Abstract: Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) sheet or jacket systems and methods are provided as an alternative splicing method to connect driven pile segments or other structural members. These systems are applicable to both unforeseen and preplanned splicing situations and can be used in the unforeseen condition when other splice systems may fail to provide the required capacity.

Abstract: An article for joining concrete piles having an annular plate mounted at one end of the pile, a central opening, a front surface an obverse surface and an interlocking profile having a plurality of first and second complementary configurations. Each configuration is defined in a substantially equalized sector and arranged radially in an alternate fashion on the front surface, the first configuration is a protrusion and the second configuration is a recess, wherein the lateral edges of each protrusion carries a horizontally extending groove. When mating of two identical articles, each mounted at the ends of two separate piles, the protrusions of one article mate with the recesses of another article forming of a passageway by two adjacently positioned grooves of two contiguous protrusions of the mated articles, the passageway allows interlocking of the mated articles by inserting a pin there through.

Abstract: A pile splice section for a spliced prestressed concrete pile includes a prestressed concrete element including a first end and a second end and a plurality of tendons that extend from the first end to the second end. A first end assembly at the first end of the prestressed concrete element includes a first plate coupled to the plurality of tendons. The first end assembly further includes a plurality of internally threaded fasteners embedded in the first end of the prestressed concrete element that are engagable via apertures extending through the first plate. A second end assembly at the second end of the prestressed concrete element includes a second metal plate coupled to the plurality of tendons. The second end assembly further includes a plurality of apertures extending through the second plate and accessible via pockets proximate the second end of the prestressed concrete element.

Abstract: An article for joining concrete piles having an annular plate mounted at one end of the pile, a central opening, a front surface an obverse surface and an interlocking profile having a plurality of first and second complementary configurations. Each configuration is defined in a substantially equalized sector and arranged radially in an alternate fashion on the front surface, the first configuration is a protrusion and the second configuration is a recess, wherein the lateral edges of each protrusion carries a horizontally extending groove. When mating of two identical articles, each mounted at the ends of two separate piles, the protrusions of one article mate with the recesses of another article forming of a passageway by two adjacently positioned grooves of two contiguous protrusions of the mated articles, the passageway allows interlocking of the mated articles by inserting a pin there through.

Abstract: A grouted cylindrical connection utilizing bearing surfaces can be used with conventional transition-monopile foundations to connect the large diameter cylindrical shaped monopile to the larger diameter cylindrical shaped transition section which includes appurtances. The grouted cylindrical connection includes a cylindrical shaped monopile, a cylindrical shaped transition section receiving the monopile, an annulus being formed between the monopile and the transition section, and first and second bearing elements disposed in the annulus. The first bearing element is attached to the transition section and the second bearing element is attached to the monopile. The annulus is filled with grout to transmit force and moment between the transition section and the monopile through grout between the first and second bearing elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. The apparatus includes a pivoting bracket that is rotatably coupled to a slab bracket plate having a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted to slide onto a support structure driven into strata within a hole formed in a foundation in an area needing support. The pivoting bracket is pivoted into an insertion position in which one arm of the bracket is up and one arm is down. This enables the bracket to clear the sides of the hole in the foundation. The bracket is then pivoted to a support position and drawn upwardly with guide rods and a seating plate until seating portions of the bracket engage an underside surface of the foundation. The apparatus is then raised to lift the foundation. The sleeve of the apparatus is then affixed to the support structure to support the foundation.

Abstract: A casting guide and a method of making a concrete pile using the casting guide, the casting guide including a casting guide end plate, at least two lock rod forms including a first set of crosswise through-holes, and at least two lock socket forms including a second set of crosswise through-holes. The first and second sets of crosswise through-holes configured to removably receive a casting guide pin extending substantially across the casting guide end plate and interconnecting the crosswise through-holes the lock rod forms or lock socket forms when the casting guide is inside a casting chute.

Abstract: A grouted cylindrical connection utilizing bearing surfaces can be used with conventional transition-monopile foundations to connect the large diameter cylindrical shaped monopile to the larger diameter cylindrical shaped transition section which includes appurtances. The grouted cylindrical connection includes a cylindrical shaped monopile, a cylindrical shaped transition section receiving the monopile, an annulus being formed between the monopile and the transition section, and first and second bearing elements disposed in the annulus. The first bearing element is attached to the transition section and the second bearing element is attached to the monopile. The annulus is filled with grout to transmit force and moment between the transition section and the monopile through grout between the first and second bearing elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A pile segment for foundation underpinning. In some embodiments, the pile segment includes a head, a trunk extending from the head, and a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbore has a longitudinal centerline. The area of a cross-section through the head and normal to the centerline is greater than the area of a cross-section through the trunk and normal to the centerline.

Abstract: A jetting system for installing foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the jetting system includes a pile having one or more pile segments, an elongated reinforcing tubular member, and a jetting tube. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile. The elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage, and the jetting tube is inserted into the reinforcing tubular.

Abstract: A pile splice section for a spliced prestressed concrete pile includes a prestressed concrete element including a first end and a second end and a plurality of tendons that extend from the first end to the second end. A first end assembly at the first end of the prestressed concrete element includes a first plate coupled to the plurality of tendons. The first end assembly further includes a plurality of internally threaded fasteners embedded in the first end of the prestressed concrete element that are engagable via apertures extending through the first plate. A second end assembly at the second end of the prestressed concrete element includes a second metal plate coupled to the plurality of tendons. The second end assembly further includes a plurality of apertures extending through the second plate and accessible via pockets proximate the second end of the prestressed concrete element.

Abstract: Pile splice assemblies, pile systems involving such assemblies and methods for splicing piles are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: using strand locking devices to attach first and second anchors to respective strands of first and second piles; and securing the first and second anchors to each other.

Abstract: A foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the foundation underpinning includes a pile having one or more pile segments and an elongated reinforcing tubular member. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile, and the elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage.

Abstract: A method is provided for heavy metal stabilisation comprising: mixing waste, comprising heavy metals, with molecular sieve with the proviso that carbon-based molecular sieve is excluded, and clay; and vitrifying the mixture. In particular, a method comprising the steps of: preparing a pre-stabilised mixture by mixing waste, comprising heavy metals, with the molecular sieve, and optionally other chemicals; mixing the pre-stabilised mixture with clay; and vitrifying the obtained mixture is provided. It also provides a product comprising heavy metals that have been stabilised into the structure of the clay-based ceramic matrix, wherein the product is a vitrified product of a mixture of at least waste, comprising heavy metals, molecular sieve (with the proviso that carbon-based molecular sieve is excluded) and clay.

Abstract: The invention is a sleeved, segmented support product for supporting a foundation, for example a building foundation. The product comprises support segments that can assemble together into a variable-length pile. The segments assemble together telescopically so that adjacent segments are held in coaxial relation and resist radial misalignment and other misalignments that can reduce a load-bearing capacity of the support product.

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 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 building foundation support and repair system includes a column of generally cylindrical pile sections driven into the earth below the edge of the foundation and having an earth penetrating bit attached to the lowermost pile section. The bit includes a center post member extending within a bore in the lowermost pile section and/or a sidewall journaling the lower end of the lowermost pile section. The bit may be connected to an elongated rod extending through the series connected pile sections and used to drive the bit rotatably during installation of the pile sections and to minimize lateral excursion of the support system during and after installation of the column of pile sections.

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: 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: 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: Pilings are installed for leveling a foundation. A first segment is driven into the ground. Then two support rods of varying length are positioned and grouted into a passage running through the segment. The first support rod is one-half of the height of the piling segment, while the second is one and one-half times the height of the piling segment. An additional piling segment is driven on top of the first segment. Support rods which are twice the height of a single segment are positioned and grouted into the passage. This process is repeated until the assembly is the required depth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for the use of structural support members, usually soldier beams, that are placed into the ground for the temporary earth support system as part of the permanent foundation wall of a supported structure. The beams are accurately placed using known SMW technology into a series or plurality of adjacent soilcrete columns also constructed with known technology. The beams are placed in the soilcrete columns as they are being constructed and prior to excavation. As excavation proceeds and the columns have set up, a portion of the interior side of the soil-cement is trimmed to the front of and exposing the front flange of the soldier beam. At this time, connectors, typically shear studs, are welded to the front of the beams.

Abstract: A building foundation form apparatus and method uses transverse form supports (15) supported directly on the ground and carrying longitudinal form supports (21, 22) adjustably located on opposite sides of, and substantially parallel to, a foundation axis (17). A flexible sheet form element (25) has edge portions (57, 58) connected to the longitudinal form supports (21, 22) and a contact portion (60) located between the edge portions and supported on the ground and deformed into a general U-shape with overhanging bulges (39) to receive the flowable and settable foundation mixture. The longitudinal form supports (21, 22) are adjustable vertically to accommodate ground undulations to ensure correct footing width. The contact portion (60) has mesh opening to pass the foundation mixture therethrough to enhance adhesion to the ground.

Abstract: An anode installation apparatus has an pilot auger to which an anode may be attached, plus a cylindrical drive tube which engages the pilot auger when rotated in one direction, such that the drive tube is drawn downward into the ground along with the pilot auger. When the pilot auger has been augered to a desired depth below ground, carbonaceous material may be introduced into the drive tube so as to surround the anode. The drive tube is then rotated in the opposite direction, whereupon it will disengage from the pilot auger and may be pulled out of the ground, and the cavity thus formed in the ground may be backfilled. The drive shaft may be re-used for installation of additional anodes.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced plastic FRP formed about concrete piles and columns. The FRP components generally includes an exterior shell and an interior protruding portions. The concrete filled FRP tubes are enhanced by prestressing the concrete core, thereby increasing the bond with the tube and placing the tube in an active hoop tension. The prestressing can be developed by either post-tensioning a series of strands(or tendons) that are placed inside the core, or by using expansive core materials which do expand upon curing and will therefore impose an active pressure on the confining tube. The bond can be developed by either internal resin grids, FRP spirals, FRP orthotropic grids, sand-resin coating, bonding agent or protruded ribs. The system can be used as a fender pile, bearing pile, bridge pier column, or any structural column. The system can be made by pultrusion, SCRIMP, REM, centrifugal methods or hand lay-up.

Abstract: A solid pre-cast prestressed concrete foundation pile and associated installation components having a single prestressing strand located on the longitudinal center axis of the pile, reinforced in the ends only with helix shaped wire reinforcement. The prestressing strand extends beyond the concrete face on the end to present an attachment point for a connection device used to transmit forces from a structure foundation and to accommodate the utilization of a unique, reusable cushion block and, where necessary a, particular internal splice device to form a continuous pile composed of multiple segments.The cushion block receives hammer blows applied to the top of the pile necessary to the driving (installation) process, affording protection to the pile top, the exposed strand and the internal splice device. The completed installation may include the optional attachment of the connection device (when required) after removal of the cushion block.

Abstract: A method of constructing foundation piles provides improved hole stability and bearing characteristics. A boring a hole is initially formed by drilling. A horizontal pressure is then applied to the inner walls of the hole over a vertical portion of predetermined height until a desired degree of compression is attained. Horizontal pressure is then applied over a subsequent vertical portion of an inner circumferential surface of the hole vertically adjacent to a vertical portion pressed in a preceding step of applying horizontal pressure. The steps of compression are continued until a contiguous vertical expanse of the hole is compressed to a desired degree. Alternatively, the depth of the hole may be increased sequentially following a compression operation, and the subsequently formed hole depth then horizontally compressed.

Abstract: A thermal insulated concrete forming system for casting a concrete slab and a foundation wall of a building simultaneously is disclosed. The concrete forming system is designed for use with a pre-existing standard concrete footing that is constructed about the periphery of a concrete slab to be poured. The concrete forming system consists of a plurality of elongated, rectangular panels which are arranged in parallel, vertically opposed relation. The panels are fabricated from thermal-insulating materials having exceptional insulating characteristics capable of being expressed as a specific R value in accordance with commercial specifications. The thermal-insulated panels are interconnected by a plurality of brace members extending therebetween and being spaced at predetermined intervals so as to provide a form work for concrete to be cast therein.

Abstract: A spider for a railroad crossing signal foundation has plastic lined tubular channels extending through it with conical entry sections. In assembling a foundation, upright guide rods are guided into the channels by the entry sections without dislodging the plastic liners. In producing the spider, concrete is poured into a mold about tubular plastic liners so as to form entry sections and channels and to fix the plastic liners in the concrete to line the channels.

Abstract: A metallic piling sleeve member filled with solidified or cured cementitious material and a hollow, cylindrical outer sleeve member having a diameter larger than that of the metallic piling sleeve member are provided. The outer sleeve member is placed generally concentrically around the piling sleeve member and the piling and outer sleeve members are vertically driven into the soil. Further metallic piling sleeve and outer sleeve members are successively vertically driven into the soil until the piling is complete and the metallic piling sleeve and outer sleeve members abut one another in vertical relation.

Abstract: A cast in situ pile (12, 112) has a pile cap assembly (14, 114), comprising a plate (16, 116) with fixing bolts (18, 118) extending upwardly therefrom and at least one tube (28, 128) extending downwardly therefrom. The pile cap assembly is fitted to the pile prior to the concrete setting, whereby the pile cap assembly can be moved relative to the unset pile to achieve optimum positional accuracy.

Abstract: A method of driving a sectional hollow concrete pile comprises applying a direct driving force to the upper end of a first pile section and driving it into the ground. Thereafter, a second similar pile section is applied to the top of the first driven pile section and the composite sectional pile is driven to the required depth. Further, similar sections may be applied one on top of the other and the composite pile thereby formed after the application of each further pile section is driven to the required depth.

Abstract: Method and device for driving a pile (5) into and out of the ground. The device comprises a hammer (2) provided with a bush (8) protruding away from the hammer in an axial direction and being supported by the hammer and rotatable in relation thereto by remote control means (10). The inner surface of the bush (8) and the pile (5) to be extracted from the ground have been provided with locking dogs (11, 12 respectively). The bush (8) can be partially shoved and rotated onto the pile (5) in an axial direction, so that the top plane of the dogs (11) connected to the bush will come to lie beneath the bottom plane of the locking dogs (12) connected to the pile (5). Thereafter, the pile (5) can be driven out of the ground.

Abstract: A railroad crossing signal foundation 10 comprises a base 11 having a lower concrete slab 15' to which a set of upright guide rods 18 is mounted and upper concrete slabs 15 supported upon the lower slab through which the guide rods extend. A pillar 12 is mounted upon the base that has concrete blocks 16 through which the guide rods extend. The pillar blocks have a support area size substantially less than the support area size of the base slabs such that the pillar may be erected with workers standing upon the base. A concrete crown 13 is mounted upon the pillar through which the guide rods extend. The weight of the foundation components is such that the center of gravity of the foundation is located in the base.

Abstract: A foundation support apparatus having at least one concrete piling having a plurality of vertical piling sections surrounded by a sleeve having a plurality of vertical sleeve sections is provided. The vertical piling sections extend from the foundation to below the subsurface water table. The sleeve sections form a continuous sleeve capable of protecting the piling from uplifting soil pressure occurring in the zone of moisture change.

Abstract: The lower end of an outwardly tight shaft structure (3) for a bore shaft (1) rests on a tilting joint arrangement (15, 20). This arrangement includes a hydraulic thrust bearing (15) at the end face of the shaft structure (3) and a hydraulic annular cylinder (20) at the circumference of the lower end of the shaft structure (3). Thus, this tilting joint arrangement (15, 20) is located between the shaft structure (3) and the base (10) and permits tilting of the shaft structure (3) relative to the ground (12) without impairing the water-tightness of the bore shaft foundation.

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: Procedure for the construction of a concrete shaft for a platform or similar structure, where one of several of the shafts will be outfitted with relatively much equipment. The shafts are constructed of prefabricated sections which are consecutively installed butt-in-butt on top of each other and which are left in the shaft as an internal fully shaped shaft component, as the sections internally contain associated equipment and externally feature bodies for the installation of easily removable formwork elements, preferably easily mountable slipforms, while the space between the formwork elements and a prefabricated section is filled with reinforcement and concrete. The formwork elements, after the hardening of poured concrete, by a per se known procedure, are moved to a higher level.

Abstract: A joining device, especially for concrete piles, comprises at least one wedge (12). In order to provide a joining device which is strong, cheap in production and very simple in use, at least the one pile end has a female joint (2) for receiving a male joint or a male joint similar tension body (10) at the during the joining adjacent co-operating pile end. The female joint(s) (2) and the male joint/the male joint similar tension body (10) have through-going cavities or holes (9',11) for at least one common lateral wedge (12).

Abstract: A method for end to end coupling prefabricated elements of reinforced concrete, for example so as to realize a column or pillar. The elements (A, B) have cavities (5) in their ends and are placed in alignment with their respective ends comprising the cavities the one against the other, the relative angular position of the elements being such that the reinforcement metallic rods (2a) projecting beyond the end of one of the elements are introduced into the cavities of another adjacent element, and reciprocally, and that the end of the rods (2a, 2b) are introduced with clearance in positioning sleeves (6) having an opening (6') usable for welding. Then the metallic rods put end to end are welded together, and the cavities are filled in with concrete or with another appropriate material.

Abstract: A beam of concrete has similar end pieces at each end spaced apart by an internal reinforcing elongate cage of rectangular cross-section formed of four longitudinals (10) having a lengthwise series of hoops therearound. Each end piece comprises a rectangular plate (12) transverse of the beam's longitudinal axis. The plate (12) has at least four apertures (14), normally one at each corner, and similar angular wall surrounds (16) outstand from the inner face of the plate (12) and from around the apertures (14) to separate each aperture from the others. Two starter bars (20) are provided for each surround (16), being welded, one to each limb of the surround (16) adjacent to the corner on the side remote from the corresponding aperture. The bars (20) are spaced from each other a distance to accommodate therebetween a respective longitudinal (10) of the cage. Nut and bolt fastenings (24) are used to secure abutting plates (12) of adjacent beams in a multi-beam assembly.

Abstract: A splicing device for concrete structural members includes two mating connectors positioned in axial alignment adjacent to each other that are interlocked by a key inserted through a keyway provided in the sidewalls of the connectors. Prestressing strands in the structural members to be spliced are fastened to the connectors by inserting them into axial holes located in the ends opposite the mating ends of the connectors, and thereafter wedging the strands within frustum-shaped cavities forming part of the holes, by means of frustum-shaped segments, or feathers, forced against the elements within the cavities. Apparatus and a method for installing the splicing device is also described.

Abstract: A post and panel wall system for use as sound barriers and the like utilizes a precast post which is disposed upon a foundation having a tensioning cable extending upwardly therefrom and recesses into which depending anchoring rods on the posts are placed. The tensioning cable is tensioned and then the recesses in the foundation are filled with a cementitious mixture or grout to thoroughly bond the anchoring rods into the foundation. The posts have channels in which the vertical edges of the wall panels are seated, and desirably the wall panels have reduced thickness end portions with arcuate edges to permit some adjustment within the channels. The posts and panels may be erected seriatim, or the posts may initially erected and the panels then lowered into place.

Abstract: Means for joining concrete piles (10) comprising a fixed end shoe (11) on each of the adjacent pile ends, and elements for joining the piles at the end shoes. Said elements include a number of guides (12) opening at the outside of the pile close to the adjacent pile ends, guides in one pile being located opposite to guides in the pile, and locking members (18), spanning the joint between the piles, which are driven from the outside into guides located opposite to each other in the pile ends to press said ends together by wedge action between guides and locking members. The guides (12) are dimensioned in relation to the locking members (18) so as to effect plastic stretching of the locking members after an initial displacement when the locking members are driven into the guides.

Abstract: A pile section for a sectional pile including a string of sections includes a concrete member (10) having at least one longitudinally reinforcing rod (12), the rod including a spigot (14) at one end and a socket (18) at the other which in use are adapted for permanent interconnection so that on driving one section against its neighbor a continuous reinforcing element is provided.

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 pile splice includes two splice plates, each having a dove-tail shaped groove aligned with the groove in the abutting plate. Slip cams are disposed in the channel, defined by the grooves, for outward movement to draw the plates together. Drive wedges are driven between the slip cams to drive them outwardly to draw and hold the plates together and to form a massive, strong pile splice. Wedge forces are distributed to increase clamping forces. Headed reinforcing bars are securely held in the splice plates by plastic bushings to facilitate splice plate alignment and pile casting. Methods are provided.