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: An apparatus and process for increasing the concentric bearing load capabilities of the length of liner is disclosed. Overlapping ends of vertically aligned pipe lengths are joined by a coupling which provides aligned throughholes through the respective pipe ends. A cylindrical liner having a length substantially equal to co-lengths of an individual pipe member is positioned such that a series of throughholes passing through an approximate mid-length portion of the liner are positioned opposite to and aligned with the pipe coupling throughholes. Fasteners are then used to secure the two vertically aligned overlapping pipe ends to the interior liner pipe.

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 method and apparatus for repairing building foundations by segmented underpinning. More specifically, the a method and apparatus is provided for repairing building foundations using interlocking segmented underpinning piles which are reinforced in a longitudinal direction.

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 pile comprising a tapered steel tube of convex polygonal cross-section driven into the ground and then filled with concrete provides high load carrying capacity even in cohesive soils.

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 timber pile connector for splicing timber pilings together comprising a section of pipe having a continuous sidewall and a hollow bore, a pair of opposing slots through the sidewall, and a bar passing through the slots. A first end of the bar has a first cut therein to thereby form a first upper retaining member and a first lower retaining member. A second end of the bar has a second cut therein to thereby form a second upper retaining member and a second lower retaining member. The first and the second upper retaining members are bent upward against an outer surface of the side wall of the section of pipe, while the first and the second lower retaining members bent downward against the outer surface of the sidewall, such that the retaining members fixedly secure the bar in the slots to thereby form a penetration barrier in the section of pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of installing a pile in unstable soil before a building foundation is installed on that unstable soil. The apparatus includes a tractor; an arm pivotally attached to tractors; a mechanism for moving the arm between raised and lowered positions; a driving platform attached to the arm; and auxiliary weight attached to the front member of the arm. The method includes the steps of placing the first end of a starter pile on the unstable soil; positioning the driving platform of the tractor on the second end of the starter pile; and activating the mechanism for moving the arm between raised and lowered positions to move the arm to the lowered position and cause the driving platform to drive the starter pile into the unstable soil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing building foundations by segmented underpinning. More specifically, a method and apparatus is provided for repairing building foundations using interlocking segmented underpinning piles which are reinforced in a longitudinal direction.

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: The object of this invention is to provide a pier-repairing and reinforcing panel and a method of repairing and reinforcing a pier using such panels. The panel includes locking members, locking ribs, reinforcing ribs, and clips. The method comprises the steps of: installing watertight caisson around a pier, removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier, removing impurities from the pier's surface, and installing a plurality of panels around the pier while sealing the junctions of the panels; arraying a plurality of reinforcing steel bars in the gap between the pier and panels; fixing the panels to the steel bars or the pier using anchor bolts, and filling the gap between the pier and the panels with concrete. The present invention effectively repairs and reinforces the piers while covering the reinforced concrete from water, thus protecting the concrete and steel bars for a desired lengthy period of time.

Abstract: A segmented piling system and a process of installing the system for supporting a structure on unstable soil. A first or starter pile segment is driven into the soil adjacent the structure. A connecting rod is inserted into the upper end of the starter pile segment. A second or follower pile segment is placed on the upper end of the starter pile segment, over the connecting rod, and driven into the soil, driving the starter pile segment further into the soil. That step is repeated with additional connecting rods and follower pile segments until the pile (i.e., the combination of pile segments and connecting rods) are driven the desired amount into the soil, whereupon the top of the pile is supportingly connected to the structure.

Abstract: A continuously interlocked segmental precast concrete underpinning pile using a method of installation where a cooperating extension on one segment engages a cooperating depression on an adjacent segment and aligns the precast segments during installation, which provides a laterally stable pile. With the addition of an adhesive, a locking engagement or both the piling has both linear and rotational stability.

Abstract: Lightweight, reinforced, non-biodegradable, tubular plastic footing form members and assemblies which may contain stake-engaging bores and/or are nailable to each other and/or to supporting stakes. The form members are water-repellant to resist absorbing and bonding to wet concrete compositions so that they can be removed and cleaned for repeated reuse. Alternatively they can be left in place, since they are inexpensive and non-biodegradable, and can support a porous drain conduit adjacent the formed footing.

Abstract: A screw pile stem includes a shank having an inwardly tapered portion at one end, and a helical screw on the shank, with the helical screw being of constant pitch and at least a part of the helical screw being on the tapered portion, and with a major diameter of the part of the helical screw on the tapered portion decreasing towards a small end of the tapered portion.

Abstract: The present invention, the objective of which is to provide a pile connecting structure of high workability capable of connecting upper pile and lower pile to each other simply and accurately, and preventing the pile diameter from becoming a large diameter even at this connecting portion, concerns a pile connecting structure for connecting upper pile and lower pile to each other, by interposing a connecting plate of about the same diameter as the piles, at the connecting portion between the upper pile and the lower pile, wherein the end plate of either one of the upper pile or lower pile and the connecting plate are fixed by screwing bolts inserted in circular-shaped bolt inserting holes formed in the connecting plate to the bolt hole in the end plate of the pile on one side, and the end plate of the other pile and the connecting plate are fixed, in the state where the head of the bolts screwed to the end plate of the pile on the other side is inserted in the large diameter portion of heteromorphic bolt inser

Abstract: An elongated pilot member is forced into the ground and an auger with a hollow stem is positioned around the pilot member and rotated to move the auger into the ground. A second elongated member is coupled to the pilot member and an upward force is applied to the auger stem or to an extension thereof to enable a downward force to be applied to the second elongated member to force the second elongated member and the pilot member into the ground. The second elongated member and the auger stem then are attached together and to a foundation support member for providing support for a foundation.

Abstract: A telescoping tube for supporting surrounding walls of a shaft during the rescue of a victim trapped at the bottom of the shaft. The tube has nesting interlocking successive sections, each successive section having a diameter smaller than the preceding section. Each section has a top edge and a bottom edge. A bottom rim oriented inward extends around the bottom edge perimeter of each section. A pair of top lips oriented outward extend outward from opposite quadrants of the perimeter of the top edge of each section. When the telescoping tube is extended downward, the top lips of the sections rest upon the bottom rim of the preceding sections. In order to collapse the tube, the sections are pulled upward into the preceding sections, thereby bringing the top lips of the sections into contact with the bottom rim of the preceding sections.

Abstract: A process for installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of driving a first pile segment into the earth a desired distance from the structure, aligning a second pile segment upon the first pile segment such that a conduit in the second pile segment is axially aligned with the conduit of the first pile segment, driving the first and second pile segments into the earth a desired distance from the structure, affixing a strand into the conduits of the first and second pile segments so as to form a starter section, and sliding another pile segment along the strand so as to reside upon the starter section. A plurality of pile segments are positioned along the strand so as to reside in stacked relationship upon the starter section. A cap member is positioned between a portion of the structure at an uppermost pile segment of the plurality of pile segments. An end of the strand is anchored in the cap member.

Abstract: A concrete pile construction method and an apparatus used for improving soft earth ground by constructing reinforced bar concrete pile structures in the earth. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for securing firm concrete piles having a reinforced bar core with uniform concrete by a pile apparatus in which projections are radially formed and a conical-shaped bit is formed pointedly on the pile apparatus.

Abstract: Sheathing members surround the pile and are clamped to it by bolts inserted through flange members or portions outside the piles, which clamp the sheathing members against the pile above and below a deteriorated section of a pile and which bridge the deteriorated section of a pile. An embodiment designed for H-piles includes two channel members and one is placed in each channel of the portion of the H-pile to be repaired. A locking bar member is placed along a longitudinal edge of the H-pile and is clamped to the H-pile and the corresponding outwardly projecting flange portion of the channel patch member by nuts and bolts.

Abstract: A stress transmission device arranged between a pile head of a foundation pile and an upper structural portion for transmitting stress between the foundation pile and the upper structural portion, to a structure which employs such a stress transmission device, and to a method of constructing such a structure. In the figures, a pile head member 5 is provided to the pile head 2a of the foundation pile 2, a structure support member 6 is fixed to an upper structural portion 3, and these mutually contact one another in the vertical direction via a first contacting surface 11 which defines a portion of a first imaginary spherical surface Sv1. And a prestressing steel rod 7 is fitted to the pile head member 5 and the structure support member 6 for holding them together in contact while pressing them together via the first contacting surface 11.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting tubular articles, particularly piles and pile sleeves, in which a first tube (4) fits into a second tube (2), the first tube having a first circumferential recess (10) and a second circumferential recess (12), and the second tube has a first set of latches (8) and a second set of latches (8′) which are resiliently biased to engage in the first and second recesses respectively. When the latches and the recesses are mutually engaged, axial movement is prevented by abutments in the recesses and the latches by one set of latches in one direction and the other set of latches in the opposite axial direction. Latching engagement is only possible when the first set of latches is opposite the first recess and the second set opposite the second recess. This ensures positive connection and the use of preferred elements (30) which extend from one set of latches through the outer casing of the second tube. A mechanism can be provided to readily unlatch the tubes.

Abstract: A connector is provided for removably attaching a space frame to the hull of a floating offshore platform. The connector comprises a socket attached to the hull of the platform. The socket has an open bore therein. A stabbing member is attached to the space frame. The stabbing member has a lower end insertable into the socket. An expandable locking ring is carried by the lower end of the stabbing member. The locking ring comprises a plurality of ring segments for removably seating within the socket bore. A backup ring is slidable along the stabbing member. The backup ring removably mates to the locking ring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for supporting a building and to a system and method for connecting sections, such as pilings, pipes, conduits, and the like, in an end-to-end, abutting, relationship to form pilings for the support system.

Abstract: A method of rapidly installing a composite pile structure of timber pile sections and a pre-selected connector having an opening smaller than a transverse dimension of a working end of a timber pile section. The lower pile section is driven into the ground to a convenient distance, the connector is driven onto the lower pile and the upper pile driven onto the connector, and the connection is rapidly made rigid.

Abstract: A foundation pile has an innermost element, a structural tubular element surrounding the innermost element and composed of a non-metallic material, a tubular layer of a composite material surrounding the structural tubular element and connected with the later, and a friction coating applied on an outer surface of the layer of composite material.

Abstract: A pile includes a tapered bottom section of polygon-shaped steel tubing and a top cylindrical section of steel tubing spliced together with a transition ring to form a composite pile, which, after being driven, is filled with concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and a second support section are coupled together by a fastening device that provides the apparatus with stability once the apparatus has been installed. A jack is used to raise the foundation of the existing building to a desired height. The apparatus is attached to the foundation of the building from underneath the building or from a location adjacent a side of the building. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.

Abstract: A connecting element for sheet piles, particularly to join two sheet piles at an angle to each other, which includes hook strips (2, 3), whereby the one hook strip (2) is shaped as a knob section that consists of a head (4) and a basically straight neck (5) leading to the other hook strip, and includes an approximately rectangular channel (6), and whereby at least one additional hook strip (3) is formed as a C-shaped claw with a jaw (8), so that an approximately oval interior cavity (7) is formed.

Abstract: A piering device employs a threaded shaft and a helical bearing plate with a threaded passageway that allows the helical plate to be advanced to any desired location along the shaft. The helical plate can also be readily replaced with one or more helical plates of different sizes. The threaded shaft has a key way extending along its length. The threaded passageway of the helical plate can also be equipped with a key way extending its length. A key is removably inserted into the shaft key way and helical plate keyway after these key ways have been rotated into alignment to secure the helical plate at the desired location along the shaft.

Abstract: A pile consisting of a tapered bottom section of polygon-shaped steel tubing and a top cylindrical section of steel tubing spliced together to form a composite pile, which, after being driven, is filled with concrete.

Abstract: A method for making piles and apparatus for practising the method of the invention are disclosed. The invention may be used to support the foundation of a structure, such as a building. The method draws one or more soil displacing members on a shaft down through a body of soil by turning a screw at the lower end of the shaft. The soil displacing members force 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 methods of the invention may be used to make stepped piers at much lower cost than existing methods. The invention provides methods for coating the screw portion of a screw pier with grout to protect the screw from the action of corrosive soils and to reinforce helical screws.

Abstract: A pile driving adapter having at least one surface provided to abut the driven piling with the driver surface profiled to match the surface profile on the end of the piling. A tubular portion is arranged to receive the hammer blows. A transition portion provides rework material for the driver surface and a choice of a guide sleeve or a guide plug, extending downward from the transition portion, helps guide the adapter onto the piling.

Abstract: A process of installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of forming a receptacle in a first pile segment, affixing an end of a strand into the receptacle such that the strand extends outwardly from the first pile segment, sliding a second pile segment onto the strand until the second pile segment contacts a surface of the first pile segment, and driving the second pile segment a desired distance into the earth. The receptacle is formed in the first pile segment while the first pile segment is in the earth. The step of affixing an end ofthe strand includes the steps of introducing a structural adhesive into a hole formed in the first pile segment, introducing an end of the strand into the hole such that the adhesive contacts the strand and the pile segment, and solidifying the adhesive around the end of the strand such that the end of the strand is rigidly and non-removably secured within the hole in the pile segment.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for raising and supporting the foundation of a structure made of a bracket that secures to the base of the building foundation, a pier driven into the ground to a layer bedrock, a pier support secured to the bracket through which the pier extends, two shafts which secure a pier plate and a hydraulic plate to the pier support, the pier plate rests on the top end of the pier, a hydraulic jack is placed on top of the pier plate, the hydraulic plate is rigidly secured to the shafts whereby when the hydraulic jack is activated, the hydraulic jack held in a fixed position by the hydraulic plate forces the pier plate down driving the pier into the ground.

Abstract: A pipe pier system for use in supporting foundations is provided. The pier system is comprised of a plurality of pipe pier sections and pipe connecting insert members. The pipe sections are adapted to be butted end to end to each other in linear arrangement with the pipe connecting insert member being placed within and connected to respective ends of the butted pipe sections. The pipe sections and insert member have aligning holes to allow for a pin to span their diameters for a stable connection. A removable guide cap is provided for the terminal end of the pier assembly to reduce friction as the pier is driven into the ground.

Abstract: A method of forming a pile isolation void including forming a foundation pile having an enlarged cross-section within a specific localized section and driving the foundation pile a desired distance into the earth so as to form a pile isolation void directly above the enlarged cross-section. The enlarged cross-section can be located at the bottom of the foundation pile or along the length of the foundation pile. The pile isolation void is an annular void extending around the foundation pile above the enlarged cross-section. This pile isolation void can be filled with a material, such as liquid, gel, or a solid material different than the material of the pile or of the earth. The enlarged cross-section can be a collar placed upon the foundation pile, or integrally formed with the foundation pile.

Abstract: A method for connecting a standard sheet pile equipped with a standard locking element to the flange of a standard girder (31). First the initially flat edge (39) of the flange of the girder (31) is given an undulating profile having of a longitudinal series of bosses (40,42) cantilevered with respect to the flange of the girder (31). Next a connecting profile (30) including an inwardly flaring groove (36) is slotted onto the undulated edge so that the cantilevered bosses (40,42) can fit into said groove (36) and laterally lock the connecting section (30) on the undulated edge. The connecting section (30) being used is a hybrid profile which includes on the opposite side to the groove (36) a standard locking element (34) complementary to the standard locking element of the sheet pile. Into this locking element (34) is interlocked the standard locking element of the sheet pile to form a standard sheet pile joint therebetween.

Abstract: A method for making foundation piles in soil with a drilling device having an auger, the auger including two concentric tubes, an outer tube occupying an upper part of the auger and an inner tuber projecting partially as a prolongation of the upper part and occupying a lower part of the auger, the inner tuber having a first screw and the outer having one of a second screw and a plurality of blades, both of said tubes being displaceable with respect to each other, the method including the steps rotating the inner tube in a first direction, simultaneously rotating the outer tube in an opposite direction of the first tube and advancing the auger through said soil whereby the soil is compacted against a wall of a formed hole by the combined action of the first screw and the one of the second screw and plurality of blades of the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation piering system in which piers are used to support a building foundation in highly expansive soil. The adjustable pier is partially incapulated in the foundation of the building when said foundation is poured. Upon settling of the foundation, the adjustable pier can be raised without an expensive piering device or substantial excavation around the foundation.

Abstract: A micropile (40) having an improved attachment to a concrete footing (56). The micropile (40) includes a novel top connector (50) attached to a shortened top casing segment (52d). The shortened top casing segment (52d) is attached to the other segments (52a-b) of the casing 52 for the micropile (40) by a casing coupler (62). The casing coupler (62) is located just below the concrete footing (56) for the micropile (40).

Abstract: A seismic shock absorbing pier including a cylindrical column having an upper end and a lower end; a slide stop having a load bearing surface, the slide stop being fixedly attached to the cylindrical column so that its load bearing surface is upwardly oriented; a shock absorbing spring having an upper end and a lower end, the shock absorbing spring being mounted upon the pier so that its lower end is in contact with the load bearing surface of the slide stop; and a foundation supporting I-beam having an upper load bearing surface, a lower end, a forward end, and a rearward end, the rearward end of the foundation supporting I-beam being adapted for slidable mounting over the cylindrical column, the foundation supporting I-beam being slidably mounted over the cylindrical column so that its upper load bearing surface is upwardly oriented and so that its lower end is in contact with the upper end of the shock absorbing spring.

Abstract: A pile assembly which is driven into the earth for building foundations of engineering and construction employs a leading pile comprising a hollow column having a plurality of openings formed in a side wall thereof and a lower sharpened tip end and an open upper end, a wedge component having a plurality of elongated wedge members. The wedge component is movable downwardly in a space within the column. The leading pile has a guide component for guiding said elongated wedge members through the openings of the column into the earth when the wedge means is depressed.

Abstract: Proposed is a trench falsework which includes a base box (3) made up of lining panels (5) held apart by braces (8). The panels making up the box have a flat edge (7) along the top and a cutting edge (6) along the bottom. The falsework system also includes at least one add-on box (4, 12) designed to be used as an extra tier and made up of lining panels (5) which meet flush with those of the base box (3). The invention calls for the lining panels (5) making up the raised box (4, 12) to be of the same design as those in the base box (3).

Abstract: A foundation pier for supporting a movable dwelling, such as a mobile home or commercial coach, is provided with an anchor assembly for positively anchoring the pier to the ground. The invented pier includes a plurality of force distribution members affixed to a base and an adjustment mechanism of the pier. The force distribution members are coupled to the adjustment mechanism for distributing force, including temporarily increased environmental forces applied to the dwelling and to the pier, to prevent the pier from failing. The adjustment mechanism adjusts the height of the pier and includes coupling members for securing the pier to a support beam of the dwelling. Clamp members are affixed to the force distribution members for causing the force distribution members to cooperate with the adjustment mechanism to increase the pier's ability to withstand increased environmental forces.

Abstract: An upright cylindrical pier foundation is constructed of cementitious material. The lower end of the foundation has a plate or circumferential ring fully embedded therein and long circumferentially spaced rods or bolts have their lower ends anchored relative to the ring. The upper ends of the long rods project up outwardly of the top of the foundation. The rods are shielded over substantially their entire length against bonding with the cementitious material to allow the rods, when heavily tensioned, to stretch within the cementitious material. A heavy flange, which may comprise the base flange of a tubular tower, is positioned downwardly upon the upper end of the foundation with the upper ends of the bolts projecting through holes provided therefor in the base flange.

Abstract: Damaged sections of existing piles are replaced with a replacement pile section that includes various segments, including a jack section for sizing and preloading the replacement pile section to original design loads and strengths. The replacement pile section includes at least one coupler having a jack section, which includes a jack for applying a design load to the pile and a plurality of jack screws that are adjusted to accept the design pile load; the hydraulic jack is removed through an access opening, so that the jack screws carry the load; the cavity in the jack section is filled with grout, such as concrete through the access opening, which is then sealed. Other sections of the replacement pile section include, for example, intermediate pile sections, shock absorbing sections, and additional couplers. An alternative embodiment employs two or more balanced hydraulic jacks bearing against external jack flanges fastened to the pile above and below the replaced section.

Abstract: A timber pile connector for splicing an upper and lower timber pile. Subsequent to driving the lower pile substantially into the ground, the connector is embedded into the exposed face of the lower pile. The upper pile is then coaxially aligned with the lower pile and the embedded connector and driven into the ground. Concurrent with the pile driving process, the connector is embedded into the upper pile. The timber pile connector utilizes a penetration-limiting member to limit the depth of penetration of the connector into the upper and lower timber piles.