Abstract: A method for treating expansive soils includes excavating a hole in a superficial expansive soil layer from an excavation site to form the hole and provide an expansive soil material. The expansive soil material is mixed with an inert material, at least two chemical additives, and a binder to form an additive soil material. The additive soil material is further poured into the hole in the excavation site to form an additive soil layer. The inert material is a sand, the chemical additives are a sulfur and a silica fume, and the binder is a dicyclopentadiene. The sand and the sulfur are present in the additive soil material in an amount from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. % and 12 wt. % to 25 wt. %, respectively, based on a total weight of the additive soil material.

Abstract: A method for treating expansive soils includes excavating a hole in a superficial expansive soil layer from an excavation site to form the hole and provide an expansive soil material. Further, the expansive soil material is mixed with an inert material, at least two chemical additives, and a binder to form an additive soil material. The additive soil material is further poured into the hole in the excavation site to form an additive soil layer. The inert material is a sand, the chemical additives are a sulfur and a silica fume, and the binder is a dicyclopentadiene. The sand and the sulfur are present in the additive soil material in an amount from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. % and 12 wt. % to 25 wt. %, respectively, based on a total weight of the additive soil material.

Abstract: A compaction unit configured for use in the compaction of a surface in connection with construction, excavation and other earth-working or related activities. The compaction unit may be configured as an attachment that can be interchangeably attached to various types of construction machines, operating machines and equipment (such as, but not limited to excavators, backhoes and the like). The compaction unit may be configured as single compaction device capable of performing any combination of (i) vibratory compaction, (ii) roller compaction, (iii) and plate compaction. These capabilities enable the unit to function as a single attachment that can operate as a roller compaction wheel, a vibrating roller compaction wheel, and a vibratory compaction plate depending on the desired application and requirements of the operator.

Abstract: The porous displacement piles comprising (a) closed-ended pipe piles with small holes and or narrow slots, filled with compacted sandy soil, (b) closed-ended porous pipe piles such as closed-ended pipe pile with very small holes and or very narrow slots, and (c) a precast prestressed porous concrete piles are driven through inside the already driven non-displacement hollow pipe piles in a grid pattern to create excess pore-water pressures generally ranging between 50 and 1500 kPa in cohesive soils, which begin dissipating through inside the porous displacement piles to rapidly consolidate and densify the said cohesive soil. The porous displacement piles are designed for permitting free flow of the pressurized pore-water and to prevent migration of particles of cohesive soil into the porous displacement pile using filter design criteria or verified by laboratory tests. These piles when driven in sandy soils densify sandy soils instantaneously.

Abstract: A trench detection system for an agricultural implement includes a row unit configured to form a trench in soil, to deposit an agricultural product in the trench, and to at least partially close the trench after deposition of the agricultural product. The trench detection system also includes a tactile probe assembly behind the row unit that, in operation, contacts the soil after closure of the trench and generates a signal indicative of a quality of the closure.

Abstract: A foundation component having an elongated shaft with a below-ground end and an opposing above-ground end. The foundation component is installed by sleeving it over a mandrel and applying downward force to the mandrel to insert the component and mandrel into underlying soil. Proximate to the underground end, the shaft has one or more crumple zones formed along its length. When the mandrel is rotated to a locked position and upward force is applied while bracing the above-ground end of the component, one or more of the crumple zones expand transversely into the soil, depending on the soil's density, thereby increasing the component's bearing capacity and resistance to pull out.

Abstract: A soil densification system and method is disclosed. The presently disclosed soil densification system includes an air delivery probe or pipe that can be driven or otherwise installed into a soil mass. An inlet of the air delivery probe is supplied by an air compressor and an air storage tank, which are used for the rapid delivery of air impulses or bursts into the air delivery probe, whereas the air impulses or bursts are expelled out of an outlet of the air delivery probe and into the soil mass. The method of using the presently disclosed soil densification system includes the steps of inserting the end of the air delivery probe into the soil mass to any desired depth and then releasing an impulse or burst of air into the soil mass, thereby forming a densified region in the soil mass via the forces of the air impulse.

Abstract: The object of the present invention relates to a method for producing drilled piles, wherein a drilling tool is sunk into the subsoil by applying a drilling torque and a vertical force, the drilling tool is then again retracted and an additional material is introduced into the resulting bore. According to the invention, the drilling tool is set in vibration by one or more actuators while it is sunk into the subsoil and/or during the retraction of the drilling tool, wherein a resulting oscillation amplitude has at least one horizontal portion. The invention also relates to a corresponding drilling tool for producing boreholes or drilled piles in a subsoil. The present invention further relates to a depth vibrator for the displacement and consolidation of subsoil material as well as a method for the displacement and consolidation of subsoil material.

Abstract: A method of compacting soil performing the steps of establishing a grid pattern of individual partitions at a jobsite, performing a first tamping session to tamper each partition using a 10?×10? vibro tamper plate for about 90 seconds followed by at least 4 days of settling. Performing a second tamping session to tamper each partition using the 10?×10? vibro tamper plate timed for about 120 seconds followed by at least 4 days of settling. Performing a third tamping session to tamper each partition using a 7?×7? vibro tamper plate for about 90 seconds followed by about 6 days of settling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the volume reduction of fine particulate by either promoting the dense packing of the discrete solid particles using a poker equipped with at least one paddle for mixing the particles and imparting vibration or by injecting the finest tailings fractions into the open void spaces between the coarser grains.

Abstract: Described herein are shallow post tensioned foundation systems for mounting light to medium weight structures. Methods of installation are also described. The systems, apparatus and methods described can reduce waste, increase efficiency and reduce cost and installation/construction time.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a ground surface treatment system can include a flexible roller system having one or more of rollers arranged in a side-by-side position and include a flexible axle member extending through each row of rollers.

Abstract: A tamping device for soil compaction having an upper mass with a drive and a lower mass that can be moved relative to the upper mass with a soil contacting element. In order to cause a working movement of the soil contacting element, a vibration generating device is provided. In addition to the vibration generating device, a manipulating device, for example in the form of a damping body, is provided in an operatively connected manner between the upper mass and the lower mass. The damping properties of the damping body can be modifiable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for consolidating soil by means of calcifying bacteria, said method comprising washing the consolidated soil and recycling the wash water.

Abstract: A method for forming a cementitious retaining wall is described. The method includes the step of defining on an earth surface an outline of the wall to be formed. The outline delimits an area of earth to be excavated. The method also includes the step of compacting the area. After compaction, the earth underneath and adjacent to the area is densified, which provides stability to the earth during excavation and after the wall is formed. The method also includes the step of excavating the earth from the area compacted to an initial depth, thereby creating a wall cavity. The method further includes the step of compacting the bottom surface of the wall cavity and subsequently excavating the earth from the compacted bottom surface. This step can be repeated as much as required, under a final depth of the wall cavity is reached. Once the final depth is reached, the wall cavity can be filled at least partially a cementitious material so as to form the retaining wall.

Abstract: An improved method of limestone and sandy soil compaction comprising a first tamping session using a 10?×10? vibro tamper plate timed for about 90 seconds followed by at least 4 days of settling. A second tamping session using the 10?×10? vibro tamper plate timed for about 120 seconds followed by at least 4 days of settling. A third tamping session using a 7?×7? vibro tamper plate for about 90 seconds followed by about 6 days of settling. The disclosed method provides an improvement over deep dynamic compaction (DDC) by providing a soil compaction method that has a higher production rate than DDC, reduces the vibration and noise level as compared to the DDC and thereby lessens the impact on neighboring structures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The tines may include ridges spaced vertically along an outer surface of the tines. The tines may also be in the form of opposing plates. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines/plates. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.

Abstract: A method for forming a cementitious retaining wall is described. The method includes the step of defining on an earth surface an outline of the wall to be formed. The outline delimits an area of earth to be excavated. The method also includes the step of compacting the area. After compaction, the earth underneath and adjacent to the area is densified, which provides stability to the earth during excavation and after the wall is formed. The method also includes the step of excavating the earth from the area compacted to an initial depth, thereby creating a wall cavity. The method further includes the step of compacting the bottom surface of the wall cavity and subsequently excavating the earth from the compacted bottom surface. This step can be repeated as much as required, under a final depth of the wall cavity is reached. Once the final depth is reached, the wall cavity can be filled at least partially a cementitious material so as to form the retaining wall.

Abstract: A device for compaction is provided that includes a compaction tool and a vibration device. The compaction tool is adapted to be lowered vertically into a soil area to be compacted. The vibration device being configured to be placed at an upper end on the compaction tool. The compaction tool being moveable only in the vertical direction by the vibration device. The compaction tool at its bottom end has a tool head on which at least one ripping tool is arranged, which is pivotable around a horizontal pivot axis into a first position and into a second position. In the first position, the at least one ripping tool is oriented substantially parallel to the compaction tool and in the second position is oriented substantially radially to the compaction tool and radially projects beyond a diameter of the tool head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration tamper, comprising a superstructure having a driving engine mounted on a machine frame and further having a guide bar, and further comprising a substructure having a compactor base driven by the driving engine and having a compactor plate and having a drive line, by means of which a drive connection between the driving engine and the compactor base is established such that the compactor base can move relatively to the superstructure along a compactor axis while executing at least one compacting amplitude. The driving engine of the vibration tamper is a liquid gas powered driving engine, wherein the superstructure and, more particularly, the guide bar on the superstructure, comprises a storage container for liquid gas, and wherein a gas supply line is provided to supply evaporated liquid gas to the driving engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.

Abstract: A vibratory compaction plate utilizes pairs of front and rear shock absorbing mounts, each pair of which is set at a different angle with respect to the horizontal plate to optimize the respective shear and compression capabilities and optimize performance. A front mounted vibratory exciter and a rear mounted engine provide different performance capabilities that are optimized by the mounting angles. A flat sheet metal plate and sheet metal frame permit the angles at which the shock mounts are oriented to be adjusted along laterally extending end lines to fine tune performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for introduction of a vibro replacement column into a construction soil, having a tubular lance that is connected with a coupling part, on which at least two exciter cells are attached, distributed radially about the center axis of the lance. The cells each have a housing in which at least one shaft with at least one eccentric weight is disposed. The shaft is connected with a rotary drive. The exciter cells are oriented in such a manner that the eccentric weights of the exciter cells synchronize automatically during operation.

Abstract: A tamper device including a shaft for driving a tamper head, and a shield. A tamper head is attached to the end of the shaft for tamping a lift of aggregate in a cavity formed in a ground surface. A shield attached to the tamper device and spaced a predetermined distance above a top surface of the tamper head, the shield having a predetermined length extending upwardly above the tamper head sufficient to prevent sidewalls of a cavity in soft soil in which the tamper device is used from failing and collapsing into the cavity. Methods of constructing aggregate columns with thicker lifts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vibration reducing interface which uses interconnected layers of three or more concentrically arranged isolators to reduce vibrations in tools, vehicles, machines, weapons and anything else which uses pumps, compressors, engines, motors, spinning elements, out of balance loads or inconsistent, variable loading. The vibration reducing interface provides for tiering arranged isolators for reducing varying degrees and directions of vibration. The vibration reducing interface reduces vibration and its related negative affects including injury, damage and reduced control in relation to use of tools, vehicles, machines, weapons and other equipment.

Abstract: A tamping device for soil compaction having an upper mass with a drive and a lower mass that can be moved relative to the upper mass with a soil contacting element. In order to cause a working movement of the soil contacting element, a vibration generating device is provided. In addition to the vibration generating device, a manipulating device, for example in the form of a damping body, is provided in an operatively connected manner between the upper mass and the lower mass. The damping properties of the damping body can be modifiable.

Abstract: A device (1) for drilling and tamping grounds is constituted by a tamping tip (1A) rigidly connected to a shaft (3) which constitutes the connection to the end part of a battery of rods moved by a drilling machine, which gives it movement in a vertical direction and a rotation around its longitudinal axis. The battery of rods is inserted into a covering tube (14). Between the tamping tip (1A) and the tube (14) a substantially cylindrical tamping element (9, 9a) is interposed, adapted to define a tamping diameter of the ground which forms the walls of the hole obtained by the device (1) at least equal to the diameter of the tube (14).

Abstract: Some embodiments of a ground surface treatment system can include a flexible roller system having one or more of rollers arranged in a side-by-side position and include a flexible axle member extending through each row of rollers. In such circumstances, the flexible roller system can be configured to provide a smoothing effect along a ground surface even when the ground surface includes significant undulations (e.g., an undulating putting green surface). In particular embodiments, the system may be useful in circumstances when the ground surface has been treated with an aeration apparatus prior to the rollers contacts the ground surface.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive including a hydrostatic pump configured to supply a transmission fluid. The hydrostatic drive further includes an axle motor and a drum motor. The axle motor is configured to drive a set of traction wheels and the drum motor is configured to drive a drum. The hydrostatic drive also includes an axle drive line and a drum drive line. The axle drive line and the drum drive line are connected to the axle motor and the drum motor respectively to supply the transmission fluid. A manifold integrally connected to the hydrostatic pump to operatively couple the axle drive line and the drum drive line with the hydrostatic pump.

Abstract: The proposed method involves deploying and activating three ground improvement machines together in a triangular array, rather than a single machine working alone in isolation. The machines are of the type both capable of producing vibratory excitation, and also a pump capable of creating fluid flow, in the ground at depth. Each of the three machines is independently controlled so as to create ground vibrations which are either in, or out, of phase, and at the same time create the hydraulic gradient required to cause fluid flow and seepage forces in the ground within their compass.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a linear load through a high-speed rotating member includes a linear actuator containing an axially translatable cylinder rod. A mounting adapter fixed against axial and rotary movement is rigidly affixed to an actuator cylinder containing the cylinder rod. An elongate guide sleeve, fixed to the mounting adapter, extends axially from the adapter to accommodate an axially translatable thrust bearing affixed to one end of the cylinder rod. The guide sleeve contains a linear slot for accommodating a guide pin affixed to the thrust bearing housing, and transversely movable within the linear slot to prevent rotation of both bearing housing and cylinder rod components.

Abstract: A system and method of determining lift deflection during construction of aggregate columns allows for real time monitoring of construction to ensure meeting defined parameters. The amount of deflection of a tamper head during tamping is determined multiple times for each lift. When the amount of deflection matches a predetermined value, tamping is stopped.

Abstract: A method for ground improvement with hardened inclusions includes providing a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines and to create cavities at the location the tines are advanced. The device is at least partially retracted and hardening cementitious material backfill is added into the cavities for forming a plurality of hardened inclusions within the cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.

Abstract: A vibrator includes a tubular element including one or more sections, the upper end of which is provided with an element for suspension from a hoisting and/or guiding machine and the lower end of which is connected to an endpiece successively including a damper-isolator, a generator of vibrations (4) and a tip (5). This vibrator is made in several detachable elements assembled end-to-end by an element of a plurality of fixing screws (30), the heads or nuts of which are accessible by an element of at least one cavity (27) provided in at least one of the elements and at least one removable locking part (C1, C2) which engages into the cavity (27) by bearing upon the heads or the nuts, so as to ensure the captivity of the screws (30) and to avoid that the assembly be able to dissociate during use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.

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

Abstract: An underwater foundation leveling device is capable of preventing a slack wire connected to a support element with a plumb weight from colliding with reflectors. The reflectors 5 are provided for measurement of a position of a leveling area, around an upper portion of the support element 2 supporting the plumb weight for leveling riprap surface of underwater foundation. The support element is hoisted with the wire 4 and then made fall by its own weight for leveling for the foundation surface. The reflectors reflect light toward a light receiving unit for a position detection for the leveling area. The device comprises, a protective element 8 preventing the slack wire 4 from hitting the reflectors, and a light passage located in a position allowing an optical path of the light reflected from the reflectors to travel toward the light receiving unit.

Abstract: A tamper device including a shaft for driving a tamper head, and a shield. A tamper head is attached to the end of the shaft for tamping a lift of aggregate in a cavity formed in a ground surface. A shield attached to the tamper device and spaced a predetermined distance above a top surface of the tamper head, the shield having a predetermined length extending upwardly above the tamper head sufficient to prevent sidewalls of a cavity in soft soil in which the tamper device is used from failing and collapsing into the cavity. Methods of constructing aggregate columns with thicker lifts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a support aggregate pier having compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, includes an elongate, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end bottom head element that is forced or lowered into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted in predetermined increments. The same hollow tube is then lowered or pushed in predetermined increments to vertically compact the released aggregate in thin aggregate lifts, while forcing a portion of the compacted aggregate transaxially into the soil matrix at the sidewalls of the cavity. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted aggregate lifts comprising an aggregate pier or the process may include forming only a single lift for the aggregate pier while densifying adjacent matrix soils and imparting lateral stress in these soils.

Abstract: A tamper device includes a shaft for driving a tamper head. A tamper head is attached to the end of the shaft for tamping a lift of aggregate in a cavity formed in a ground surface. A shield extends upwardly a predetermined height from the tamper head an amount sufficient to prevent sidewalls of the cavity from failing and collapsing. Methods of constructing aggregate columns with thicker lifts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine system includes a compactor having a frame, at least one compacting element coupled with the frame, and a sensing system configured to output signals including electronic data indicative of a varying response of material within a work area to interaction of the compactor therewith. The machine system further includes an electronic control unit coupled with the sensing system and configured to link the electronic data with location data for the work area, and further configured to assign each one of at least two different compaction targets to different regions of the work area responsive to linking the electronic data with the location data. The machine system may further include a computer readable memory storing a compaction interaction planning algorithm, whereby the electronic control unit determines a compactor interaction plan for navigating the compactor within the work area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrator device for a vibratory compacting machine, said device comprising: a tubular body extending longitudinally and having a bottom end; at least one first hydraulic motor disposed in the tubular body and comprising a rotor and a stator; an eccentric member arranged inside the tubular body between the bottom end and the first hydraulic motor, said eccentric member being adapted to be rotated by the rotor of the first hydraulic motor so as to generate vibration. The invention is characterized in that the stator of the first hydraulic motor is constituted by the tubular body.

Abstract: A number of front working, trench filling face-compressing, inclinedly disposed sliders are arranged alternately with cutter bits on an endless chain of a trench-forming endless chain cutter on a transporting chassis, and driven with the chain by a drive means so that backward oriented, inclined facet portions of the sliders compress a filling in the trench toward and on a front working face of the wall being formed. An elongate, filling face-compressing shield is adapted to be extended down into the trench and supported with its underground portion on the underground portion of a guide post of the cutter or on the trench bottom for forward and backward oscillation by a drive means to compress the filling face adjacent to the shield. The compacted filling is in these ways being formed by horizontal pressure.

Abstract: A device (1) for drilling and tamping grounds is constituted by a tamping tip (1A) rigidly connected to a shaft (3) which constitutes the connection to the end part of a battery of rods moved by a drilling machine, which gives it movement in a vertical direction and a rotation around its longitudinal axis. The battery of rods is inserted into a covering tube (14). Between the tamping tip (1A) and the tube (14) a substantially cylindrical tamping element (9, 9a) is interposed, adapted to define a tamping diameter of the ground which forms the walls of the hole obtained by the device (1) at least equal to the diameter of the tube (14).

Abstract: A number of slot filling-compressing members are inserted from a framework into and across a slot-shaped excavation at ahead of a frontal face of a continuous, compacted slot filling being formed along the slot, and moved with a drive means connected to the members for intermittently forcing portions of the members against the filling to compress the filling adjacent to the members longitudinally against the face. The compacted filling is in this way formed by longitudinal pressure. The members can be mounted for forward or reciprocating movement in directions along and across the face.

Abstract: A method of imparting strength to earth in support of a ground surface is disclosed. A bag is placed in the earth under the ground surface, the bag having a first end oriented towards the ground surface, a second end opposite the first end, and a cross sectional contour from the first end to the second end that includes at least one wedge portion extendable laterally into surrounding earth located above and below the wedge portion when the bag is filled. A expandable polymeric resin is injected into the bag to at least partially fill the bag to compress earth around the bag. The expandable polymeric resin may be expandable polymeric resin. A bag is also disclosed for use in imparting strength to earth in support of a ground surface.

Abstract: A vibrating plate system comprises at least two vibrating plates are mechanically coupled to one another via a coupling device and a controlling transmitter for outputting control data to the vibrating plates. Each of the vibrating plates comprises a receiving device for receiving the control data, a drive mechanism for propelling the vibration plate forwardly and rearwardly, and a position determining device for determining the position of the relevant vibrating plate within the group. A rule memory is also provided in which control rules are stored. One control rule defines a correlation between a control measure for controlling the traveling mechanism according to the position of the vibrating plate and an item of control information given by the control data. In each vibrating plate, a single control device selects a suitable control rule according to the position of the vibrating plate and to the control measure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the methods allowing to compact the soil, and devices for carrying out these methods. It comprises the insertion into the soil at a predetermined depth (h) under which the compaction by the upper level of the soil becomes ineffective, of an underground compacting device. By advancing this device, the soil (104) can be compacted below this specified depth. Thanks to this invention it is possible to compact thicker layers and to improve the railway tracks repairing systems.

Abstract: A method is given which it is believed will lead to better ground treatment results for both engineering and environmental purposes. The novel advancement over conventional equipment and machines (called pokers) suggested herein is that rather than simply deploying a single ground improvement poker at a time, a triangular array of three pokers, deployed from a single mobile carrier, be activated in the ground together and simultaneously at a particular location. Considerable synergetic advantages are anticipated not only by the mutual interaction of multiple machines in close proximity, but also by the ability to excite the three individual pokers at different frequencies and/or phase relationships with respect to their partners. In the special case of the equipment previously disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.