walls and ceiling of a mine shaft includes a forward portion having a given diameter and length and cross section and a larger diameter rear portion also having a given diameter and length and cross section. A tapered conical portion is attached between the forward portion and the rear portion thereby serving as a smooth interface therebetween. A slit, having a predetermined width gap, runs the full length of the apparatus and an annulus is provided that is attached to the rear portion to engage a mine shaft plate. To insert the apparatus into the formation, a first larger diameter hole is drilled into the formation approximately equal to or slightly in excess of the length of the rear portion. A second smaller diameter hole is then drilled along the same axis to an overall depth which equally or exceeds the length of the apparatus. The mine shaft plate is then placed over the apparatus before it is inserted into the drilled holes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for driving a ground anchor and associated anchor rod into the ground. The ground anchor is held securely relative to a drive gad which is reciprocated bi-directionally with an actuator. One end of the anchor rod is pivotally connected to the ground anchor. Another end of the anchor rod is connected either to the drive gad or to the actuator so that the anchor rod is caused to vibrate positively in phase with the anchor. The vibrating anchor liquefies the ground and can be pushed easily through the ground to a desired anchoring position.

Abstract: An in-ground conduit system for a ground source heat pump is provided. The in-ground conduit system is a conduit-loop having at least one wing member mounted on the conduit loop such that the wing member contacts the ground in such a way so as to resist upward movement of the conduit loop.

Abstract: An in-ground conduit system for a ground source heat pump is provided. The in-ground conduit system is a conduit-loop having at least one wing member mounted on the conduit loop such that the wing member contacts the ground in such a way so as to resist upward movement of the conduit loop.

Abstract: An anchor for a beach umbrella having a canopy and a support post therefore comprising a container having a predetermined hollow, solid geometric configuration capable of being buried in and containing sand, the container including an open top, a bottom and a side wall extending from the open top to the bottom, the bottom having an aperture therein coaxial of a longitudinal axis of the container; a cylindrical member secured in the aperture and extending at least downward from the bottom externally of the container coaxial of an extension of the longitudinal axis to receive an end of the support post; and an arrangement to secure the cylindrical member to the one end of the support post and, hence, to secure the container to the support post. Three embodiments are disclosed, but the compression nut embodiment of FIG. 1 is preferred due to ease of (tool-less) fastening the container to the support post.

Abstract: A clamshell screw anchor is provided which is inexpensive to manufacture, installable in many types of soils including rocky and frozen soils, and is adaptable for use in various applications, such as supporting electric transmission poles. The screw anchor broadly includes a unitary body member, a core, and a helical load bearing element. The body member is stamped from a substantially flat piece of material, and presents a pair of opposed, elongated body segments depending from a line of symmetry. Each of the body segments includes a first end shaped to define a hub element having a C-shaped cross section, a second end shaped to define a lead point element, and a pair of longitudinally extending side edges. The body member is folded about the line of symmetry, and the body segments are secured together along the side edges so that the hub elements form a hub having an open, upper end, and a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the lead point elements form a lead point having an earth-engaging tip.

Abstract: An anchor body defines an open-end receptacle suitable for receiving the valve body of a quick coupling irrigation valve. The anchor body defines an end portion having a threaded aperture therein which receives a threaded bolt. The threaded bolt is adjusted to provide a captivating force upon the valve body and secure it within the open end receptacle. The anchor body further defines a pair of oppositely extending vertical vanes on each side of the open end receptacle together with a pair of horizontal vanes. The vertical vanes cooperate with the surrounding soil pack when the anchor is installed to resist torsional forces applied to the valve while the horizontal vanes cooperate with the surrounding soil to resist vertical forces upon the valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used to increase the stiffness characteristic of soil to improve its ability to support a structures and to provide a tie-back anchoring force. The apparatus includes an anchor having helixes thereon is rotated into the ground. The helical anchor is hollow and includes multiple perforated holes along its length and about its perimeter. Once, the anchor is drilled into the ground, pressurized grout is injected therein. The grout is forced through the helical anchor and out through the perforated holes. The grout fills any voids along the sides of the anchor and stiffens the surrounding soil. Once the grout hardens, it may be used in a tie-back application or to support new and old construction or the like. The grout surrounding the anchor increases its lateral support and prevents deflection thereof.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable positions on a mobile tower. After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. An auger is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors. The second auger can swing laterally to dig a left or right side outboard or satellite anchor hole. An extensible satellite anchor augering guide and anchor structural support extends and retracts on both sides of the mobile tower.

Abstract: Expansible anchors, particularly a pivotable anchor for pilings. The anchor is characterized by a backing plate which is secured to the lower exterior portion of the piling. A pivot bracket extends laterally outward of the backing plate to support a pivoting arm and thrust plate. As the piling is being driven, the pivoting arm and thrust plate are pivoted upwardly in substantial alignment with the piling vertical axis. As the piling is driven and set, the pivoting arm and thrust plate are pivoted downwardly to a laterally outward locking mode. The surrounding marine surface then settles upon the thrust plate, locking the piling in place.

Abstract: A socket for receiving a post, column or rod has a closed end forming a seat against which the post, column or rod may be seated when installed, the socket being secured within the ground or other solid body which may be entered when pierced. The socket is a unitary member which, in one form, may be a sheet of metal folded to have an internal cross sectional configuration corresponding to the post, column or rod and has folds which form the closed end, portions of the folds converging to an oblique leading edge which may pierce and penetrate the ground or other solid body. In an other form of the invention the socket is a hollow tube swaged closed at one end and may be ground to an oblique edge.

Abstract: A machine for simultaneously augering and thrusting an anchor into the ground for later attachment of a utility pole or road sign. A vehicle is used to transport the thruster machine with a hydraulic control system such that a rail track is moved into thrusting position and locked in place. A winch, plus a system of hydraulic pistons will raise and lower an auger and thrusting device into the position desired. With an anchor affixed to the bottom of a platform, the auger is then used to drill out the dirt and other material so that the anchor may be more easily inserted into the ground. The thrusting process is facilitated by an indexing feature contained within the platform. A series of hydraulic pistons drive the anchor into the ground until fully stroked, whereupon the platform is re-indexed as needed to completely sink the anchor. Furthermore, a counter-thrust device may also be employed to stabilize the vehicle during the thrusting operation.

Abstract: A railroad crossing signal foundation has upright guide rods (19) to which an upper frame member (14) and a lower frame member (15) are mounted. A concrete reinforcement gridwork (16,17) is supported on the lower frame. After erection in a ground hole, concrete is poured into the hole to a fill plane defined by the upper frame member (14) so as to embed the frame member and gridwork and a portion of the guide rods located below the fill plane.

Abstract: An anchor for supporting an umbrella post in a vertical position relative to a ground surface. The inventive device includes a cylindrical main body positionable into the ground surface and having a cylindrical bore for receiving the umbrella post. The cylindrical body includes a shovel formed at a lower end thereof, and a storage cup secured to an upper end for receiving and storing small articles or the like.

Abstract: A tubular piling pipe having a plurality of cantilevered perforations formed in the exterior wall of the pipe defined by individual bendable necks and carrying enlarged-in-cross section tabs at their free extremities to provide foundational support. The bendable necks have elastic limits such that an outward force of sufficient magnitude will permanently force the necks and respective tabs radially outward and into the surrounding soil such that the tabs define anchor fingers.

Abstract: A corrosion-protected support element for a soil anchor or a rock anchor or a pressure pile includes a support member which is provided with a tubular casing. The hollow space between the support member and the casing is filled out by a hardening material, for example, cement mortar. The tubular casing is a plastics material tube, for example, of PE, which extends over the entire length of the support member. The plastics material tube has the same cross-section over its entire length. In the region of force-transmission between the support member and the bore hole in which the support element is placed, the plastics material tube is deformed at spaced-apart locations to deviating cross-sections having different transverse extensions.

Abstract: A soil anchor and a method of installing a soil anchor, the soil anchor having: an expandable anchor body; a device for piercing and parting soil at the front end of the soil anchor; a device for transmitting force from a location remote from the soil anchor to the anchor body; a device for transporting hardenable material from a location remote from the soil anchor into the expandable anchor body to wedge the anchor body into the soil; and a device for leading at least one cable to avoid contact between at least one cable and the hardenable material, and for permitting movement of at least one cable adjacent the anchor body while the hardenable material is hardening or hardened.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and structure for quickly assembling road foundation and support of this invention, comprising the following steps (1) first, selecting positions spaced from each other at an appropriate distance for placing the foundation along a road above which an elevated road will be constructed; then digging a groove having appropriate size in the ground surface of each selected position for horizontally placing the foundation and the road asphalt; (2) digging a recess having appropriate dimensions along the periphery of said groove for placing a horizontal supporting frame, and spraying the asphalt adhesive on the recess; (3) mounting the horizontal supporting frame on the recess, and filling the space above a horizontal flange extending outward along the the periphery of the bottom of the horizontal supporting frame with asphalt such that the top surface of the filled asphalt is flush with the top of the horizontal supporting frame; (4) then fully spraying the adhesive on the combina

Abstract: An anchoring device for use on the shaft of a beach umbrella or the like, including a conical member that tapers to a rounded point and around which is spirally wound a constant pitch asymmetric buttress-type thread whose upper surface is perpendicular to the long axis of the conical member.

Abstract: A ground anchor for use in securing above ground objects in place consists of a molded plastic body member having a cylindrical central portion with a cone-shaped projection terminating in a point at one end thereof and a concentrically disposed cylindrical stem projecting from the other end. The stem is of a smaller O.D. than that of the central portion and, thus, an annular shoulder surface is created at the junction. A tie plate is fitted into a slot formed in the molded plastic body. A cable or other tie member connects to that plate and to the object to be anchored. The anchor is driven into the ground by positioning a drive rod over the stem portion of the anchor body so that the end of that rod abuts the annular shoulder. Then, by hammering on the upper end of the drive rod, the anchor is driven into the ground to the desired depth. The anchor is configured so that tension on the tie cable tends to rotate the anchor within the earth to increase the resistance against pull-out.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for building a foundation for uprights, such as flagpoles, posts, pillars or the like, or for making passages e.g. for cables, tubes etc. The apparatus (1) includes a drive-shaft (3) equipped helical auger (2). The shaft (3) is provided with a tubular body portion (4,4a). The end of the body section (4a) facing the helical auger (2) is fitted with a conical section (5) tapering towards helical auger (2). Thus, when the apparatus is in operation, the tapered section (5) serves to compact a soil layer softened by the helical auger (2).

Abstract: An earth anchor apparatus having reduced bending moment characteristics is provided, including a longitudinally extending hub having first and second axial ends. Affixed to the hub between the ends thereof is a radially extending load-bearing element, including a leading edge intersecting the hub and structure extending radially outward from the hub in a generally helical direction. The apparatus further includes an elongated anchor rod having first and second ends, and means for coupling the rod to the earth anchor. The coupling means includes means for reducing bending moments in the rod during movement thereof.

Abstract: A tie down stake for anchoring small aircraft or other objects to the ground in any soil conditions and which consists of a central hub with an eyelet and a plurality of holes that serve as stake guides for directing a plurality of anchoring rods at a fixed angle downward and outward into the ground. Thus joined by the hub, the anchoring rods cooperate together to form a secure earth anchor. Also disclosed are a rod removal tool, a security cap and a packing tube for use with the tie down stake.

Abstract: Soil nails are entrained into the ground by vibration of a beam or compacn probe into the ground and remain behind when the beam is removed to transfix a friction soil layer and anchor it to the cohesion soil layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank structures and apparatus for their construction. The walls of the prestressed tank are formed by inflating a membrane, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material outwardly of said membrane and then prestressing the walls by circumferentially wrapping prestressing material to minimize the tension in the rigidifying material when subject to loading. In another embodiment, wall forms are placed inwardly of said membrane to aid in the forming of the walls and circumferential prestressing. In the best mode of the invention, the walls are of reinforced plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic or resin sandwich composite construction this application focuses on. Seismic countermeasures which may also be used to protect the structure against earthquakes and other tremors, by the anchoring of the tank walls to the base and permitting the seismic forces to be shared by the seismic anchors.

Abstract: An earth anchor that can be driven into the ground to a desired anchoring depth and which has a tie rod extending therefrom for connection to an above-the-ground structure to be supported. The anchor is in the form of a stamped plate having a substantially flat co-planar body portion with a tapered ground entry end and with planing wings formed at a trailing end which are angled out of the plane of the body portion for guiding the anchor plate into a substantially horizontal anchoring position upon tensioning of the tie rod. The anchor plate is formed with a stepped drive rod receiving notch in the trailing end which is engageable by the head of the drive rod and which maintains the anchor plate in coaxial relation to the drive rod as it is being driven into the ground.

Abstract: A ground anchor adapted to be driven into the ground comprises an elongated flat plate having a first bent portion at one end forming a U-shaped throat along one side of the plate and a second bent portion at the end opposite the first mentioned end slightly inclined relative to the flat surface of the plate in the direction opposite the throat. A cable is secured at one of its ends, to the plate, at an intermediate portion between both ends of the plate. The intermediate portion is located in the direction of the second bent portion relative to the center of gravity of the plate. The end of the cable forming a closed loop has an aperture adjacent the plate and on the same side of the plate as the throat. The loop and the throat are adapted to upstandingly retain the rod while the latter is impacted for driving the anchor into the ground, and the plate is adapted to tilt about the loop when the cable is pulled upwardly thereby imparting a plowing effect of the plate in the ground.

Abstract: A ground anchor comprises an anchor plate (1) which is to be driven edge first into the ground. A flexible anchor strap or web (4) is attached to the plate, and the plate has a tail flap (7) which provides a fulcrum about which the buried anchor plate can pivot. Apparatus (5) are provided on the anchor whereby it can be driven into the ground with rotation about a generally horizontal axis. Once it is buried the strap (4) can be used to increase the rotation of the plate and thus give the plate maximum resistance to withdrawal from the ground.

Abstract: A beach anchoring device for easy and reliable installation and fast removal of the stick-like objects, mainly beach umbrellas, on sand/soft ground beaches. Also might be used to anchor fishing rods, tents, canopy posts and other post-supported structures mainly on beaches. The device includes a tubular pole 1 with centering projection 6 and slightly twisted propeller-like blandes 5, and a handle 2, that fits the holes 7 in the pole 1. The pole might be screwed in the sand by the handle inserted in the holes 7. When installed in the sand, the handle is removed from the holes and an umbrella is inserted into the pole together with the handle which locks the umbrella stick in it. The sand that partly fills the pole is compacted by the umbrella stick and, interacting with the bottom end portions of the pole provides reliable anchorage. To remove the device, it should be screwed out of the sand.

Abstract: A socket and method for anchoring a sign post in the ground securely without requiring the sign post to be drivingly impacted. The socket has a hollow cavity having a cross sectional configuration substantially the same as that of the post, the cavity terminating at a ledge. The ledge is an edge of a portion of a leader inserted into one end of the socket and having the remainder of the leader extending from that one end. The socket is driven into the ground by inserting a driving rod into the cavity and impacting the driving rod against the ledge formed by the leader until the socket is driven to the desired depth in the ground. The driving rod is then withdrawn and the sign post is inserted into the socket and secured to it.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving anchors in the ground by gas pressure which includes on a frame to be maintained stationary relative to the ground, a mechanism for firing and combustion of a pyrotechnical composition, and for launching an anchor. The apparatus including an acoustic shield for gas expansion which is slidingly mounted on a recoil ramp so as to balance the impulse transmitted to the anchor by the force of gravity.

Abstract: A method of repairing foundations utilizes precast concrete cylinders which are sequentially driven into the soil and connected by tubular connectors to prevent deflection of the column which forms an underground pier. The tubular connectors maintain the cylindrical members in straight alignment during and after the driving operation and prevent shifting as a result of changing soil conditions. The present method relies upon the skin friction of the precast concrete pier with the soil for its strength. The precast concrete pier may be further strengthened by using hollow cylinders in forming the pier and adding concrete or mud pumped into its center and into the surrounding soil. The soil surrounding the precast concrete pier may be further stabilized and strengthened by pumping a lime, concrete, or mud slurry through the column into the soil surrounding the pile at critical areas where soil shrinkage and shifting often occurs.

Abstract: A conventional stake member having an annular post mount joined to the upper end of the stake to form a socket for receiving the lower end portion of a right angular extension of the elongated mounting member of a slide hammer. A right angle hammer member has a lower terminal edge for forming a mating fit with the top edge of the stake when the extension extends into the socket and a pin removable attaches the stake to the hammer member and extension. The upper end portion of the rod which forms part of the mounting member mounts an anvil having a top surface and a bottom surface to be selectively struck by a slide member for the selective one of pulling the stake and driving the stake into the ground, the slide member being reciprocal relative to the mounting member. The anvil is located within the slide member. The lower end portion of the rod is welded to the apex of the extension.

Abstract: A concealable anchor which can be buried or cemented in the ground such that the top end thereof is flush with ground level, wherein the anchor has an elongated tubular pipe which is open on both its top and bottom ends, and an attachment chain fixedly connected at one end to the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the tubular pipe. The chain extends through the opening in the bottom end of the tubular pipe into the inner confines thereof. The other end of the chain is connected to a removable end cap which seats upon and covers the open top end of the tubular pipe. The attachment chain is of sufficient length such that it may be pulled outwardly from within the pipe through the open top end thereof for attachment of an object thereto, when desired. The attachment chain is constructed such that it may also retract into smaller compass for storage within the tubular pipe when the anchor is not in use.

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

Abstract: An earth anchor (1) comprises a hub body (3) having a base plate (7). A shank (19) extends downwardly from a bottom surface (21) of the plate. The shank has a beveled lower edge (23) forming a tip (25) for penetrating the ground. A hub (9) extends upwardly from an upper surface (11) of the plate and non-drivingly engages the drive tool. A quadrilaterally formed circumferential side wall (17) extends upwardly from the outer margine of the plate. The side wall is spaced radially outwardly of the hub and forms a sleeve in which a portion of the drive tool is received. The base plate, hub, shank, and side wall are all integrally formed, preferably through forging or casting, forming a hub body of uniform strength, less subject to stress forces, and relatively tight dimensional tolerances. A blade (5) is attachable externally to the hub body.

Abstract: A silo or like structure (16) adapted to be driven end first into the ground comprising an elongate body, wherein the body is enlarged at one end thereof, wherein the enlarged portion carries a cutter (28) directed axially away from the body so as to form an outsize hole for the body when the structure (16) is driven in, wherein ducts (210, 211, 212) are provided for conveying a fluid from a fluid source to the outside of the body behind the enlarged portion, and wherein the structure (16) includes a flexible sleeve (214) attached to the enlarged portion and adapted to cover the body in spaced relationship therefrom, the ducts (210, 211, 212) opening into the annular space defined between the body and the sleeve (214) when the sleeve (214) is in its covering position.

Abstract: A device for injecting grout around a tubular pile driven into the ground. The tubular pile has a given diameter and is formed by a tubular wall of a given wall thickness defining the inside and outside of the tubular pile. A grout feed channel capable of being driven into the ground with the tubular pile is disposed inside the tubular wall having a diameter which is small relative to the diameter of the tubular pile. A check valve is connected to the grout feed channel at a position along the tubular wall and extends through the thickness of the tubular wall so as to communicate from the grout feed channel through the outside of the tubular wall. An injection device is inserted in the grout feed channel having one plug which is fitted in the grout feed channel and located above the check valve so as to inject grout under pressure through the injection device and the check valve to the outside of the tubular wall.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of anchoring a prefabricated pile into the ground as well as a pile for carrying out this method. The prefabricated pile (P) comprises essentially at its lower portion a recess (1) containing a bladder (2) connected to a source of material under pressure through the agency of a pile-line (3) extending along the axis of the pile, so that, when the bladder (2) is inflated, a radial deformation of the lower portion of the pile is provided to thus supply the latter with a base. The pile according to this invention is useful for any kind of works and presents an increased strength against tensile and compressive stresses.

Abstract: A pile assembly for supporting a structure after being driven into a soil stratum comprises a pile body having a hollow interior. Two or more slots extend through the pile body. A steel plate is retained within each slot by returning bars. When driven into the ground, a mandrel is inserted into the pile body and used to push downwardly an inverted pyramidally shaped actuator which, in turn, forces the steel plates outwardly into the soil stratum, deforming the retainer bars which exert an upward pressure on the plates to maintain the plates against the upper edge of the slot.

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

Abstract: Several underpinning arrangements are described. In each, a concrete pile is cast in a hole formed adjacent to the structure to be underpinned. The hole is formed from at or near ground level and is vertical or at an angle close to the vertical. At least one supporting limb is also formed. This extends from the pile hole and engages the structure. When the pile is cast in the pile hole, the pile and supporting limb are made to form a unitary element so that forces exerted on the supporting limb by the structures are transmitted to and borne by the pile. Various configurations of supporting limb are described, as are various arrangements for ensuring that the supporting limb is retained in a position in which it supports the structure. A drilling assembly for use in the method is also described.

Abstract: A pile assembly for supporting a structure after being driven into a soil stratum comprises a pile body having a hollow interior. Two or more slots extend through the pile body at two or more different elevations. A steel plate is positioned within each slot. When driven into the ground, a mandrel is inserted into the pile body and used to push an actuator downwardly which, in turn, forces the steel plates outwardly into the soil stratum.

Abstract: A light weight pile having increased load bearing capacity for being embed in the ocean floor. Two cones are welded together at their base. An opening of about one third the diameter of the base is made in the apex of each of the cones to provide an opening for a hollow pile to pass through. The double cone is attached to the pile so that it can be water jetted into the ocean floor.

Abstract: A socket and method for anchoring a sign post in the ground securely without requiring the sign post to be drivingly impacted. The socket has a hollow cavity having a cross sectional configuration substantially the same as that of the post, the cavity terminating at a ledge. The ledge is an edge of a portion of a leader inserted into one end of the socket and having the remainder of the leader extending from that one end. The socket is driven into the ground by inserting a driving rod into the cavity and impacting the driving rod against the ledge formed by the leader until the socket is driven to the desired depth in the ground. The driving rod is then withdrawn and the sign post is inserted into the socket and secured to it.