Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for moving with an excavator arm a trench box having a pair of adjacent spreader bars at a forward end. The apparatus has a bracket end for connecting to the excavator arm and a hooking fork. The hooking fork has a first surface that engages the first spreader bar of the trench box. The apparatus also includes a second surface for engaging the adjacent second spreader bar when used to lift the trench box from the trench or move the trench box along the trench floor.

Abstract: A stackable component for concrete forming systems is described. End plates are secured to opposite ends of a longitudinal element having a round profile that prevents stacking of the components. The end plates nest together and receive for retention the longitudinal element to permit orderly and stable stacking of the components.

Abstract: Three-dimensional soil nail walls employing geosynthetic materials and methods of installation thereof. The soil nail walls are suitable for supporting an upright face of earth and comprise tensioned geosynthetic material held up against the face.

Abstract: A shoring device is disclosed comprising a piston and a cylinder. The piston is axially expanded by compressed gas, whereby the shoring device engages two opposing surfaces. Removable swivel sideplates comprise détente sphere attachments by which the sideplates reversibly attach to the piston and cylinder. These attached removable swivel sideplates contain set screws which engage the sides of trenches and excavations which are lined with timbers or other materials.

Abstract: A liner is the product of reaction of (a) a hydrophilic prepolymer bearing isocyanate groups; and (b) a water-borne polymer dispersion, the polymer bearing groups that are reactive to isocyanate groups; wherein the dispersion has a sufficiently high solids content, and the polymer has a sufficiently high modulus and glass transition or crystalline melting temperature, that the product of reaction exhibits a 24-hour Tensile Strength of at least about 2.5 MPa.

Abstract: A lightweight trench shield having side panels spaced apart by spreaders. Each panel has a core formed of a metal honeycomb with the core faces having a fiber in resin matrix layer thereon. The core density varies with regions proximate the spreader supports being increased to provide support for side loads. The spreader supports receive the ends of the spreaders and distribute the applied loads outwardly from the spreader via a mounting ring.

Abstract: Improved shoring systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a shoring system includes first and second opposing side walls. A manifold is pivotally connected to the first side wall and is pivotally moveable between a shielded position and an exposed position. In the shielded position, the manifold is at least partially covered by a shield. In the exposed position, the manifold is pivoted upward to expose components of the manifold, such as hydraulic inlets and outlets, valves, and hydraulic fluid lines. The shoring system is safer, easier, and more efficient to operate than conventional shoring systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a support system that is temporarily placed below ground for preventing collapse of the excavated ground when a subway is constructed or a basement of a building is built. The excavated ground or load is supported by means of supporting members, the supporting members being pre-stressed by means of tensioning members and tendon support members serving to support the tensioning members. Consequently, the number of struts for supporting vertical piles and wales is considerably reduced so that obstacles in the under-ground space when it is excavated are removed. Furthermore, the constructional efficiency of the underground space is greatly improved, and the cost of construction is sharply reduced.

Abstract: A catwalk is provided for use in trenching operations that provides increased safety and improves efficiency. Methods are also provided that save time over the prior process of building multiple land bridges. Selected features include reduction in the number of ladders used increases worker safety, along with several other safety features such as catwalk railings, holding devices for ladders, etc. One catwalk is shown with a skid assembly to further increases efficiency by allowing the trench box to be towed with the catwalk in place.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.

Abstract: An inventive apparatus and method provides for restricting movement from a collapsed or folded position of a pair of rails employed by a shoring assembly. The shoring assembly has a plurality of first pads each pivotally connected to one of the rails, a plurality of second pads each pivotally connected to the other of the rails, and a plurality of hydraulic jacks each being operatively connected between an opposing pair of the first and second pads. The pivoting movement of the plurality of first pads is restricted relative to the one rail when the rails are disposed in the collapsed position. In a particular embodiment, a pair of first pads and a pair of second pads—respectively known as cylinder pads and socket pads—are employed by the shoring assembly. Accordingly, a pair of hydraulic jacks are further employed in this embodiment of the shoring assembly.

Abstract: A prefabricated cribbing column for supporting a mine roof. The column includes a plurality of concrete cribbing elements the majority of which are interleaved with load transfer disks. Two of the cribbing elements are interleaved with a handle element. The column assembly of cribbing elements, load transfer disks, and handle element are secured together in an integral unit by a steel strap. The handle element extends substantially beyond the outer periphery of the cribbing elements enabling access and lifting by a forklift or similar machinery. The handle element enables the integral column to be easily moved from one location to another. The cribbing elements are preferably constructed of steel fiber reinforced concrete. A column consisting of five cribbing elements has shown to be capable of supporting a load of 575 tons with a deflection of 2.5 inches or less.

Abstract: A shoring device that utilizes an accessory assembly mounted to a vertical tubular member of a tubular scaffold assembly to receive a shoring member therethrough. With an adjustable threaded ring mounted over the threaded portion of said accessory assembly, a supporting surface or edge is provided to a locking pin that passes through cooperating slots in the accessory assembly and radial through holes in the shoring post member to keep the post member and the accessory assembly at a fixed position with respect to each other. The lower most end of the threaded portion comes in abutting contact with the upper end of the scaffold vertical member thus transmitting the bearing load therethrough. A user can selectively adjust the effective length of the scaffold and shoring assemblies by rotating the ring assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device for shoring open excavations including a pair of shoring panels held vertically apart and parallel to each other against sidewalls of excavation by a pair of strutting assemblies. Each shoring panel having laterally on either end a vertical guide of circular cross section and lengthwise two identical cutting edges of triangular cross section, which are inversely arranged one on the top and the other at the bottom of panel and reverse relative to sidewall of excavation as well. Each strutting assembly has a pair of vertical struts held against each other by at least one horizontal strut that is fastened by pin or bolts onto vertical supports. Each vertical strut is provided with a circular guide channel encompassing the guide of shoring panel and interlocking with it, so that shoring panels slide independently from each other, while the strutting assembly can adjust different pipe culverts.

Abstract: Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a sheet pile installation apparatus for inserting a sheet pile vertically into a soil formation, the installation apparatus including an elongated body configured to releasably receive the sheet pile, the body having an upper end, a lower end, a lower edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture formed at said lower end. The installation apparatus further includes a catch having a first portion and a second portion, the catch being pivotally mounted in the aperture about said pivot axis such that the first portion and the second portion are disposed on opposed sides of the lower end of the body when the catch is in an at-rest position. The first portion of the catch is configured such that insertion of the body into the soil formation rotates the first portion upwardly such that the first portion engages a lower end of the sheet pile disposed adjacent the top surface of the body.

Abstract: A shoring system for trenches comprising large shoring panels and strutting assemblies is disclosed. Shoring panels are arranged in pairs against either wall of the trench and held vertically by adjacent strutting assemblies spaced apart along the trench. Each strutting assembly has at least one horizontal strut fastened in between a pair of opposite vertical struts. Each said vertical strut has laterally opposite guide channels to receive cooperatively the guide edge of the shoring panel that slides vertically within. Each guide channel of said vertical strut is provided with a locking bar to interlock the guide edge of the shoring panel so that pairs of shoring panels are linked successively on either side of a strutting assembly to create a shoring wall on either side of the entire trench. Said vertical strut is further provided with pairs of rollers to ease sliding of shoring panels.

Abstract: A series of duplicate structural panels form a substantially flat sea wall, barrier wall, and the like, fabricated of synthetic resin material for driving into soils. The structural panel is elongated and of constant size and shape along its length, and is characterized by having been extruded lengthwise. The structural panel includes, in cross section, a central wall section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and opposed side wall sections. A male locking element is disposed on and extends laterally from one side section and a female locking element is disposed on and extends laterally from the other side wall section, the female locking element being configured to slidably receive and retain the male locking element. First and a second strengthening flanges are integrally formed on the inner surface, both substantially perpendicular to the central wall section and substantially parallel to each other. The first and second strengthening flanges extend along the length of the structural panel.

Abstract: An excavation shoring system having four vertical, cylindrical poles, each connected to a base element, arranged to constitute corners of a rectangle. At least one vertically oriented shoring panel corresponding to each side of the rectangle is provided, with each of the shoring panels corresponding to adjacent sides of the rectangle having one end rotatably connected to a first pair of diagonally opposed cylindrical poles in a manner forming four vertical walls of uniform height. At least two vertically oriented, U-shaped channels disposed at right angles to each other are connected to a second pair of diagonally opposed cylindrical poles. The U-shaped channels have a channel width substantially corresponding to a thickness of the panels and are oriented to receive a free end of each shoring panel.

Abstract: A liner is the product of reaction of (a) a hydrophilic prepolymer bearing isocyanate groups; and (b) a water-borne polymer dispersion, the polymer bearing groups that are reactive to isocyanate groups; wherein the dispersion has a sufficiently high solids content, and the polymer has a sufficiently high modulus and glass transition or crystalline melting temperature, that the product of reaction exhibits a 24-hour Tensile Strength of at least about 2.5 MPa.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting to and supporting a beam of a walkway releasably attaches to a helical anchor. The bracket includes a beam restrainer for supporting a beam and a connecting plate releasably attached to a connector assembly. The connector assembly releasably attaches the helical anchor to the bracket and accommodates differences in spacing at various installation locations.

Abstract: A corner connection used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site is provided with a reinforcing assembly that allows for greater loads. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof; however, any polygonal shape may be used. The corner connection itself comprises mating socket or connecting members that are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures that are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure the two connectors together.

Abstract: A shoring device is disclosed comprising a piston and a cylinder. The piston is axially expanded by compressed gas, whereby the shoring device engages two opposing surfaces. An outer cam collar and a concentrically enclosed inner ring are mounted upon the cylinder end into which the piston inserts. This outer cam collar comprises at least two cam edges, two stop faces and a threaded cam pin within an integral boss. The inner ring comprises a continuous circular indentation as well as a continuous circular inner lip. The outer cam collar and inner ring, together with the continuous circular inner lip and threaded pin, firmly retain the piston. These piston retention features prevent inadvertent rotation and collapse of the piston during use.

Abstract: A shoring post suitable for use with ledger frames uses node sleeves which surround the shoring post. Preferably, the node sleeves are an extruded component with a center cavity that closely conforms to the exterior of the shoring post. The node sleeves are secured in a manner to maintain the center of the shoring post unobstructed. In a preferred form, the node sleeves are mechanically fastened to the shoring post.

Abstract: A device for shoring trenches having rails, panels and articulated trusses such that pairs of opposite rails are upheld vertically by trusses and spaced along the trench to support shoring panels which slide past each other vertically within guides of adjacent rails; the rail having a back flange welded on a main rectangular tube which is provided on either side with two lateral rectangular tubes welded offset and inward past the main tube such that with a front flange welded on each lateral tube shape two vertical guides on either side of rail, the front flanges being projecting into the space between lateral tubes creating a guide contouring the edge of articulated truss which slides interlocked within; the panel being provided with special edges that interlock within vertical guides of rail, the truss being articulated and provided with roller to displace along the front flanges of the rails.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to shoring of deep excavations such as pits or trenches. It includes vertical rail posts arranged symmetrically in pairs which are spaced form each other along the excavation, articulated trusses holding opposite rail posts against each other and large shoring panels sliding between adjacent rail posts on either side of the excavation. Each rail post has on either side one channel of stepped cross section guiding vertically two or more shoring panels. The connections between the post and the panel are partially or completely open. The open connections are performed by magnetic forces engendered by thin magnetic flat bars incorporated in the posts or the panels in the area of their contact. The articulated truss is of scissoring type composed of triangular cells only and their members have pinned connections.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.

Abstract: This shoring system enters in the category of slide rail shoring systems, including rails, panels and strutting assemblies. It applies on shoring of excavations of various shapes such as trenches, rectangular and polygonal pits of great or lesser depth. Rails are of two types, linear or corner rails. Pairs of linear rails are spaced apart along excavation so that a strutting assembly keeps opposite rails of a pair of rails pressing against wall of excavation; corner rails are placed on the corners of any polygonal shaped excavation. Shoring panels slide vertically between adjacent rails creating a shoring wall on two or more sides of excavation. Rails have opposite sides provided with an outer and an inner guide for sliding vertically panels. The outer guide runs the full length of rail while inner guide is halfway from the bottom up reducing the weight of rail and easing installation and removal of panels.

Abstract: A device for shoring trenches having rails, panels and articulated trusses such that pairs of opposite rails are upheld vertically by trusses and spaced along the trench to support shoring panels which slide past each other vertically within guides of adjacent rails; the rail having a back flange welded on a main rectangular tube which is provided on either side with two lateral rectangular tubes welded offset and inward past the main tube such that with a front flange welded on each lateral tube shape two vertical guides on either side of rail, the front flanges being projecting into the space between lateral tubes creating a guide contouring the edge of articulated truss which slides interlocked within; the panel being provided with special edges that interlock within vertical guides of rail, the truss being articulated and provided with roller to displace along the front flanges of the rails.

Abstract: A shoring system to support a vertical surface is provided. The shoring system includes a main frame including a first end and a second end and a first member connected to the main frame near the first end. A first length adjuster is disposed in the first member and a second member is connected to the main frame near the second end. A second length adjuster is disposed in the second member and the first length adjuster and the second length adjuster connect to a base plate. A method for shoring a vertical surface is also provided.

Abstract: A shoring device comprises a piston and a cylinder. The piston is axially expanded by compressed gas, whereby the shoring device engages two opposing surfaces. An outer ratcheting collar and a concentrically enclosed inner ratcheting ring are mounted upon the cylinder end receiving the piston. This outer ratcheting collar mechanically and frictionally engages at least one of a plurality of serrations of the enclosed inner-ratcheting ring. The outer ratcheting collar and inner ratcheting ring firmly hold the piston, thus preventing inadvertent rotation and collapse of the piston during the shoring device application. There is also an internal circular air channel feature, which more quickly and evenly distributes compresses gas or air to the piston for lateral expansion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes a top, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes a top, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to shoring of deep excavations such as pits or trenches. It includes vertical rail posts arranged symmetrically in pairs that are spaced from each other along the excavation, articulated trusses and/or spreaders holding opposite rail posts against each other and large shoring panels sliding between adjacent rail posts on either side of the excavation. Each rail post has on either side one channel of a stepped or non-stepped cross section guiding vertically two or more shoring panels. In one variation, the inner and outer panel guides on one side of the vertical rail post reside in the same vertical plane. The connections between the rail post and the wall panels are partially or completely open. The open connections may be performed by magnetic forces arising from thin magnetic flat bars incorporated in the posts or the panels in the area of their contact.

Abstract: A shoring system to support a vertical surface is provided. The shoring system includes a main frame including a first end and a second end and a first member connected to the main frame near the first end. A first,length adjuster is disposed in the first member and a second member is connected to the main frame near the second end. A second length adjuster is disposed in the second member and the first length adjuster and the second length adjuster connect to a base plate. A method for shoring a vertical surface is also provided.

Abstract: A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated, relatively horizontal surface is provided. The shoring system includes a first vertical support member, a first vertical length adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second vertical support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member, a second vertical length adjuster disposed in the second support member and two horizontal structural members spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The first vertical support member, first vertical length adjuster, second vertical support member and second vertical length adjuster each connect to the two horizontal structural members so as to form a rectangular configuration. A method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface is also provided.

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

Abstract: A method and a structure for stabilizing a formation of natural substrate having a substantially vertical face. A tendon is inserted into a hole in the formation. A heading device includes a plate, a tube, an adhesive material within the tube, and an anchor. The plate has a bore disposed over a protruding portion of the tendon. The tube is disposed over the protruding portion of the plate. An adhesive material is disposed within the tube to couple the tendon to the tube. The anchor is coupled to the plate. A final concrete facing is placed over the entire heading device embedding the anchor.

Abstract: A U-head plate is provided having a channel for capturing a base plate of a shoring apparatus. A pair of inwardly opposing L-shaped extensions extending downwardly from the U-head plate forms the channel. A latch attached to the U-head plate has a tongue for engaging a notch in the base plate of the shoring apparatus upon capture of the base plate of the shoring apparatus within the channel. The tongue is biased toward the notch by a spring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reusable support assembly for use with an excavated channel or hole. The assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of piles and a perimeter frame, and at least one bracing clamp, wherein the bracing clamp provides an adjustable support for the support structure. The invention also relates to a bracing clamp for providing an adjustable support to a support structure that is used with an excavated channel or hole. The bracing clamp includes two engaging members, at least one clamp stiffening device, and at least one adjustable clamp extension mechanism. The engaging members are located at opposite ends of an axis as defined by the clamp stiffening device and the adjustable clamp extension mechanism. In another embodiment of the invention the support structure includes a perimeter frame having a plurality of beams and a plurality of connectors for connecting two beams and securing said two beams in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a post shoring and decking system for use in supporting sheets on which cement compositions can be poured. In particular, the post shoring and decking system includes a main leg member, which has a U-shaped channel, and a ledger member.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (2) for installing bolts into a mine entry, said apparatus including: a frame (8) having a forward end (20), a rearward end and lateral sides; at least one bolting rig (140, 142, 144, 146) operatively mounted to said forward end of said frame; at least one roof support member attached to said forward end of said frame (8) separate from said bolting rig (140, 142, 144, 146) for selectively supporting said mine entry as bolts are installed therein; and an operator station (990) on said frame for supporting an operator thereon during operation of said at least one roof support member.

Abstract: A trench sheeting device consists of trench sheeting boxes which are each made up of two trench plates supported against each other, the width of the trench apart, and at least one shaft sheeting box whose width exceeds that of the trench. The shaft sheeting box can therefore essentially be introduced into the ground with standard trench plates and with essentially the same elements as a plate of that type, that is, practically in one piece. To this end, the shaft sheeting box consists of a trench plate on each longitudinal shaft wall and shaft plates which are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the trench plates connected to the adjoining trench sheeting boxes, in such a way that they cannot move. The shaft plates are therefore positioned cross-wise to the longitudinal direction of the trench and the trench plates and are relatively narrow compared to the trench plates.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.

Abstract: A portable shoring device for securing the sidewalls of an excavation having a pair of walls or panels mutually facing each other and being held in spaced apart relationship by at least one support bar. Attached at opposite ends of each panel are vertical supports, which are arranged to pair in a substantially perpendicular coupling relationship with the corresponding vertical supports of the opposite panel. Each vertical support traverses along the height of the panel and has a female connection bracket. A plurality of panel connectors having a male connection device are slideably connectable with each panel by interlocking the corresponding female connection bracket of the corresponding vertical support with the male connection extension of the panel connector. The support bar attaches between two panel connectors on paired panels. Further, each panel connector has a bottom stop plate and a top panel lock to vertically secure the connected panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the early and long term strength of underground cemented backfills includes adding heat to the backfill. A cementitious binder is mixed with a sand component and water to form the mine backfill that may be a slurry or a paste. Heat is added to the backfill before the backfill is supplied to a mine cavity and this has been found to increase the early and long term strength of an underground cemented fill resulting from the backfill in the mine cavity. The backfill from the mixing step is mixed to have a pulp density of about 55% to 87%. Heat is added to the backfill so that the backfill has a temperature of about 18 to 60° C. when it is supplied to the mine cavity. Heat is either added by heating the sand or water before the mixing step, or by heating the backfill after the mixing step. The mixing step uses a binder content of about 1.5 to 10% by weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of supporting a wall utilizes a multiple-featured support system. At least one support apparatus (200, 1000) is mounted to one or more walls (101), particularly foundation walls, in order to support the wall(s) and any load supported thereby, such as a building, statue, monument, bridge, and other structures. The support apparatus (200, 1000) may be mounted to the inside or outside of the wall. A channel (901) may be mounted between two adjacent support apparatus to provide a more structurally sound support system for different situations.

Abstract: This invention is related to a ground advance shoring system and the construction method using such a system.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.

Abstract: A cell confinement structure for confinement of material having a plurality of elongated plastic strips in a side by side relationship bonded together in spaced-apart, limited areas where the plurality of strips are capable of being stretched in width to form a unitary web of cells. The strips forming walls of the cells with at least one of the cell walls having a plurality of apertures in which each diameter is between about 3 mm and 17 mm. Preferably, each of the cell walls has a plurality of apertures with the total area of the apertures in the cell walls being between 19% and 28% of cell wall area.

Abstract: A retaining element system is provided that improves face stability in poorer quality soils that are not suited to conventional soil nailing. The method includes inserting retaining elements substantially vertically into an earthen mass to shore the face of an excavation. The earthen mass can be any material or combination of materials, such as soil, clay or rock that requires excavation for the installation of a shoring wall. The plurality of retaining elements are placed side by side in a substantially linear arrangement. A plurality of soil nails are then inserted into the excavation plane, at the approximate midpoint between a pair of adjacent retaining elements. An exposed tip portion of each soil nail attaches to a wale, which is a substantially horizontal element that contacts a retaining element on both sides of each soil nail. The wale can be a beam, bracket, or a set of concrete reinforcement bars.