Concrete Patents (Class 405/256)
  • Patent number: 11697915
    Abstract: Provided is a support structure and a method for manufacture thereof. The support structure, in one aspect, includes first and second expanded metal structural pillars positioned within the ground by a distance (d1), the first and second expanded metal structural pillars comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In at least one other aspect, the support structure includes one or more beams spanning the first and second expanded metal structural pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Luke William Holderman, Brandon T. Least
  • Patent number: 10676888
    Abstract: A bearing pile including a plurality of connected corrugated steel shells inserted into a subsoil and installation methodology of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: William Jordan LLC
    Inventors: William C. Kruse, Jordan R. Twist, William E. Kruse
  • Patent number: 8925280
    Abstract: A form for constructing a thrower's circle includes a pair of half sections. Each half section has an upper surface and a base surface and two full length members and two half length members. The full length members and the half length members are connected together substantially at right angles to form a rectangle with four corners. A corner brace is located in each of the four corners. An inside cross member and an outside cross member extend between the half length members and are generally parallel to the full length members. A pair of semi-circles, each having substantially the same diameter that is larger than the length of the half length members and less than the length of the full length members. Means are provided for securing the half sections together so that the semi-circles form a full circle. Tubes extend from the circle toward the base to drain water from with in the circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Sportsfield Intellectual, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne P. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8834072
    Abstract: A suspended slab (14) is spaced apart from a surface of the ground (18) by a void space (20). Structural supports (16) are provided to extend upward from the ground (18). Removable supports (22) are placed on top of the ground (18) and extend upward to a desired height. The suspended slab (14) is poured on top of the removable support (22), suspended at least in part by the plurality of structural supports (16). The removable material (22) is removed after the material of the suspended slab (14) sets, leaving the suspended slab (14) suspended by the structural supports (16) with a void space (20) of the desired height extending between the bottom of the slab (14) and a top side of the ground (18). An enclosure skirt (26) is placed around a perimeter of the suspended slab (14) to enclosed the void space (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: William T Donald
  • Publication number: 20140255106
    Abstract: A perimeter pile anchor foundation is built by forming a plurality of individual perimeter pile anchors in a large generally circular pattern to form a perimeter wall. The individual pile anchors are contiguous, each pile overlapping the adjacent piles on either side. The overlapping pile anchors form an arch such that compression and friction between the pile anchors resist soil caving and sloughing pressure when soil inside the perimeter wall is excavated, enabling the perimeter pile foundation to be effectively constructed in weak saturated soils and/or cohesionless sands that will not allow conventional concrete foundation excavations. A concrete foundation ring is formed inside the pile perimeter wall to support a tall and/or heavy tower or other structure subject to high upset forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Allan P. HENDERSON
  • Patent number: 8801335
    Abstract: There is provided a wind power installation foundation having a reinforcement comprising a plurality of steel bars and radial steel bars and a lower pylon segment having a plurality of holes in the wall of the pylon segment for receiving the bars or radial bars. In addition there is provided a concrete body which covers the reinforcement and the lower portion of the pylon segment. The foundation has a plurality of holders for holding the bars or radial bars of the reinforcement. The holder has an upper bracket for fixing to the pylon segment and a lower foot for receiving the bars or radial bars of the reinforcement. The length of the holder is adapted to be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Meik Schacknies, Markus Schade
  • Patent number: 8782978
    Abstract: A post footing device facilitates replacement of broken posts. The device includes a tube having an upper end, a lower end, and a perimeter wall extending between the upper end and the lower end. A sleeve has a top end, a bottom end, and a peripheral wall extending between the top end and the bottom end. The sleeve is insertable into the tube and configured for receiving and laterally supporting a post. Each of a plurality of alignment bars extends between the tube and the sleeve wherein the sleeve is held in position within the tube. The alignment bars are spaced around the sleeve such that the alignment bars align the sleeve in the tube. A support is positioned in the sleeve between the top end and the bottom end wherein the support is configured for supporting the post in the sleeve above the bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Gerry Frenette, Richard Frenette
  • Patent number: 8733045
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Allan Zavitz, Kevin Lee Kirkley
  • Patent number: 8596921
    Abstract: A ballast system is provided for use with least partially buried pre-formed chamber, the system having at least one ring formed of a plurality of interlocking ballast block ring segments; each ring segment being configured with at least one male interconnect and at least one female interconnect, each said female interconnect being configured to receive a corresponding male interconnect, each ring segment comprising a containment form shell and cast mass; and corrosion resistant locking pins whereby each female interconnect is secured to a corresponding male interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Henry S. Albro
  • Patent number: 8578678
    Abstract: A method for installing a thrower's circle in the ground of an athletic field includes assembling a form for constructing a thrower's circle dimensioned for a player throwing at least one of a hammer, a shot put, and a discus from a plurality of sections having mounted thereto a plurality of arcuate portions. When the plurality of sections are assembled together, the plurality of arcuate sections together form a full circle, and wherein a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed outside the full circle and a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed inside the full circle. The method further includes excavating the ground, placing the assembled form in the excavated ground, placing cement in the assembled form, and allowing the cement to dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne P. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8511020
    Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Crux Subsurface, Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolas G. Salisbury, Freeman Alan Thompson
  • Patent number: 8322093
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant A. Zavitz, Kevin L. Kirkley
  • Publication number: 20120023847
    Abstract: The installation of a foundation enables a superstructure to be installed and supported in a desired attitude such as a vertical attitude at the foundation. An installation template is placed at the selected location and support sites on the installation template can be adjusted so that the installation template will support the foundation subassembly in a manner such that the superstructure can be supported in said desired attitude. The foundation subassembly is placed onto the installation template using a lifting subassembly that is secured to the foundation subassembly. The foundation subassembly is fixed in place by concrete or the like into which the foundation assembly is inserted. The superstructure can then be secured to the foundation subassembly. The superstructure can comprise a post adapted to hold a panel for deflecting road noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: MACK INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: HERBERT GREGORY LISKEY
  • Patent number: 7993079
    Abstract: A device for reinforcing a pylon foundation against being pulled out, said foundation comprising at least one block (10) which is buried in the ground of the site of the foundation and that presents a portion (12) of greatest section in a horizontal plane, the device comprising a slab (20) buried in the ground and disposed around said block (10) between said portion (12) and the surface (T) of the ground, said slab extending beyond the vertical projection of the periphery of said portion (12). The slab (20) may be made from a mixture comprising materials extracted from the site or materials brought in from elsewhere (such as a treated gravel mix) or a mixture of both, together with at least one binder. Advantageously, the total proportion of binder in said mixture lies in the range 3% to 15% by weight. The device is used to compensate for a deficit in resistance to being pulled out presented by an existing shallow foundation for a pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Societe Centrale d'Etudes et de Realisations Routieres Scetauroute
    Inventors: François Depardon, Michel Deniot, Bruno Mazare
  • Publication number: 20110115639
    Abstract: A pile having first and second strain gauges installed in the piling core near and at the piling tip is provided. The second strain gauge is placed co-linear and at a known and controlled distance up the pile from the first strain gauge. Independent strain gauge measurements are made and transmitted to a controller, which receives signals from the strain gauges and compares them to static pre-stress levels that are initially established after casting and prior to pile installation. The dynamic force measurements are checked against expected ranges to assess pile tip integrity as well as other parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SMART STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventor: Kurt Hecht
  • Publication number: 20110002744
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: NUtech Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Maher K. Tadros, Kromel E. Hanna, Quinton G. Patzlaff
  • Publication number: 20100104360
    Abstract: The double-deck covered roadway (5) has an upper road (30) for light vehicle traffic and a lower road (25) for heavy, industrial vehicle traffic. The roadway is an intelligent system, having an access control computer (ACC) (55) limiting access of the roadways to the appropriate vehicles. Signal emitters, receivers and/or repeaters (40) for microwave, cell phones short-range radio, or the like may be provided. The roadway is covered, and has a slanted roof structure (7). Solar panels (10) are disposed atop the slanted roof structure (7). Spindles (8) may be provided that can pull off or pull on an optional protective cover for the solar panels (10). An indoor services module (50) houses the ACC (55) and other service systems. The underside of the upper roadway (30) can provide attached or embedded monitoring systems, road lighting, signal light boards (60) to communicate with drivers, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Sing
  • Publication number: 20100021244
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Dimitrijevic
  • Patent number: 7618217
    Abstract: A post-tensioned pile anchor foundation and method therefor creates a void or highly compressible region between a drilled or driven pile anchor surrounding a post-tensioned anchor bolt or tendon and the bottom of a foundation cap. The void or compressible region can be formed by compressible spacers or void forming elements placed between the top of the pile anchor and the concrete cap. As the anchor bolt or tendon is post-tensioned against the cap, the void forming element is compressed or crushed, allowing the cap to be pulled downwardly and the pile anchor to be pulled upwardly toward the cap against the resistance of the surrounding soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20080317556
    Abstract: A pier system (10) for at least partially supporting a-building broadly comprises a plurality of swaged pier segments (12) having a length, wherein each swaged pier segment (12) is operable to be connected to another of the swaged pier segments (12); a hinged lifting platform (14) operable to be secured to an uppermost one of the swaged pier segments (12?); at least one intermediate swaged pier segment (16) having a length, said length of the intermediate swaged pier segment (16) being different than the length of the swaged pier segment (12), said intermediate swaged pier segment (16) operable to be connected to the uppermost swaged pier segment (12?); and an encasement (22) for at least partial receipt of the at least one intermediate swaged pier segment (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Matt Price
  • Patent number: 7306405
    Abstract: The invention relates to a boring appliance for producing a concrete element in the ground with a vehicle on which are located a tower, a concrete pump and a boring tool, which is installed for introduction in the ground at the tower. By means of a concrete pump and a delivery line concrete is pumped into a cavity formed by the boring tool for forming the concrete element. According to the invention, the concrete pump is detachably held on the rear region of the vehicle, which is opposite a front area with the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Schmidmaier, Wolfgang Harttig
  • Patent number: 7267510
    Abstract: A foundation pile or pile segment is described that provides support for a structure such as a building foundation. The pile includes a generally solid body having a top end wall, a bottom end wall adapted for providing end load bearing capacity, and all around sidewalls. The sidewalls extend between the top end wall and the bottom end wall and has at least a pair of oppositely disposed spiral ridges that extend generally about the surface of the sidewalls. Further, each spiral ridge extends in a generally spiral direction from the top end wall to the bottom end wall. The spiral ridges provide an offset surface that extends generally outward from the surface of the sidewalls. The offset surfaces provide additional load bearing capacity to the foundation pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cable Lock, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Dimitrijevic
  • Patent number: 7175368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a test setup for determining the bearing behaviour of displacement piles. The displacement piles are produced by making a hole using a displacement head and subsequently filling the hole with a hardenable suspension, whilst leaving the displacement head in the hole. The resulting test pile is subject to the action of a test load using a loading device and the bearing behaviour is measured by a measuring device. An efficient test performance results from the fact that the displacement head is introduced into the ground by means of a metallic pile string, which forms part of the test pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Emil Stötzer
  • Patent number: 7040842
    Abstract: A foundation member in the ground includes a soil working implement for loosening soil material in a soil area, a supply device for supplying a liquid to the loosened soil material and a mixing device for mixing the loosened soil material in the soil area with the liquid to form a settable suspension as well as a removal device for removing suspension from a first section of the soil area and a return device for returning at least part of the removed suspension to a second section of the soil area. A method for making a foundation member in the ground is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Bauer Mashinen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Stotzer
  • Patent number: 6966727
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Precision Piling Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Robie L. Kight, Mack Chunn
  • Patent number: 6964139
    Abstract: A column for use in post-frame construction having a two piece construction in which a first or foundation column portion of the column is set into the earth with a proximal end thereof protruding from the earth. The proximal end of the foundation column includes a column bracket for joining the foundation column to a wooden column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention. The foundation column of the present invention comprises a precast concrete column. The foundation column of the present invention advantageously resists degradation of its mechanical properties due to environmental influences while providing the necessary strength to support a post-frame building, including, e.g., the environmental loads received by the building. The wood column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention advantageously provides ease of workability to complete construction of a post-frame building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Perma-Column, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Meyer, Phillip T. Stoller
  • Patent number: 6942429
    Abstract: A structural pile assembly includes a driven pile and pressurized grout contained beneath the pile so as to exert an upward force on the pile. An enclosure, such as a bladder or bellows, is filled with grout from a reservoir via a conduit which preferably extends axially along the length of the pile and is left in place after the grout hardens. A pressure gauge measures the pressure of the grout within the enclosure, permitting the direct measurement of end bearing and side bearing capacities of the resulting pile assembly. The load bearing capacity of the pile is enhanced by the pressurized grout, and is preferably at least twice the end bearing capacity of an unpressurized pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: August H. Beck, III, Philip G. King
  • Patent number: 6869255
    Abstract: A structural pile assembly includes a driven pile and pressurized grout contained beneath the pile so as to exert an upward force on the pile. An enclosure, such as a bladder or bellows, is filled with grout from a reservoir via a conduit which preferably extends axially along the length of the pile and is left in place after the grout hardens. A pressure gauge measures the pressure of the grout within the enclosure, permitting the direct measurement of end bearing and side bearing capacities of the resulting pile assembly. The load bearing capacity of the pile is enhanced by the pressurized grout, and is preferably at least twice the end bearing capacity of an unpressurized pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventors: August H. Beck, III, Philip G. King
  • Patent number: 6799924
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Precision Piling Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Robie L. Kight, Mack Chunn
  • Publication number: 20040191001
    Abstract: An anchor block construction (10) for attachment to an escape line (100) extending from a drilling rig (101) wherein, the construction (10) includes a concrete block member (20) having a base (21) with a plurality of downwardly depending anchor leg members (30), at least two inwardly angled sidewalls (22) (24) provided with anchor rod members (40) (40) disposed in recessed receptacle elements (50) and a top surface (26) likewise provided with an anchor rod member (40′) disposed in a recessed receptacle (50) wherein, the escape line (100) is intended to be secured to a selected one of the sidewall anchor rod members (40) (40) which is disposed beneath the midline of the concrete block member (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Riddiough
  • Publication number: 20040115007
    Abstract: A method for casting a partially-reinforced concrete pile in the ground includes installing an elongate hollow tubular casing in a hole in the ground with an elongate portion of the hole extending downwardly beneath the lower end of the casing. Hardenable fluid concrete is conducted into the hole and casing so as to substantially fill the respective hollow cross-sections thereof. The concrete is permitted to reach a hardened state while the casing remains within the ground, thereby forming a concrete pile partially reinforced by the casing against side-loading in an upper portion of the pile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne DeWitt, Tyler W. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 6742555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing columns of material in the ground, especially in the ground under bodies of water, comprising the following: a first material tank (8) and a second material tank (10) connected to the first tank; a deep vibrator element (11) connected to the second material tank (10), a first supply lane (5) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to supply material; a second supply line (6) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to equalize pressure in the first material tank (8). The invention also relates to the production of a column of material in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Vibroflotation B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Degen, Wilhelm Degen
  • Patent number: 6742965
    Abstract: An integral concrete body for erosion control includes three separate sections of differing configuration. The sections include a lower tapered section that is in the form of an elongated tapered pile-like member. The upper section of the concrete body is generally rectangular. A transitional section that is also tapered forms a connection between the upper and lower portions of the concrete body. The plurality of the concrete bodies can be installed side by side with tongue and groove connections interlocking the bodies upon assembly. A plurality of the concrete bodies can be placed side by side to form a bulkhead or breakwater. In one embodiment, each concrete body can be comprised of separate connectable members. Anchors can be used to support the concrete bodies laterally, to prevent tilting or tipping when exposed to erosion, wind, or wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Carl T. Detiveaux
  • Patent number: 6702522
    Abstract: A foundation for a tower is formed of a plurality of prefabricated slabs coupled together so as to function as a monolithic foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Meir Silber
  • Patent number: 6685399
    Abstract: A reinforcing concrete pier comprising a concrete member 1a, and structural main reinforcing bars 1b embedded in the concrete member so as to extend along an axial direction of the concrete member. A high-strength core member 2, which is higher in strength than the structural main reinforcing bars, is embedded in the concrete member inside the structural main reinforcing bars so as to extend along the axial direction. One end portion 2b with a gap of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at a base portion of the pier, and the other end portion 2a of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at an intermediate portion 1d of the pier. Further, the core member has an unbounded region D in which the core member is not bonded to the concrete member between the one end portion and the other end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Kyoto University
    Inventors: Hirokazu Iemura, Yoshikazu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6672023
    Abstract: A perimeter weighted foundation has a central pier pedestal and a base extending outwardly from and below the pier pedestal. The base includes an outer perimeter wall section and a radially extending, disk-shaped spread section interconnecting the bottom of the pier pedestal and the top of the perimeter wall section with the top surface of the spread section being positioned substantially below the top of the pier pedestal. The pier pedestal includes vertical post tensioned anchor bolts in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,586,417 and 5,826,387. The spread section includes two layers of sleeved post tensioned bolts which extend through the bottom of the pier pedestal, through the spread section and into the top of the perimeter wall section to post tension the perimeter wall section, the spread section and the pier pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6663321
    Abstract: A process for producing a pile in the earth with a pipe is provided. The pipe is provided internally with a conduit, which emerges on the bottom side of the pipe, for feeding pile-forming, hardening material into the earth. The pipe is introduced into the earth, and the pipe is removed from the earth while a space created by the removal of the pipe is simultaneously filled with the pipe-forming, hardening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Voorbij Groep B.V.
    Inventor: Adrianus Theodorus Maria Bisschops
  • Patent number: 6641333
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method of installing a pre-cast pile in the ground which involves applying an enlarged head forming tool to the ground until a volume of soil has been displaced or removed so as to form a void at the surface of the ground. The pre-cast pile is then driven into the ground to a predetermined depth below the void and the void is then filled with concrete or grout to form a cast-in-situ pile head. The diameter of the pile head is greater than the diameter of the pile shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Cementation Foundations Skanska Limited
    Inventors: Graham Bartlett, Melvin Gerrard England
  • Patent number: 6543967
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6527481
    Abstract: A caisson for use as a support structure in building construction. The caisson has an inner, metallic core and an outer portion surrounding the inner core. Both the inner core and the outer portion are cylindrical. Metallic straps or bands can be disposed peripherally, in spaced apart relation, around the inner core for anchoring it to the outer portion of the caisson. The inner, metallic core is usually steel and the outer portion is concrete or grout. A 22″ diameter caisson manufactured in accordance with this invention is capable of supporting more than 2,400 tons. A hollow, cylindrical, steel shell optionally surrounds the outer periphery of the outer portion of the caisson.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Urban Foundation/Engineering LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Mazzo, Leon Levy
  • Publication number: 20030021636
    Abstract: A foundation for a tower is formed of a plurality of prefabricated slabs coupled together so as to function as a monolithic foundation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Meir Silber
  • Patent number: 6478512
    Abstract: A machine for making bored piles. The machine includes a vertical guide mast; a rotary drive head that is movable relative to the mast; and an auger having a hollow core and at least one helical blade. An extender tube has a bottom end that is secured to the top end of the auger, the drive head co-operating with the extender tube to rotate both the extender tube and the auger. A dip tube is slidably mounted in the hollow core of the auger and the extender tube, the dip tube having a top end connected to a concrete feed pipe. An annular actuator has a first end secured to the top end of the extender tube and a second end secured to the top end of the dip tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie du Sol
    Inventor: David Sherwood
  • Patent number: 6471446
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the reduced skin friction bore casing is particularly suited for driving into, and removal from, soils. Preferably the bore casing is composed of a material such as steel, and includes both an exterior and interior surface that are substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis. A friction reduction coating is applied to portions of both the exterior and interior surfaces with enough strength and abrasion resistance to withstand abrasion forces applied to the bore casing during driving operations into the soils as well as extraction when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Foundation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frankie A. R. Queen, Jimmy Don Sailors
  • Patent number: 6394703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a capping beam across two or more cast-in-situ piles (11), wherein a precast or preformed guide wall structure (1) having holes (5) for receiving and guiding a piling auger is placed into an excavation, forming a number of cast-in-situ piles (11) by applying a piling auger to the ground through the holes (5) in the guide wall structure (1), removing the guide wall structure (1) and filling the excavation with concrete so as to form a capping beam. This results in much improved construction times, since it is not necessary to remove excess hardened concrete before forming the capping beam, and also results in less waste, since the guide wall structure can be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Cementations Foundations Skanska Limited
    Inventor: Peter David Renouf
  • Patent number: 6382879
    Abstract: A pile for driving into the ground to provide support for a structure is elongate and is substantially rectangular in cross-section when viewed along its length. The ratio of the side lengths in cross-section may be 2:1 or greater, or may be 3:1 or greater. The pile is preferably formed of concrete and is preferably formed by extrusion. The pile preferably comprises at least one cavity running lengthwise along and within the pile, and preferably comprises at least one reinforcing bar running lengthwise along and within the pile. The arrangement of the cavities and/or reinforcing bars is preferably symmetrical about the central axis of the pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Global Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Roger A. Bullivant
  • Patent number: 6382878
    Abstract: An economical, high strength, highly corrosion-resistant, multi-section concrete support structure includes a first concrete section attached to a second concrete section. The first concrete section consists of a first concrete type and the second concrete section consists of a diverse, second concrete type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Yue-Chyou Yang
  • Patent number: 6371698
    Abstract: A structural pier assembly includes a cementitious pier and pressurized grout contained beneath the pier in the shaft so as to exert an upward force on the pier. An enclosure, such as a bladder or bellows, is filled with grout from a reservoir via a conduit which preferably extends axially along the length of the pier and is left in place after the grout hardens. A pressure gauge measures the pressure of the grout within the enclosure, permitting the direct measurement of end bearing and side bearing capacities of the resulting pier assembly. The load bearing capacity of the pier is enhanced by the pressurized grout, and is preferably at least twice the end bearing capacity of an unpressurized pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: A. H. Beck Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: August H. Beck, III, Philip G. King
  • Publication number: 20010046417
    Abstract: A reinforcing concrete pier comprising a concrete member 1a, and structural main reinforcing bars 1b embedded in the concrete member so as to extend along an axial direction of the concrete member. A high-strength core member 2, which is higher in strength than the structural main reinforcing bars, is embedded in the concrete member inside the structural main reinforcing bars so as to extend along the axial direction. One end portion 2b with a gap of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at a base portion of the pier, and the other end portion 2a of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at an intermediate portion 1d of the pier. Further, the core member has an unbounded region D in which the core member is not bonded to the concrete member between the one end portion and the other end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Hirokazu Iemura, Yoshikazu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6241426
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming an interconnected underground structure which avoids settling of adjacent soil structure. A plurality of underground support columns is initially formed, with the support columns being spaced apart in a predetermined pattern. Interconnecting holes are thereafter formed between the underground support columns, wherein the interconnecting holes are formed by mechanically cutting the soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the mechanically cut soil with slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or higher while maintaining a positive hydrostatic head in the hole relative to adjacent soil. As the interconnecting holes are being formed, the diameter of each interconnecting hole is extended by positioning a second high velocity slurry nozzle near the outer diameter of the interconnecting hole which injects high velocity into the adjacent soil to hydraulically cut the adjacent soil and mix it with the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Aerial Industrial, Inc.
    Inventor: Verne L. Schellhorn
  • Patent number: 6123485
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventors: Amir Mirmiran, Mohsen Shahawy