Abstract: A self-propelled trench-shoring apparatus having a modular panel construction whereby it may be readily adapted for use in lining trenches or open ground cuts of various depths and widths, including a integral back fill hopper for receiving and delivering bedding material into the open trench with the hopper removably supported on the rear end of the apparatus and capable of being varied in widths and depths to accommodate trenches of corresponding dimensions. The apparatus also including a tapered forwardly extending apron that allows the preceding digging machine to work more efficiently with respect to the shoring apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a lightweight, portable, adjustable, reusable, preassembled, hydraulic expandable shoring shield for providing safety to personnel working in below-grade excavations. The Shoring shield comprises specially designed solid aluminum extruded sheeting sections forming the walls, each mounted with a top cap and lower skid, the walls are provided with a static expandable telescoping structural framework for holding the walls opposed, and also are provided with hydraulic cylinders for expanding the space enclosed between the walls, the framework and cylinders thus cooperate in combination with an armored manifold for routing fluid to the cylinders.

Abstract: The safety shield of the invention consists of a plurality of vertical columns having horizontally disposed steps extending therefrom. The vertical columns are arranged in pairs along opposite walls of the trench. Horizontal sidewall members extend parallel to the walls of the trench and are located between the steps extending from the columns. Transverse bracing members are located between and supported by the columns of each opposed pair of columns. The transverse bracing members are pivoted at their midpoint and include pivotable clevises on opposite ends thereof to facilitate assembly and disassembly. Oversized holes formed on the steps of the vertical columns, horizontal sidewall members and transverse bracing members align with one another such that a single latchpin can be used to connect all three members together. Thus, the safety shield of the invention can be assembled quickly and easily.

Abstract: An elongated building block has spaced apart inner and outer faces and top and bottom faces and complementary end portions with openings therein. The openings of the block are disposed on a straight longitudinal axis and clearance is located adjacent the longitudinal axis and a central portion of the inner face of the block. When horizontal rows of similar blocks are stacked one upon the other, end portions of the blocks in one row are positioned above central portions of blocks in an adjacent row, so the joints between the blocks are staggered. Generally vertical connecting rods pass through aligned openings to connect alternate rows of the blocks together. Clearance in alternate rows of blocks exposes intermediate portions of the connecting rods. When used as an embankment retaining wall, generally horizontal tie back rods embedded in the embankment connect with the exposed intermediate portions of the connecting rods passing between alternate rows of blocks.

Abstract: To manufacture a pile which is intended to take compressive as well as tensile loads or to serve as a reinforcement member in soils, a strip is wound off a roll of strip material and is carried through a rotating-roller shaping unit in which the strip is shaped by rollers. If desired, the unit is operated in such a manner that it forms a bend in the direction of pile advancement. A pile thus shaped is driven from the roller shaping unit by means of pressure in arbitrary directions into the mass of an earth layer. Upon attainment of the desired depth of penetration and/or pile length the pile is severed at or close to the upper surface of the earth layer.

Abstract: A multi-cellular, multi-purpose lattice is constructed from a matrix of elongated members which interdect at 3-dimensional joints at which the members interlock to define a completely rigid joint without the use of fasteners or adhesives. Specific implementations of the invention include an equipment support structure and a bridge. Other refinements to the basic lattice construction include diagonal braces, the narrowing of the elongated members between joints for weight considerations, the radiused treatment of member edges and notches, and other details of construction.

Abstract: A trench-box panel (200, 202) comprises an array of horizontal elongate "C-section" members (210) one on top of another and welded together at w continuously along their lengths. The members (210) are longitudinally staggered to leave spaces (234) between the ends of alternate members (210) at each side edge (200C, 202C) of the panel (200, 202). Robust vertical angle-members (236) and flat members (238) are welded to the ends of the horizontal members (210) to seal the ends of cavities (220) inside the horizontal members (210).

Abstract: An improvement in corrugated structural panels, useful in the construction of tunnels, shoring, and other pressure bearing or containing structures, wherein the improvement comprises the utilization of a prism element transverse to the longitudinal axis of the corrugation in the design of the end sections of each corrugation within the panel thereby providing means to collect shear, bending and axial stresses from the corrugated panel and transmit them to the panel's supporting edge.

Abstract: A brick or construction element comprised of cement or synthetic sand and/or gravel of the kind for erecting high embankments or earthworks has a shield-type support with a flat front wall to which are connected lateral wing sections angled toward the rear. A tie bar extends rearwardly from the center of the shield-type support and bottom walls are located between the shield-type support and the tie bar. Boreholes are provided through the wing sections and through the free end of the tie bar, into which reinforcing bars are inserted to enable the bricks to be held together when stacking them in courses to form a retaining wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for propping or supporting the vertical support walls of deep ditches.After having freely constructed the ditch, to a depth compatible with the resistance of the support walls (1), a ring-shaped plate (3) is provided at the bottom of the ditch, which bears at its periphery against the vertical support walls (1), and which rests on the bottom of the ditch; after the setting of this ring-shaped plate (3), it is attached to the upper part of the support walls (1) for being supported, by means of braces (5); and then, the ditchs is continued, through the orifice (4) of the ring-shaped plate (3), down to the bottom of the work.

Abstract: A main frame carries top and bottom shoring plates, with the top plates supported on pivoted brackets so that they can be tilted for leveling purposes. These brackets also can move transversely on vertically adjustable carrier bars to match the spacing between plates to the trench width. The shoring plates overlap each other when in raised position and are supported by cables connected to the bottom plates, which support the carrier bars. When the bottom plates are lowered, the top plates also can drop until the carrier bars strike a stop. Then the bottom plates continue to be lowered until striking a further stop. The main frame is supported on driven, independently steered wheels that can be shifted between various lateral spacings to keep weight away from the sides of a trench.

Abstract: A concrete post assembly and method of mounting same. The post assembly is supported in upright position by an inground pier in which a plurality of anchor bolts are embedded with a portion of each bolt extending upwardly above the upper surface of the pier. The post assembly includes a concrete post and a base plate rigidly secured to the bottom of the post, the base plate having a plurality of holes located so as to register with upwardly extending anchor bolts. A nut is threaded onto each anchor bolt and the post assembly is mounted on the bolts with its base plate resting on the nuts which can then be adjusted to level the plate. A second set of nuts are threaded onto the anchor bolts and tightened against the upper surface of the base plate to lock the post assembly in mounted position.

Abstract: A trench box wherein there are spaced, parallel side wall panels between which there are spacer panels and wherein the upper longitudinal edges of the side wall panels and spacer panels are transversely inclined.

Abstract: An improved waste disposal site for the above-ground disposal of low-level nuclear waste as disclosed herein. The disposal site is formed from at least three individual waste-containing tumuli, wherein each tumuli includes a central raised portion bordered by a sloping side portion. Two of the tumuli are constructed at ground level with adjoining side portions, and a third above-ground tumulus is constructed over the mutually adjoining side portions of the ground-level tumuli. Both the floor and the roof of each tumulus includes a layer of water-shedding material such as compacted clay, and the clay layer in the roofs of the two ground-level tumuli form the compacted clay layer of the floor of the third above-ground tumulus. Each tumulus further includes a shield wall, preferably formed from a solid array of low-level handleable nuclear wate packages.

Abstract: There is described a new and improved soil reinforcing structure including an upright earth retaining wall having a front surface and a rear surface, at least one flexible anchoring grid extending rearwardly from the rear surface of the wall into compacted soil behind the wall, the grid having along its length a plurality of transverse rows of apertures, the apertures being spaced from one another by an intervening web, a second flexible grid horizontally anchored in the rear surface of the wall and having therein at least one row of apertures extending parallel to and outside the rear surface, each of the apertures being spaced from one another by an intervening web, and a rod adapted to pass through a channel formed by the interfingering of the webs and apertures in the two grids to interconnect the flexible anchoring grid with the upright wall.

Abstract: A retaining wall anchoring system which includes a bracket assembly for mechanical removable positioning upon adjacent spaced retaining beams at a construction site. The bracket includes a first plate used for attachment to the beam and a body pivotally positioned therein on which a second plate is angularly positioned to present a square surface on which a rigid platform may be welded. The pivotal connection insures that the second plates can be positioned such that their receiving surfaces are in a common plane.

Abstract: An underground storage tank is treated in an expeditious, safe, and environmentally acceptable manner for the purpose of abandonment in place whereby the tank may not be re-used for its intended purpose which treatment involves completely filling the interior of the storage tank with a rigid polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A multi-sided portable trench and pit form system having at least two panels forming each side, each panel releasably interconnectable along the vertical margins of each adjacent panel and side. Elongated rigid braces are also provided which releasably interconnect to and against the sides and spanning the interconnected panels to rigidize the sides. Additionally, the elongated braces also interconnect at their ends to rigidize the preselected relative angular positioning of the sides one to another. The entire assembly forms a barrier or perimeter wall as required within which a user may safely function when working below ground level. An opening may be provided in one panel or between adjacent panels forming a side and having a slideable closure panel to provide working access outside of the enclosure. This modular system is adaptable to variation in the number of sides required, as well as variation in both side width and height.

Abstract: A trench box of the kind comprising spaced, parallel side walls held in spaced, parallel relation by end plates characterized in that the side walls are comprised of relatively light gauge sheet metal, reinforced at the opposed sides by sheet metal ribs and braces such as to prevent buckling of the side walls.

Abstract: A cribbing device for trenches which includes a pair of opposing supports spaced apart by a spreader, each support having a plurality of guide profiles and a crosspiece. The crosspiece is disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the trench, and the guide profiles are arranged adjacent each other on said crosspiece. The guide profiles include a plurality of legs disposed vertically and extending outward from the crosspiece, and a plurality of flanges disposed vertically and secured to the legs at the ends of the legs opposite the crosspiece. The flanges project beyond both sides of the legs. A plurality of cribbing boards each having a guide bar which supports a guide head is provided. The guide head is in the form of a slotted hollow box section and extends vertically beyond the board at its vertical face side. The width of each guide profile flange is slightly smaller than the inside width of the guide heads.

Abstract: A plug of an expansion beam for shoring up sand guards is equipped with a second non-return valve. If it should happen that the head of the plug is broken off owing to, for example, a falling rock, the second non-return valve works as a safety device to prevent the expansion and contraction of the expansion beam. Thus, the shoring up function is able to be maintained.

Abstract: The invention refers to means of shoring trench excavation.It provides a trench shoring apparatus which supports the walls of the trench and can travel by its own power or be pulled behind an excavator and consists of panels which line the walls of the trench and have braces across the trench between them, each panel comprising a frame that supports a vertical tread endless crawler track which travels longitudinally around the frame, the panel being enclosed to prevent the entry of earth, and of a construction and size suitable for being easily joined to others and cross braced to form an assembly for various depths of trenches.The apparatus may be used for underwater pipelaying.

Abstract: A traveling trench shoring device consisting of longitudinal panels which cover the walls of the trench completely and are supported by movable frames, the panels being moved forward by jacks connecting the panels to the frames which are held in place by the friction between the walls and other panels, the device comprising a working chamber and a separate unconnected sloping approach section, and panels which can be raised individually and have cover plates on their lower outer edges and ends to prevent entry of earth between them and panels below and behind them, the connections for the jacks on the frames also being movable vertically and individually.

Abstract: A trenching casing for the continuous excavation and refilling of trenches for the installation of conduits into the ground has spaced side walls consisting of at least upper and lower sections which are longitudinally movably relative to each other and each of which has a rear face plate with a hydraulic advancing cylinder for pushing the respective section forwardly, and the upper and lower sections are interconnected by hydraulic operating cylinders which facilitate the advancing of one of the sections relative to, and guided by, the other section which, meanwhile, remains in a firm position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in constructions having a controllable previous structure and consisting of modular blocks for carrying out breakwaters, harbor dams and the like. Such blocks are premanufactured by casting a standard mix and include two base elements: a male element having a substantially cylindric shape and a wing arranged substantially at half height of the cylindric body provided with an open cavity arranged to embrace the cylindric element of similar blocks; a substantially female element having two open cavities arranged to embrace the cylindric body of the first blocks for carrying out an enchaining of the first type blocks in the entire construction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shoring a trench.The trench shoring apparatus carries a plurality of sheet members movable vertically relative to said apparatus by driving means forming part of the apparatus which carries pre-formed horizontal waling frame carried by and movable relative to the apparatus.The horizontal waling frame is positionable between the sheet members after the sheet members have been driven by said driving means, so that an upward or downward pressure applied to said waling frame is converted, through the intermediary of said waling frame, into a lateral pressure onto the trench sides, so that the sheet members may be caused to move downwardly or upwardly by increasing the resistance to upward or downward movement of the apparatus. Similarly, a downward pressure applied to means supporting said waling frame, is converted into a lateral pressure, through the intermediary of said waling frame, so as to cause upward movement of said apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centrally installing a shoring column into a predrilled hole includes a ring-shaped supporting structure which fits into the hole and includes a central opening large enough for the column. Clamp elements attached to the supporting structure clamp the column. A plurality of centralizing piston and cylinder units attached to the supporting ring extend outwardly to engage the side of the ground hole to centralize the support structure and column in the hole. The elements associated with the supporting structure are controlled remotely from control elements located at ground level outside of the ground hole.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a supporting beam, particularly adapted for bracing purposes in construction applications, such as trenching, shoring, and the like, and includes at least one elongated member having axially opposite end portions each carrying a generally C-shaped bracket pivoted thereto with the axes of the pivots being generally parallel to a groove defined between end walls of the C-shaped brackets, each bracket including a pair of legs and a bight therebetween, and first and second clamping means carried by the bight for selectively clamping an element to be braced against inner or outer surfaces of the end walls of the C-shaped brackets.

Abstract: A plurality of interlinking restraining members are interconnected to each other and the ends connected respectively to a deadman and to a retaining wall, e.g. a crib wall, to increase the resistance to overturning of the wall. The interlinking members are generally C shaped and formed of reinforced concrete.

Abstract: Structural components for constructing a retaining wall, a noise barrier or similar structure are made up of a pair of horizontally extending generally parallel runner elements and connecting elements joining the runner elements together. The downwardly facing lower surface of each runner element has a concave curvature. The concave curvature is made up of a stepped surface which is higher at the outer side of the runner elements than at the inner side. Lines normal to the individual stepped surfaces intersect below the concave surface at a point. The structure components can be stacked one on the other to form a wall backfilled with earth or other material. Sound waves striking against the stepped surfaces are reflected into the slopes of the backfilled material between the individual components.

Abstract: A ditch shoring unit includes at least a horizontal support frame composed of longitudinally-extending, transversely-adjustable girders made of profile steel parts and having guide heads mounted thereon, as well as a plurality of pile-driving planks which in their cross section, are generally wave-shaped and which are provided on their inner side with a guide channel for a positive locking reception of an associated guide head of the support frame therein. Each pile-driving plank is also provided on its inner side with abutments which are arranged in a vertically, supermposed, spaced-apart manner and locking means are provided on the longitudinal girders of the support frame having a locking element which is moveable into and out of the area between two superimposed abutments of an associated pile-driving plank.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an excavation or trenching plate which includes one or more panels formed by a plurality of generally C-shaped vertically oriented beams collectively defining a plurality of side-by-side vertical chambers endmost ones of which open in opposite sidewise directions through associated grooves, upper and lower generally horizontal beams also of generally C-shaped configuration spanning the upper and lower ends of the vertical beams with the horizontal beams likewise having horizontal channels opening endwise in opposite directions through horizontal grooves, and tie bars extending horizontally and vertically through the various beams and being accessible through channels of the endmost vertical beams and upper and lower beams for retaining the beams in assembled relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing, propping or erecting falseworks in soil excavations comprises a crane and extendible struts intended for installation in the excavation and for actuation by the crane boom. Each strut comprises a main inverted-T shaped tubular body and a pair of elements which are mounted, for sliding movement to and fro each other, on the bar of said "T" and are caused to slide by means of a nut-and-screw coupling and terminated externally with respective plate-like frames for propping the excavation walls.

Abstract: A construction plate for a ditch construction device consists of profiled steel elements which are rigidly coupled with each other and covered with cover plates. At the small sides of the construction plate, profiled steel elements are provided in the form of hollow profiles which are provided with guide heads for coupling adjacent supports or construction plates. The construction plate is provided with at least one vertical hollow profile having on the inner side of the construction plate superimposed horizontal slot openings. A C- or U-shaped profiled guide bar supports horizontally-disposed joints on the rear side of its ribs which are insertable through the slot openings of the vertical throughput openings which are aligned with respect to each other, and insertable therein is a locking rod which engages the joints and/or the hollow profile with wedge elements.

Abstract: A system of structural elements are disclosed for the construction of earth filled walls. The structural elements of the system form a variety of matching elements according to various applications.The present invention includes prefabricated elements as part of a structural system and walls built by the elements, as well as the use of the structural system and structural elements for the construction of walls.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an excavating sheeting unit having an outside adapted to bear against a trench surface and including a pair of spaced generally vertically disposed guide rails of C-shaped transverse cross section opening toward each other, a pair of sheeting plates having lateral edges disposed within the confines of the C-shaped guide rails, rollers carried by the lateral edges of the sheeting plates to permit relative sliding motion of the latter relative to each other and relative to the guide rails, and a plurality of supporting members located inside of the sheeting unit rigidly connecting together the guide rails and defining therewith a guide frame.

Abstract: A trench box panel with an especially lightweight foamed filler located between the inner and outer panel surfaces in a trench box panel and between structural, vertical and horizontal elements in prevention of the intrusion of water, mud and grime. The impermeable panels thus produced are more convenient to use, require less inspection in production against leakage and do not become so heavy as to be almost impossible to move and maneuver during usage. The procedures of filling the panels with lightweight unfilled foam is by use of blocks, foaming in situ, and fill foaming.

Abstract: A stabilizer structure for an underground pipe installer device comprised of a pair of adjustable, oppositely, outwardly extending stabilizing abutments, fixed to the rear end portion of an underground pipe installer device. A compound scissors linkage is pivotally mounted relative to an upstanding post fixed to the rear end portion of the installer device, with upper and lower pairs of links thereof being mounted between fixed pivots respectively carried by the post and abutments, and an intermediate pair of links connecting between fixed pivots at outer ends, carried by the respective abutments, and pivots at their respective inner ends carried by a traveling nut, threaded on an elongated screw rod, anchored in a vertical attitude between the three pairs of links, for rotational operation to selectively move the pair of abutments inwardly or outwardly relative to each other.

Abstract: In forming holes in the earth, a circular frame of columns supported by structural members is placed in the earth to provide lateral support for the side walls of the hole while the hole is being excavated and after the hole is excavated. The structural members are generally concentric with the circle formed by the columns and, in reaction to the compressive forces of the earth acting on the columns, compressed between at least two columns. The method is specially adapted for use in forming holes in loose soils.

Abstract: Corrugated steel plate is formed from a flat plate stock and has a length of at least about 12 feet, a corrugation pitch of at least about 12 inches, and a corrugation depth of at least four inches. The plate has thicknesses of up to 1/2 inch and more. Also disclosed are structures such as tunnel-type, heavy load-supporting structures defined by upright and horizontal structure portions which extend over no more than about 180.degree. while being capable of supporting up to 40 feet of ground fill and payload thereon. The corrugated plate can be used singly or as double, spaced-apart plate assemblies which are hollow or filled with concrete or a like material, including steel reinforcing bars for the concrete. The corrugated plate can also be formed into vertical, sectional retaining walls, bin type retaining walls, bridge abuttment walls, flat support surfaces such as bridge decking, open air structures, guard rails, sheet piling, etc.

Abstract: A support element for pipe ditches is provided which consists of support plates which are pressed against the ditch walls in pairs by longitudinally adjustable spreading means, and are guided and retained in vertical supports. The foot of at least one support plate includes a closable opening for guiding a branch pipe or the like, therethrough. Most desirably, the support plates are composed of two plates, an inner and an outer plate which are detachably coupled together and which have the same outer dimensions as a single support plate. The outer plate is provided with an opening in the area of the lower end thereof and the inner plate is movable between an open and closed position relative to the opening of the outer plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trench shoring assembly which includes a pair of spaced-apart side walls for vertical disposition within a trench. Spreader pipes and spreader collars interconnect the side walls and allow limited pivotal movement between the side walls. Each side wall includes outer and inner metal plates connected to a horizontally extending hollow top beam which extends longitudinally along the top of the side wall, two intermediate beams parallel the hollow metalbeam and a bottom beam. A hardwood insert is disposed within the top beam to prevent the collapse of the hollow metal beam. A number of hollow beams extend perpendicularly to the horizontal beams and ribbed members extend perpendicularly to the horizontal beams. The side walls of the assembly have a tapered bottom portion which defines a triangularly shaped pointed lower extremity extending between the ends of the bottom portion.