Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced 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 incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

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 process for the preparation of a binder comprising a heterocondensate of (i) a hydrolysable silicon compound having at least one nonhydrolysable organic radical without polymerizable group and (ii) a metal and/or boron compound. The process comprises hydrolyzing (i) with water, adding (ii) to the resultant reaction mixture after the water in the reaction mixture is substantially consumed, and, optionally, adding an organic binder component to the heterocondensate and/or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: A vibrating plate serving as a tamping device comprises an upper mass (1) equipped with a drive and comprises at least two lower masses (2a, 2b), which are coupled to the upper mass (1) while being able to oscillate relative to the upper mass (1). Each of the lower masses (2a; 2b) comprises a soil contacting plate (6) and at least one oscillator (7) assigned to this soil contacting plate (6). The oscillators (7) can be controlled differently so that, in addition to an advancing and compacting action, a turning moment can be executed about a vertical axis (Z).

Abstract: A method of improving soft ground, capable of effectively restricting settlement of a peripheral part of ground to be improved involved in improvement of the soft ground. A vertical supply path is formed by placing a vertical drain material in ground in the periphery of ground to be improved, and water containing a water stop material is charged in the vertical supply path to supply the water containing the water stop material to the ground through the vertical supply path. Then the water stop material charged in the vertical supply path follows a water flow and spreads in the periphery of the vertical supply path to form a water stop zone. The water stop zone formed by the water stop material prevents the movement of ground water in the ground and restricts lowering of the ground water in the ground caused by forced drainage from ground to be improved, effectively restricting settlement of the ground involved in improvement of soft ground.

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: A method of modifying geotechnically unsuitable soils at a site involving soil stabilization treatment and rolling dynamic compaction. A portion of the site is excavated to a predetermined depth x. Both the excavated site and the soil excavated therefrom are subjected to soils stabilization treatments before the treated excavated soils is backfilled in layers and subjected to both standard compaction and rolling dynamic compaction.

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 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: A vibrator arrangement for producing material columns in the ground comprises an elongate vibrating body with an outer surface having a girth and at least one projection extending at least partially around the girth of the vibrating body. A method of producing a material column in the ground may use such a vibrator arrangement.

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: According to various embodiments, devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling a compactive effort delivered to a soil by a compaction unit. A device, according to one embodiment, includes a compaction unit (13) that delivers a compactive effort to soil, first and second sensing units (12, 14) that measure the first and second sensing data at a discrete global position at a first and second point in time, respectively, a comparing unit that compares the first and second sensing data, and a control unit (18) that modifies the compactive effort delivered to the soil by the compaction unit based on the comparison between the first and second sensing data. The discrete global position is in front of the compaction unit in the direction of travel of the compaction unit at the first point in time and is behind the compaction unit at the second point in time.

Abstract: A ramming device for compacting soil includes an upper mass and a lower mass. The lower mass is driven linearly back and forth with respect to the upper mass to compact material therebelow. An engine drives the lower mass and is supported by the upper mass. A muffler is fluidly connected to the engine and is contoured such that a majority of the muffler is positioned inboard of a footprint of a side of the ramming device. Preferably, the muffler has a shape that substantially matches a shape of the upper mass adjacent to the muffler thereby further reducing the distance that the muffler extends beyond a footprint of a sidewall of the device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drop mass soil compaction apparatus (10, 50) which has a supporting frame (12,64) and a mass (20, 76) which can be raised relative to the frame to an elevated position above a soil surface (40, 61) which is to be compacted. The apparatus includes a mass lifting arrangement for raising the mass to the elevated position such that when the mass is subsequently dropped from such position it impacts on the soil surface in order to compact it. The mass lifting arrangement includes a flexible cable (24, 92) attached to the mass and an hydraulic or pneumatic actuator (36, 68) which is carried by the supporting frame and which acts on the cable in a manner to raise the mass. The cable effectively isolates the mass lifting arrangement, and in particular the actuator, from shock loads generated by impacts of the mass on the soil surface.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is to present a method in which holes (1) are drilled into the ground for the injection of highly expansive grouts (5), so that the subsoil is void filled and compacted and thus the liquefaction potential under earthquake and vibration forces are reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a filter zone of an earthfill dam, in which the filter zone includes adjacent coarse and fine filter layers. The coarse and fine filter materials are discharged simultaneously from an earthmoving vehicle having an ejector body. The ejector body includes a longitudinal divider wall that maintains segregation of the materials during transport, and the materials are discharged through separate chute assemblies so as to place the materials in elongate, side-by-side berms. The ejector vehicle is followed by a dozer or other piece of equipment that grades both berms simultaneously. Each pass of the ejector vehicle and dozer thus forms a stratum of the filter zone. The passes are repeated to form a plurality of strata in overlying relationship such that the coarse particulate material forms the coarse filter portion of the filter zone and the fine material forms the fine filter portion of the zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil compacting system which comprises a travelling and steerable soil compacting device and a control device. The control device is provided with an area definition device which allows a user to establish an area to be compacted and the area boundaries. A position detecting device detects the actual position of the soil compacting device. A traveler changes the direction of travel of the soil compacting device by presetting a standard value for a travelling movement of the soil compacting device in such manner that the soil compacting device does not travel past the respective area boundary but continues its travel within the area. A path planning device may be provided for fixing a presetting for a travel way which makes sure that the soil compacting device, when keeping to the preset travel way, travels at least once completely across the area to be compacted.

Abstract: A tamper head having an elongated pyramidal or conical shape is used to construct rammed aggregate piers. The pyramidal or conical shape of the tamper head is more efficient at building up lateral earth pressure and provides for greater economy in the construction of the piers than available with existing methods that rely on tamper heads with flat bottoms and beveled sides.

Abstract: The apparatus (10) is a weighted body (12). The first regions (20) taper at a first taper angle, such as 5°. Second regions (22) taper at a greater angle, such as 60°. The ground is compacted by dropping the apparatus (10) on the ground, so that the nose (18) penetrates the ground. The relatively low taper angle of the first regions (20) tends to result in deeper penetration. The relatively high taper angle of the regions (22) tends to create some bounce on impact, helping to free any tendency for the first regions (20) to stick. The second regions (22) also create greater downward compaction.

Abstract: A compaction determination system for monitoring the compaction in a material produced by a rotary device as the rotary device is towed over the material is disclosed. The compaction determination system may have a force sensor associated with a drawbar used to tow the rotary device, the force sensor being configured to sense a force transmitted to the rotary device via the drawbar. The compaction determination system may further have a controller in communication with the force sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a compaction of the material produced by the rotary device based on the sensed force.

Abstract: A system and method for installing aggregate piers is provided. A cylindrical hollow mandrel is driven to a desired depth. Aggregate is fed through the mandrel in steps. The mandrel is raised and driven to tamp the aggregate. Physical members in a tamping head of the mandrel allow aggregate to remain in a cavity formed by the mandrel, and prevent aggregate from entering the mandrel during driving.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact compactor including a wheeled chassis structure and at least one non-round roller carried on an axle assembly. The axle assembly is rotatably mounted on a drag link, which is pivotally mounted on the chassis structure. The compactor includes also a lifting arrangement for lifting the roller from the ground, including a lifting arm, located above the drag link and pivotally displaceable with respect to the chassis structure, and a piston/cylinder mechanism for pivoting it. The lifting arm has a depending lifting formation that can releasably engage either one of the drag link and the axle assembly carried by the drag link for raising the roller from the ground. The configuration of the lifting arrangement provides for suitable accommodation of the piston/cylinder mechanism, which is problematic in some conventional-type compactors and associated with certain risks of mechanical failure during compaction operations.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is to present a method in which holes (1) are drilled into the ground for the injection of highly expansive grouts (5), so that the subsoil is void filled and compacted and thus the liquefaction potential under earthquake and vibration forces are reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced 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 incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

Abstract: A method for erecting structures composed of rammed-earth. A method of rammed-earth building construction is disclosed wherein walls are post-tensioned to enhance the ability of the wall to receive lateral loading without failing in tension. Post-tensioning rods are anchored to a concrete footing, and temporary forms erected alongside the footing. A protective sleeve is disposed around each post-tensioning rod. An earthen mixture is placed between the forms and around the sleeves, and rammed by compaction in a series of stacked courses. When the rammed-earth wall has obtained the desired height, it is topped with a concrete bond beam through which the post-tensioning rods extend. Using the bond beam as a brace against which a retaining plate may push, retaining plates are disposed upon the bond beam and around the threaded upper ends of each rod. A nut is threaded upon each rod and tightened against the retaining plate to draw the rod into tension.

Abstract: At least one cable is attached to a load lying on the ground via a releasable connection mechanism. A traction force is applied to the cable to hoist the load up to a prescribed height. That traction force is then eliminated or reduced to initiate a downward movement of the load followed by the cable. The connection mechanism is then released while the load is moving downwardly.

Abstract: An underwater riprap foundation which can be constructed efficiently using a reduced amount of ripraps and a consolidation smoothing method for efficient construction of the same are disclosed. The underwater riprap foundation includes a first region for supporting comparatively high load from a structure such as a caisson, and a second region positioned adjacent the first region for supporting comparatively low load from mulch blocks or the like. The first region is formed as a rigid riprap core wall body having a consolidation density higher than that in the second region. The first and second regions have top faces flush with each other. In construction, ripraps are thrown into water such that the extra-banking height in the first region is higher than in the second region, and free fall of a weight is repetitively carried out to the first and second regions to consolidate the ripraps.

Abstract: In order to control automatic working devices, especially soil compacting devices, a remote control device is provided which comprises a transmitter unit which can be actuated by a user and which is used to transmit control signals in the form of electromagnetic radiation and a receiver unit which is arranged on the working device and which outputs the received control signals in the form of electric control commands to the control unit of a working device. During operation of the working device, the transmitter unit can be connected to an external power source, which is arranged on the working device, via a cable for the supply of power thereto.

Abstract: An artificial grass surface (10) suited for bordering a runway (12) of an airfield in order to reduce the presence of birds in the airfield. The artificial grass surface (10) includes a pile fabric (14) having a plurality of pile elements (20) extending from a backing mat (18) and resembling grass. A water barrier (24) is provided for preventing water from percolating to the compacted soil surface. An infilled particulate material (22) is dispersed among the pile elements (20). A stabilizer is provided to resist dislodgment of the infilled particulate material (22) at the edges of the runways by the thrust of jet engines and to keep the particulate material (22) in the pile elements (20) when the edges of the runways are vacuumed to remove silt.

Abstract: The invention is a composite of interdependent engineering methods for earthen fill engineering and construction. The invention includes the development, utilization, and correlation of actual, cumulative field compaction energies, unique to and based on field combination-specific variables of any combination but including all of the following: soil type, compactor type, lift thickness, moisture content, and soil amendment type and mix.

Abstract: Method for consolidating an earth stratum situated in a subgrade by withdrawing water that is present in there from it, comprising the stepwise arrangement from the surface of the soil, at some depth, of vertical draining means, such as drainage strips, in the earth stratum, the arrangement of horizontal drainage means, such as drainage pipes, in the upper area of the earth stratum and connecting them to the vertical drainage means for water transfer between them, the arrangement of an air sealing layer directly over the horizontal drainage means and the closing of the surface of the soil, as well as the connection of the horizontal drainage means to a pump for discharge of the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil compacting device comprising a vibration generator that acts upon a soil contact plate. A controlling means of the vibration generator comprises an amplitude-controlling unit and a frequency-controlling unit. The amplitude-controlling unit diminishes the vibration amplitude by a first amplitude difference when a jumping of the soil contact plate is detected. When no jumping is detected within a clock timing, the amplitude-controlling unit increases the vibration amplitude by a second amplitude difference. The frequency-controlling unit determines the driving power that is output by a drive to the vibration generator and changes the vibration frequency so that the driving power approximately corresponds to a preset value. The amplitude control and the frequency control are advantageously carried out in parallel.

Abstract: The invention is a composite of interdependent engineering methods for earthen fill engineering and construction. The invention includes the development, utilization, and correlation of actual, cumulative field compaction energies, unique to and based on field combination-specific variables of any combination but including all of the following: soil type, compactor type, lift thickness, moisture content, and soil amendment type and mix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tyres such as 12 and 14, and a fill material provided within and/or between tyres of each of the mattresses 12 and 14. The fill material 16 is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress 14 is typically wrapped in a porous sheet such as a geofabric cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress 14 whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tyres typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: Device for inserting foreign matters into the soil and/or for compacting the soil, comprising a countersinking unit (22) with a depth vibrator, that is coupled to an articulated arm, in addition to a control device through which the articulated arms (2, 3, 4) can be controlled in such a way that the countersinking unit can be displaced linearly in a predetermined direction along its longitudinal extension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the structure of saturated masses of granular materials. The apparatus comprises an axially elongated probe having a generally cylindrical side wall and upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted to penetrate the mass, the side wall having a screen portion to restrict the passage of particles therethrough, and to pass water therethrough into a space within the probe. There is a vibrating member located within the probe and generally adjacent the screen portion to generate a vibrating force within a region of the mass. At least one impeller blade is located within the probe generally adjacent the vibrating member to generate a low pressure zone to draw the water from said region into the space. A discharge conduit communicates with the space associated with the screen portion and the conduit extends upwardly to the upper end of the probe.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a piece of machinery able to be used in a generally vertical in-use position and able to be stored in a generally horizontal resting position. The fuel tank has a fill inlet neck extending at an angle from the tank so that fuel stored within the tank will not leak out of the inlet or attached fuel cap when the machinery is placed in its in-use position or in its resting position.

Abstract: A ground treatment device (10) is weighted to provide ground treatment by dropping the device onto the ground. The device (10) has a relatively narrow nose (12) which provides, in use, the point of first contact with the ground. The device widens away from the nose (12), over a portion (14). A clevis arrangement (16) allows the device (10) to hang from a cable (18), to allow the device (10) to be raised by a crane, before dropping. A shoulder (22) projects outwardly and allows calibrated measurement of the degree of compaction achieved in the ground. Variations of the device (10) are described, together with apparatus for use in lifting and dropping the device, and methods of using the device.

Abstract: A roller vehicle for ground compaction has a ground compacting device operative for compacting ground; and a levelling device for levelling the ground.

Abstract: A working device, especially a ramming device for compacting soil, comprises a housing which belongs to an upper mass, and has a working mass which can be linearly driven back and forth with regard to the upper mass. The working mass is linearly guided via a guide cylinder which is fastened to the housing with elastic mobility. The transfer of bounce impacts acting upon the working mass to the upper mass can be effectively reduced by the elastic mobility of the guide cylinder with regard to the housing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compacting soil and for determining a mechanical characteristic of soil, including a method and apparatus for periodically compacting soil with a soil compacting device so as to make the soil and the soil compacting device vibrate together as a single oscillatory system, analyzing the vibration of the soil and soil compacting device, and adjusting an oscillatory driving force so as to drive the single oscillatory system towards a characteristic resonance frequency &OHgr;.

Abstract: The device embodying the invention applies to a variable-moment vibrator comprising at least two trains of eccentrics driven in rotation by a variable-speed motorization, the variation of the vibratory moment being obtained by a phase shifter which generates a phase shift between the rotary motion of the two trains of eccentrics. It comprises at least one accelerometric detector subjected to the vibrations generated by the vibrator, a means for deducing, from the accelerometric data detected, a value representative of the harmfulness of the vibrations, a means for entering a set value and a processor which acts on the phase-shift control of the phase shifter and/or on the component controlling the motorization speed variation in order to maintain the value representing the harmfulness of the vibrations at a level equal to or lower than the set value.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for determining the degree of compaction during ground compaction with a roller or a vibrating plate compactor comprising a top section and a vibrating plate. The method involves determination of one or more amplitude values of the vibration at approximately the excitation frequency of the plate relative to the top section, one or more amplitude values of one or more vibrations of the plate relative to the top section at a maximum of 60% of the excitation frequency, and the quotient of the aforementioned amplitude values as a measure of the current degree of compaction of the ground. The device includes a sensor for non-contact detection of the relative movements between the top section and the vibrating plate or roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the structure of saturated masses of granular materials. The apparatus comprises an axially elongated probe having a generally cylindrical side wall and upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted to penetrate the mass, the side wall having a screen portion to restrict the passage of particles therethrough, and to pass water therethrough into a space within the probe. There is a vibrating member located within the probe and generally adjacent the screen portion to generate a vibrating force within a region of the mass. At least one impeller blade is located within the probe generally adjacent the vibrating member to generate a low pressure zone to draw the water from said region into the space. A discharge conduit communicates with the space associated with the screen portion and the conduit extends upwardly to the upper end of the probe.

Abstract: A watering spray system offering a method for softening soil in preparation for compacting the soil with a vibrating compactor attached to the end of an articulated arm of a backhoe, or the like equipment. The system includes a water spray head secured to the end of the articulated arm of the backhoe in full view of the backhoe operator to apply water for moisturizing back fill soil for compacting, a shut-off valve for controlling the water applied, a flexible water supply line starting at the water supply tank, running under the backhoe cab, and along the articulated main boom and arm, ending at the spray head. A welded frame assembly positioned at the rear of the backhoe, for suspending the flexible water supply hose above the backhoe motor for viewing by backhoe operator to determine tension on the hose, preventing over-stretching and possible damage to the conduit during operation. The source of water may vary to maintain sufficient pressure at the spray head.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus, useful with a vibrated plow, cable layer or the like, includes a housing and a shaft mounted to the housing for rotation about a shaft axis. Counterrevolving first and second eccentric weights are supported by the shaft for rotation about such axis. A drive gear is fixed with respect to the shaft and another drive gear is fixed with respect to the second weight. A transition gear engages both drive gears for counter-rotation of the weights about the same axis of rotation. Most preferably, the weights are configured to “interdigitate” as the shaft and weights rotate. That is, as the weights rotate in opposite directions, the first weight passes through a cavity in the second weight. The drive gears and the transition gear are preferably bevel gears and form what might be termed a differential gear set.

Abstract: A soil compacting device has a damping system which couples an upper mass and a lower mass together with a spring system in a vibration system. The damping properties of the damping system can be modified while the device is in operation. Therefore, when the soil compacting device passes over soils having different properties, it can constantly be adjusted in an optimal manner to the ground underneath it by acting on the vibration properties of the overall vibration system.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring soil compaction using a compaction machine which applies periodic impact blows to the soil surface. The apparatus comprising a rotatable, multi-sided compactor mass that applies periodic impact blows to the soil surface when rolled over that surface. Data related to the level of compaction of the soil surface is derived, during compaction of the soil surface, from the deceleration of the compactor mass as it impacts the soil surface. This is achieved using one or more accelerometers mounted on the impact compactor.

Abstract: An improved lateral soil displacement and compaction auger (24) is provided including a central shaft (34) equipped with a central cementious material pipe (42), helical flighting sections (36,38) and lower rollers (64A-64E) positioned between lower flight sections. The rollers (64A-64E) are strategically located so that their outer peripheries cooperatively define an expanding spiral from the lower end of the auger (24) towards the central section (50) thereof. The rollers (64A-64E) are primarily responsible for lateral soil displacement and compaction during rotation of the auger (24) and do so with reduced frictional buildup. The preferred auger (24) also includes a lower cap (40) which is retained during auger rotation by teeth (90,92); during filling operations, the cap (40) is shifted downwardly to allow ejection of cementious material from the pipe (42) while retaining the cap (40).

Abstract: A method of monitoring of the level of compaction of a soil surface undergoing compaction by an impact compactor which includes a rotatable, multi-sided compactor mass that applies periodic impact blows to the soil surface when rolled over that surface. In accordance with the invention, data related to the level of compaction of the soil surface is derived, during compaction of the soil surface, from the deceleration of the compactor mass as it impacts the soil surface. This is achieved using one or more accelerometers mounted on the impact compactor.