Abstract: A load support system includes an elongate support member having a first diameter and first and second ends. The elongate support member includes, toward the first end, a first portion for direct earth burial and further includes, toward the second end, a second portion to which the load can be coupled. The system additionally includes a lateral support having a second diameter greater than the first diameter and a second length less than a first length of the first portion. The lateral support is mounted about the first portion of the elongate support member. The lateral support includes a first opening formed therein at a first location relative to a long axis of the elongate support member and a second opening formed therein at a different second location relative to the long axis in order to support a range of embedment depths.

Abstract: A lead for installing a pile into a seabed floor comprising: an elongated body extending longitudinally along a first axis in a first direction from a top end to a bottom end and configured to receive a pile oriented in the first direction; and a lead indexing foot attached to the bottom end of the elongated body and laterally offset with regard to the first axis.

Abstract: A load bearing clamp including a first clamp member, the first clamp member including a first semi-annular clamping surface, a second clamp member, the second clamp member including a second semi-annular clamping surface, the second semi-annular clamping surface opposing the first semi-annular clamping surface and at least one member for drawing the first clamp member and the second clamp member toward each other, wherein at least one of the first semi-annular clamp surface and the second semi-annular clamp surface includes at least one irregular surface that deforms at least a portion of a shaft clamped between the first and second clamp members.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus (suppressor) for a vibratory pile driver includes three suppressor sections, including a first section adapted and arranged to absorb a load up to a selected amount. A second suppressor section is adapted to absorb a load above the first shock-absorbing section, with a third suppressor system providing a transition between first and second suppressor action as load increases.

Abstract: A foundation treatment method for piling a foundation structure by penetrating a hardpan layer, i.e., a Deep Slurry Mixing method, comprising following steps: disturbing, by a mechanical device, a location where the foundation structure is to be piled, so that the mechanical device penetrates the hardpan layer of a natural foundation; then injecting clay slurry into the hardpan layer of the natural foundation by a pumping device, an improved foundation is formed after mixing; and piling the foundation structure. The method can change soil property of the original natural foundation, break the hardpan layer, reduce piling resistance of the steel plate cylinder or similar foundation structure, reduce uneven force during the piling process and improve driveability.

Abstract: A noise-attenuating pile comprising a pile driving shoe, an outer tube that engages the pile driving shoe, and an inner member that extends through the outer tube and engages the pile driving shoe, wherein the pile is configured to be installed in sediment or other suitable material by driving the inner member with a pile driver, without directly impacting the outer tube, such that the radial outer tube is substantially insulated from the radial expansion waves generated by the pile driver impacting the inner member. In some piles, one of the inner member and the outer tube are removable after installation. In some piles, a seal is provided in a lower end of the channel defined between the inner member and the outer tube, which may be biodegradable, or may be an inflatable bladder, for example.

Abstract: A system for the detection, containment and removal of hydrocarbon leaks in a subsea environment.

Abstract: An improved transition coupling for a helical soil pile assembly transfers a compression load between two coupled shaft segments with little or no compression loading on the bolts that fasten the parts together. The coupling body has a shaft-receiving socket that extends axially into the body from one end to a socket bottom that axially abuts the end of one of the shafts. The body also has at least one shoulder between its ends that extends laterally outward and faces toward the end remote from the socket. A cylindrical portion of the body, which fits closely within the hollow end of the other shaft, extends axially toward the socket end up to the shoulder, which is adapted to abut the end of that shaft. At least one pair of aligned transverse holes in the body is adapted to receive a fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piling apparatus for pile assembly comprises at least one walled pipe (26), a clamping frame (29) having a clamping mechanism to link to a walled pipe (26) which has been inserted into the earth, a pressing stand (24) linked to the clamping frame (29), pressing cylinders (35) having one end linked to the base of pressing stand (24), another end linked to a holding clamp (18).

Abstract: A method for repairing a support piling, in situ, while immersed in water, comprising the steps of encircling a portion of said piling in need of repair above and below the water line in a coffer dam; and evacuating water from said coffer dam for exposing the portion of the piling in need of repair. Repair steps include blasting damaged portions with high pressure water and/or abrasive particles, adding metal support rods where needed, applying zinc or similar metal for protection against electrolysis, and treating the repaired area with a protective coating such as concrete or grout.

Abstract: A steel pipe pile having pile bearing capacity without disturbing the surrounding ground during installation. The steel pipe pile including a first steel pipe pile that has a hollow steel pipe and a first helical fin on the outer periphery thereof from one end toward the other end at a constantly equal pitch; and a second steel pipe pile that has a hollow steel pipe and a helical fin on the outer periphery thereof from one end toward the other end at a constantly equal pitch and that is joined at an end to the other end of the first steel pipe pile, the pitch of the first helical fin and the pitch of the second helical fin being equal, and the first helical fin and second helical fin being continuous along an imaginary helix at the joint between the first steel pipe pile and the second steel pipe pile.

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 pipe assembly may have one or more pipe segments that are coupled together or coupled to a drive socket by a coupler. The coupler may have a body with a generally tubular shape with an interior surface and an exterior surface. First and second flanges may extend outward from the exterior surface to engage the drive socket, thereby providing enhanced stability and coaxiality. The interior surface may have an upper receiving feature that can receive the bottom end of an overhead pipe segment, and a lower receiving feature that can receive the top end of a subtending pipe segment. The upper receiving feature may have an upper threaded bore with a lead-in portion that facilitates alignment of the overhead pipe segment with the upper threaded bore. The interior surface may also have a stop feature that prevents over-insertion of the top end and/or the bottom end into the coupler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing underwater beds includes a plurality of polygonal hollow pipes arranged side by side, the upper ends of which form a horizontal, substantially flat working platform. Each hollow pipe has a horizontal projection with a flange extending vertically and a corresponding flange insertion aperture with a slot immediately above it running vertically and extending as far as the upper end of the hollow pipe, the aperture being further away from the upper end of the hollow pipe than the projection with the flange and having a greater horizontal dimension than the slot. Neighboring hollow pipes engage one another via a respective projection with a corresponding slot. The hollow pipes cannot be moved relative to one another horizontally. Individual pipes can only be pulled out individually in an upward direction at the platform outer edge.

Abstract: A reusable nose cone device (and related retrieval apparatus) in a hollow helical piling system having a terminal helical anchor are described. The method and system include placing or installing either (i) reinforced concrete piles in situ and/or (ii) grounding systems into the ground—without utilizing a pile driver or an auger, without deconsolidating the surrounding earth and creating spoils (as with an auger), and without unnecessary sacrifice of materials. A terminal helical anchor may be installed through the hollow center of the helical piling system into the ground. The helical anchor may be installed after the removal of the nose cone device. With the system and method, independent and accurate measurement of the anchor's torque may be made and hence complementary “load” bearing, or compression, (or “pull” resisting, or tensioning) capacity may be determined prior to filling the entire pile with reinforced wet concrete.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tower element for a tower, preferably for a wind power plant, where several tower elements with an outer surface and an inner surface are mounted on top of each other, where the periphery of the tower element is made up of a number of segments provided with inwardly facing flanges at the longitudinal sides, the flanges being connected to corresponding flanges on laterally arranged segments. The individual segments are made with an overlap on the outer surface in the transverse joints and with a butt joint at the inwardly facing flanges. By the invention there is achieved flexibility in production and during transport and mounting. With an overlap on the outer surface between two segments, mechanical joining can be performed between two segments in transverse direction. This mechanical joint between two segments results in a more stable construction and a rigidity substantially corresponding to the rigidity that may be achieved in segments joined by welding.

Abstract: The helical drill bit defines a helical end section of a helical structure formed at its periphery by an auger of an excavation assembly, and it is associated or associate with a support portion of the auger. Such a support portion defines a proximal section of the helical structure, which has an extension substantially centred around a longitudinal axis (X-X). The helical drill bit is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis (X-X) together with the support portion so as to drill a hole in the ground. The helical end section extends around an extremity axis (Y-Y; ?-?) that is not aligned relative to the longitudinal axis (X-X).

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: Since the distal backside is provided on a rear side of a wing edge in an entering direction, when a steel pipe pile is rotationally driven into the ground, the distal backside resists against the rotation moment with the wing edge at the center. Thus, while avoiding the off-centered movement of the steel pipe pile and ensuring linearity, the steel pipe pile can be penetrated into the ground. Further, since a slanted opening is provided at a front side of the wing edge in the entering direction, soil excavated in accordance with the rotational drive into the ground can be smoothly introduced into the steel pipe pile body through the slanted opening. Thus, while restraining the ground resistance in accordance with the entering, the soil introduced into the steel pipe pile body can be pushed upward, thereby reducing an increase in the penetration resistance caused by clogging within the pipe.

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: 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: 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 method of constructing a voided drilled shaft concrete structure is provided. Drilled shafts are large-diameter cast-in-place concrete structures that can generate extremely high temperatures during the concrete hydration/curing phase. The method includes creating an excavation, inserting a cage or an inner casing into the excavation, and filling with concrete the space between the outer surface of the cage or inner surface and the inner surface of the excavation.

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: A method for deploying a deepwater mooring spread from a floating vessel with a bow, stern, hull, deck, and aft crane secured to a port side or a starboard side of the hull having a hold, and a fore crane secured to the port side or starboard side of the hull. To lower heavy suction piles or other structures to almost unlimited water depths, the crane tackle after a depth of approximately 1000 meters is replaced using the polymer lines as a temporary lifting pennant with almost neutral buoyancy and therefore no extra weight is added to the lifting tackle of the crane.

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 anchoring system to lock posts into housings mounted in the ground, or to lock pipes into housings within holes through walls or foundations uses plastic collets to match post outer profiles to inner housing profiles. The collets have two gently tapered circumferential areas which lock into corresponding tapered areas in the housing. Keys help to lock the post into the collet and in turn into the housing. Customized collets match incompatible posts and housings. The anchored post may be released for re-use, with a security release system that requires the use of special tools.

Abstract: A working apparatus for processing, especially sealing, underwater bed areas, especially banks and bottoms of waterways, especially canals, a process for setting up said apparatus, a process for moving said apparatus and uses of said apparatus are described.

Abstract: A clamp system for operatively connecting a vibratory device to a plurality of caissons defining at least first and second diameters comprises a structural member, first and second clamps comprising first and second lock systems, respectively, and a clamp displacement system. The first and second clamps are supported by the structural member. The first and second lock systems fix the first and second clamps relative to the structural member. The clamp displacement system comprises at least one clamp displacement motor supported by the structural member and a mechanical link assembly connected between the at least one clamp displacement motor and the first and second clamps. Operation of the at least one clamp displacement motor allows the first and second clamps to be remotely displaced relative to the structural member such that the first and second clamps are spaced along the structural member as appropriate for either of the first and second diameters.

Abstract: As described above, the caisson structure according to the present invention is robotized to be moved up and down by itself, and thus there is no need of using large-size constructive machines such as cranes that are used in the existing construction methods, and has an effect of improving capability of structures for underground soil blocking against a lateral force since connections and engagement among inter-lateral-side iron rods or reinforced iron members are continuously integrated all over the four surfaces, which has been weak in a bored piling construction method and a continuous wall construction method such as an SCW (Soil Cement Wall) construction method or CIP (Cast-In Placed Pile) construction method, and this significantly reduces usage of internal reinforcement materials for supporting beams, thus saving costs of construction.

Abstract: A caisson structure including enclosed well walls with internal surfaces and external surface placed opposite to the internal surfaces is provided. A plurality of frame beams are provided between the internal surfaces and mutually intersected in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. A bottom frame beam is provided close to a lowest end of the well walls. The internal surfaces are provided with internal support blocks at a first height, and the external surfaces are provided with external support blocks at a second height, with the second height greater than the first height. A bottom surface of the bottom frame beam is a plane without cutting edges, and the lowest end of the well walls is formed with cutting edges having an inclined surface. A method of sinking the caisson structure into the ground exactly is also provided.

Abstract: A clamp system for operatively connecting a vibratory device to a plurality of caissons defining at least first and second diameters comprises a structural member, first and second clamps comprising first and second lock systems, respectively, and a clamp displacement system. The first and second clamps are supported by the structural member. The first and second lock systems fix the first and second clamps relative to the structural member. The clamp displacement system comprises at least one clamp displacement motor supported by the structural member and a mechanical link assembly connected between the at least one clamp displacement motor and the first and second clamps. Operation of the at least one clamp displacement motor allows the first and second clamps to be remotely displaced relative to the structural member such that the first and second clamps are spaced along the structural member as appropriate for either of the first and second diameters.

Abstract: An auger and hole stabilization combination system includes an auger bit that has a bottom end, a top end, and at least one boring blade positioned between the top and bottom ends. A cylinder has an upper end and a lower end. The cylinder has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the auger bit. A coupler releasably couples the auger bit to the cylinder. The auger is extended into a ground surface and the cylinder retained within a hole dug by the auger while a post is placed in the hole.

Abstract: An example of a caisson system that surrounds a conductor that extends from a head member positioned above a water surface to below a mud line includes a caisson positioned about the conductor, the caisson having a lowest end; a lower centralizer connected within the caisson proximate the lowest end of the caisson; and a second centralizer connected within the caisson above the lower centralizer relative to the mud line; wherein each centralizer includes a plurality of bow members extending between a first and a second collar, the first collar immovably connected within the caisson and the second collar moveable relative to the first collar, and each bow member curving inward from the caisson defining a bore disposing the conductor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded pile (e.g., 17) that includes a unitary elongated body (52) and an elongated tube (142) residing longitudinally within the elongated body (52). The elongated body (52) includes first (151) and second (154) exterior elongated plates that are spaced apart and opposed to each other. The elongated body (52) also includes a plurality of internal ribs (157) interposed between and being continuous with the first (151) and second (154) exterior elongated plates. The internal ribs (157) together define a plurality of apertures (67) and an elongated passage (160) that extends the length of the elongated body (52). The elongated tube (142) resides within the elongated passage (160), and provides fluid communication between upper (145) and lower (148) ends of the elongated body. Passage of a high pressure fluid (e.g., water and/or air) through elongated tube 142 results in fluidization of a penetrable material (e.g.

Abstract: A lateral force resistance device for a ground achoring system suitably used in expansive soils has an inner sleeve structure and an outer collar connected to the inner sleeve structure by a plurality of load transfer members such as longitudinal load transfer plates. The lateral force resistance device is embedded in the soil over a ground anchor, such as a helical anchor, by sliding the inner sleeve structure of the device over the top end of the anchor and using an embedment method involving vibration, pushing or other technique. The outer collar of the lateral force resistance device provides a relatively large surface area displaced from the inner sleeve structure for providing efficient load transfer to the surrounding soil.

Abstract: A caisson tube finishing form includes a contact surface adapted and constructed to be secured to a caisson tube. A form surface is adapted and constructed to extend inwardly from an inner surface of the caisson tube. The form surface is in contact with concrete poured into the caisson tube during use thereof, and produces an aesthetically pleasing outer surface for the structural element resulting from use of the caisson tube.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the insertion of a stanchion into the ground. The apparatus comprises a first side including a plurality of connection apertures, a second side including a plurality of connection apertures, and at least one connector engaging the connection apertures to removably engage the first side to the second side. The first and second sides reposition the ground and substantially separate the stanchion from the ground during insertion. Additionally, the apparatus maintains the integrity of the hole into which the stanchion is placed during insertion of the stanchion into the ground. Preferably, the first and second sides define a substantially circular opening when engaged to one another. Additionally, each side includes a length and the connector substantially spans the length and vertically connects the first side to the second side along the length.

Abstract: A method for installing a pre-cast/pre-stressed concrete and steel pile used in the construction of pile foundations and the resulting installed pile that has its distal end anchored to bedrock is disclosed. After the pile is located on bedrock, a first hole is drilled into bedrock that is of sufficient depth to accommodate a lower portion of the steel pipe that extends below the concrete pile and contains a plurality of orifices. A second hole is drilled into bedrock that is below and concentric to the first hole and has a diameter than that is usually less than that of the first hole. The second hole forms an anchoring socket to accommodate an anchoring anchor. Grout is injected into the steel pile and anchoring socket until the grout fills the voids in the interior of the steel pipe. Grout also seeps through the orifices in the lower end of said steel pipe and fills the second hole, and an annular space between the outer circumference of the steel pipe and the walls of the first hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for removal of buried objects. According to one embodiment of the invention, a crane with a vibrator casing driver is used to lift and suspend a large diameter steel casing over the buried object. Then the casing is driven into the ground by the vibratory driver until the casing surrounds the buried object. Then the open bottom of the casing is sealed shut by injecting grout into the ground within the casing near its bottom. When the seal has cured and hardened, the top of the casing is lifted to retrieve the casing, with the buried object inside, from the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for removal of buried objects. According to one embodiment of the invention, a crane with a vibrator casing driver is used to lift and suspend a large diameter steel casing over the buried object. Then the casing is driven into the ground by the vibratory driver until the casing surrounds the buried object. Then the open bottom of the casing is sealed shut by injecting grout into the ground within the casing near its bottom. When the seal has cured and hardened, the top of the casing is lifted to retrieve the casing, with the buried object inside, from the ground.

Abstract: A method and device for boring, particularly percussion boring or rotary percussion boring, a hole in soil or rock material and for forming an anchoring. A borehole is formed by inserting a drill bit, and a casing tube is placed inside the borehole during the boring process. Once the borehole is completed, the boring rods are detached from the drill bit and removed from the borehole. The periphery of the casing tube is provided with a number of passage openings for discharging hardenable material. A tensioning device for the anchor, particularly an anchor plate and a screw that can be screwed onto the casing tube, can be fixed to the end of the casing tube protruding from the borehole. Anchoring or fixing elements for anchoring the casing tube on the surrounding inner wall of the borehole are provided, in particular, on the end area of the casing tube oriented toward the drill bit.

Abstract: An anchor pile apparatus has a helical anchor rotatable by a power source through an intermediate drive member. The drive member extends through a plurality of hollow pile sections, which are driven, one by one, into the soil following the penetration of the anchor. In one of the embodiments, the anchor and the pile sections are rotated separately by independent motors, thus expediting the installation of the pile in the pre-determined location.

Abstract: A tool system is provided for aligning and plumbing a poured concrete form (e.g., a lower vertical form portion) for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a center line running vertical to the length of the tool and a two-way level system incorporated therein. The tool can be used to line up the lower vertical form portion with a layout string and plumb the lower vertical form portion square. A metering pole that can be locked in place is used to lower and raise the tool into and out of the lower vertical form portion, wherein the tool is completely rotatable about the metering pole. Once the lower vertical form portion is aligned with the tool, the earthen hole is back filled, thus holding the lower vertical form portion in place in the correct position.

Abstract: An in-situ pile apparatus 10 includes a helical anchor to which a plurality of elongated generally cylindrically shaped sections can be added. Each of the sections has a specially shaped end portion for connecting to another section. An internal drive is positioned in sections inside the bore of each of the connectable pile sections. The internal drive includes enlarged sections that fit at the joint between pile sections. In one embodiment, the internal drive can be removed to leave a rod behind that defines reinforcement for an added material such as concrete. The rod also allows for a tension rod connection from the anchor tip to an upper portion attachment point.

Abstract: A pile is installed in a drilled hole in the ground by inserting a tube extending to the bottom and providing on the bottom end of the tube a bottom shoe for compressing material at the bottom of the hole. A drive tool attached to the upper end of the tube applies downward compression and reciprocating rotation forces to the tube. A hammer by-passes the drive tool to apply impact forces to an upper surface of the shoe at the bottom of the tube acting to drive the shoe in downward movement so that the shoe slides downwardly relative to the tube. A radial surface of the shoe causes compressive forces on the material at the bottom of the hole and blades on the radial surface when reciprocated back and forth by the tube cause break up of the compressed material to allow repeated compression and significantly increased supported loads on a pile which is applied with the tube removed and is supported on the shoe.

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

Abstract: A modular helical piering system employs a series of tubular shafts having a rectangular cross-section that can be secured to one another by means of couplers and removable pins inserted through holes in the shafts. A number of helical blades can also be removably secured to the shafts at desired locations by means of pins.

Abstract: A pier-repairing and reinforcing panel is used in a method of repairing and reinforcing a pier. The panel includes locking members, locking ribs, reinforcing ribs, and clips. The method includes the steps of: installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier. Impurities are removed from the pier's surface, and a plurality of panels are installed around the pier while sealing the junctions of the panels. A plurality of reinforcing steel bars are arrayed in the gap between the pier and panels, and the panels are then affixed to the steel bars or the pier using anchor bolts. The gap between the pier and the panels are then filled with concrete. The pier is effectively repaired and reinforced while separating the reinforced concrete from water, thus protecting the concrete and steel bars for a desired lengthy period of time.