Abstract: A pile for stabilizing soil for building a structure thereon includes a casing having an upper end opposite a lower end, a shaft positioned inside the casing, the shaft having a first end proximal to the upper end of the casing and a second end proximal to the lower end of the casing, wherein the casing and the shaft are substantially coaxial; and a plate attached proximal to the upper end of the casing and holding the shaft inside the casing. Optionally, the plate has one or more grout holes to allow liquid grout to flow into the casing along the shaft, potentially increasing the stability of the pile in soil.

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: A pile with a low effective Poisson's ratio is disclosed, which greatly reduces the sound coupling to the water and sediment or other ground when driving piles. In some embodiments the pile includes geometric features that reduce the radial amplitude of the compression wave generated during hammering by providing a space for circumferential expansion along the length of the pile. The geometric features may comprise slots and/or grooves. In an embodiment, a driving shoe has a perimeter that extends beyond the pile tube such that the sediment produces less of a binding force on the pile. The pile may be formed as a double-shelled pile with either or both shells having effective low Poisson's ratio properties. A bubble generating plenum may be attached to the shoe to further reduce friction during installation.

Abstract: A pile (300) with a effective low Poisson's ratio is disclosed, which greatly reduces the sound coupling to the water and sediment or other ground when driving piles. The pile includes a plurality of geometric features that reduce the radial amplitude of the compression wave generated by hammering the pile by providing a space for circumferential expansion along the length of the pile. In various embodiments, the geometric features comprise slots (303) and/or grooves (313, 323). In an embodiment, a driving shoe (316, 316) has a perimeter that extends beyond the pile tube such that the sediment produces less of a binding force on the pile. The pile may be formed as a double-shelled pile (310) with either or both shells having effective low Poisson's ratio properties. A bubble generating plenum (328) may be attached to the shoe to further reduce friction during installation.

Abstract: A method for gradually introducing thin-walled pipes into the ground includes inserting a pipe clamp, which has been arranged horizontally on a mast, into a horizontal pipe, bracing the pipe clamp (pipe gripping jaw) with the rear part of the pipe, moving the pipe clamp back with the pipe braced thereon, erecting the mast, with the tools, the pipe clamp and the pipe, into a vertical position, introducing the pipe to the desired depth with the tools, unclamping the pipe clamp and pulling it out of the pipe, and repositioning the mast back into a horizontal position. A device has a carrier unit, a mast, which can be pivoted between vertical and horizontal, tools with a pipe clamp, arranged on the mast, and a magazine a pipe arranged substantially horizontally. The pipe clamp is inserted into the pipe coaxially in relation to the pipe and substantially horizontally.

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: 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: 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: A clamp assembly for securing a vibratory device to a pile comprising a frame, first and second clamp members, and an actuator. The frame is adapted to be secured to the vibratory device. The first clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a first engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a first surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the first engaging surface. The second clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a second engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a second surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the second engaging surface. The actuator member is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second clamp members such that first and second engaging surfaces engage the pile such that the pile is gripped by between first and second clamp members. At least one of the first and second surface layers defines a thickness dimension of at least approximately 0.

Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. A shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define an opening for receiving the granular construction material into the interior. The shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the shell to form a support pier.

Abstract: A conventionally available pile for civil engineering work is constructed such that the pile has in its inside a core body with wedges that stick into soil deep in the ground and function to prevent the pile from coming out of place. A problem exists with such a pile in that placing the core body at an appropriate position inside the pile is difficult. A pile for civil engineering work of this invention enables a core body to be placed at an appropriate position and labor required for the placement to be reduced. A pile (1) for civil engineering work is characterized in that, for example, a guide rail (4) that enables a core body (6) to be guided is provided inside a body of the pile (1), the core body (6) is guided through the guide rail (4), and wedges (6a, 6b) are appropriately guided to cut/pushed-in openings (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b).

Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a vibratory device to a pile comprising a frame, first and second clamp members, and an actuator. The frame is adapted to be secured to the vibratory device. The first clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a first engaging surface defined by a first surface layer formed of carbide alloy material. The second clamp member is also supported by the frame and comprises a second engaging surface defined by a second surface layer formed of carbide alloy material. The actuator is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second clamp members such that first and second engaging surfaces engage the pile such that the pile is gripped by between first and second clamp members.

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: An apparatus for providing a mooring anchorage, and a method of drilling and installing a pile in ground comprising the steps of: providing a pile, providing a drill bit at an end of the pile rotatable relative to the pile, engaging the ground with the drill bit, and rotating the drill bit relative to the ground and the pile generating a hole into which the pile is received.

Abstract: A method of drilling and installing a pile in ground comprising the steps of providing a pile, providing a drill bit at an end of the pile rotatable relative to the pile; engaging the ground with the drill bit, and rotating the drill bit relative to the ground and the pile generating a hole into which the pile is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing old, in-ground hydraulic elevator lift cylinders in which a portable tower is erected within the elevator hoistway and a shoring sleeve of larger diameter than the old cylinder is secured to a head plate slidably mounted for vertical movement on the tower and facing downwardly. After loosening the hoistway floor and subsoil surrounding the old cylinder, a drive mechanism such as a winch or hydraulic jack is actuated to lower the shoring sleeve into the ground to surround the old cylinder. The head plate is then attached to the old cylinder, and the drive mechanism is actuated to lift the head plate and cylinder upwardly until the cylinder is raised completely out of the ground. The old cylinder is discarded, and a new cylinder is attached to the head plate and lowered into the area surrounded by the shoring sleeve.

Abstract: The tube is hammered by means of a hydraulic or an electromagnetic hammer pressed against a pile-driving head situated at the bottom of the tube. The bottom of the tube is preferably provided with a hammering bearing surface and a removable head is used that is suitable for resisting laterally on said bearing surface. The invention is particularly applicable to providing piles or stakes, particularly for a foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a loading test of a pile using a self-repulsive force. The loading test is separately performed in two stages, a first stage to estimate the ultimate peripheral skin friction force and a second stage to estimate the ultimate tip end bearing capacity. The loading test apparatus of the present invention has simple construction capable of reusing, which results in carrying out the loading test with ease and in cost effective manner.

Abstract: A combined foundation earth anchor and installation unit includes a cylindrical foundation support which is open at opposite ends and adapted to at least partially be embedded in the ground, an installation drive component removably positioned within the support and provided with an element extending longitudinally through the support and projecting outwardly from one end thereof, and a connector for releasably coupling the installation drive component to the support, so that upon rotational movement of the drive component, the support is rotated therewith. The installation drive component includes a drive helix on the end of the element which projects outwardly from one end of the support, so that upon application of a rotational force to the assembled foundation support and drive component, while a downward force is applied to such assembly, the drive helix causes the support and drive assembly to be pulled into the ground.

Abstract: A screw-on splicer for use in driving composite pipe-shell piles and a screw-on tip for shell piles. Each has an outer diameter at least about 2 inches greater than the O.D. of the shell. An enlarged tip for shell piles, comprises a mass of concrete encased in a non-tapered corrugated shell and having a corrugated shell socket for receiving the shell stem.

Abstract: A concrete foundation pile and a device for driving the pile into the ground. The pile is provided with an outer surface having a screw thread element extending over a considerable part thereof, and a cavity extending from an opposite end of the pile forming an internal engaging surface extending over the part of the pile over which the screw thread element extends. A rotational driving force is transferred over said internal engaging surface substantially along the full length over which the screw thread element extends.

Abstract: A vehicle-supported post-hole driver comprises a frame adapted to be mounted on the pivot of the vehicle drawbar. It is supported in a fore-and-aft position by a fluid cylinder connected between the frame and the support vehicle, the fluid cylinder providing for fore-and-aft movement of the outboard end of the frame. A second fluid cylinder pivots the frame about the drawbar pivot thereby transversely positioning the outboard end of the frame. The outboard end of the frame supports a pivotally-mounted yoke into which a pivotally-mounted vertical guide bearing is positioned. The combination of the pivoted yoke and the pivoted guide bearing provides a gimbaled arrangement. Slideably positioned in the guide bearing is a vertical shaft to which is attached a drive hammer and post-hole bit assembly. The drive hammer is raised relative to the post-hole bit by means of a fluid cylinder mounted within the bit and connected to the drive hammer. It drops gravitationally and drives the bit into the ground.