Abstract: A tool is used for assembling at least a portion of a stay-in-place form-work for casting a structure from concrete, the form-work comprising first and second elongate panels having first and second edge components and connectable in an edge-to-edge relationship wherein the first and second edge components engage one another. The tool comprises: a first arm having a first handle, the first arm terminating at a first tool head; and a second arm having a second handle, the second arm terminating at a second tool head and pivotally attached to the first arm by a pivot joint. The first tool head comprises a first protrusion for engaging the first edge component. The second tool head comprises a second protrusion for engaging the second edge component; the first and second handles are moveable toward one another in a manner which forces the first and second tool heads toward one another thereby forcing the first and second edge components into a locked configuration.

Abstract: A soldier pile wall for shoring an excavation site includes a plurality of drilled shafts drilled along an edge of the excavation site, a plurality of soldier piles, each of the plurality of soldier piles being positioned within a respective drilled shaft, and a pre-stressing system coupled to at least some of the plurality of soldier piles. The pre-stressing system is configured to induce stresses to counteract working stresses of the soldier pile wall. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interlock having an elongate male plug and an elongate female socket. The socket has an open rectangular cross-section with a receiving cavity designed to receive and ensleeve the plug, which also has a rectangular cross-section. The socket includes a back wall, top wall, bottom wall, and a discontinuous front wall creating an upper and lower flange with an opening existing between the free ends of the flanges. The bottom, top, and back walls are planar in shape providing three planes on which the socket can mate to a planar portion of a structure, such as a sheet pile. The plug includes a flange-contacting surface with a pile receipt disposed inwardly from the flange-contacting surface. The inwardly set pile receipt allows an end of a plate to be secured to the plug within the outer perimeter of the plug resulting in an obstruction free flange-contacting surface.

Abstract: A stay-in-place lining is provided for lining a structure fabricated from concrete. The lining comprises a plurality of panels connectable via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges. Each panel comprises a first connector component on a first longitudinal edge thereof and a second (complementary) connector component on a second longitudinal edge thereof. The lining comprises at least one edge-to-edge connection between the first connector component of a first panel and the second connector component of a second panel, the edge-to-edge connection comprising a protrusion of the first panel extended into a receptacle of the second panel through a receptacle opening. The receptacle is shaped to prevent removal of the protrusion from the receptacle and the receptacle is resiliently deformed by the extension of the protrusion into the receptacle to thereby apply a restorative force to the protrusion to maintain the edge-to-edge connection.

Abstract: An interlocking sheet profile connector comprises a first and a second connecting profile. The first connecting profile includes a base attached to the first sheet pile wall element, a neck strip projecting from the base and a head strip of larger cross section on the free end of the neck strip. The second connecting profile possesses a base attached to a second sheet pile wall element and a claw strip to secure a head strip. The head strip of the first connecting profile is thus configured both to secure the claw strip of a sheet pile as a sheet pile wall element and to secure the claw strip of the second connecting profile, while the claw strip of the second connecting profile serves both to secure the head strip of a sheet pile as a sheet pile wall element and to secure the head strip of the first connecting profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of several sheet pile walls and at least one pair of connecting profiles (10, 20) with uniform cross section viewed along the longitudinal direction to connect two sheet pile walls (90, 94). In this assembly (100), the first of the two connecting profiles (10) possesses a base attached to the first sheet pile wall (90), a neck strip projecting from the base in a predetermined direction, and a head strip of larger cross section on the free end of the neck strip for engagement with a claw strip partially surrounding the head strip. The second of the two connecting profiles (2) possesses a base attached to a second sheet pile wall (90) and a claw strip to secure a head strip.

Abstract: A connection element for light profiles in a sheet pile wall has a base strip (12) for attaching to a component of the sheet pile wall and a hook strip (14) provided at the flat side of the base strip (12) for engaging the interlock (32) of a light profile (30). The hook strip (14) that encloses an inner chamber (16) exhibits a straight connection section (20) that originates at the base strip (12) and runs at least approximately at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the base strip (12) and a hook section (22) that follows the connection section (20) and runs in an arc-like manner for at least 180°, with the free end of said hook section (22) together with the flat side of the base strip (12) defining a jaw (28). According to the invention, the ratio between the greatest inner width (a) of the inner chamber (16) of the hook strip (14) to the width (c) of the opening jaw (28) is in a range between 2.6 and 2.9.

Abstract: A combination wall (10) for supporting the ground comprises at least two tubular piles (12) adapted to be rammed at least part way into the ground and a wall element (14) inserted between two respective adjacent tubular piles (12). The wall element (14) is provided with interlocks (22) that are used to engage the wall element (14) with interlock profiles (18) that are provided on the tubular piles (12). The wall element (14), when hung between the tubular piles (12), is designed as a segment of a circle with an at least approximately circle-segment-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The first of the two connecting profiles of a sheet pile wall assembly possesses a base attached to a sheet pile wall, a neck strip projecting from the base in a predetermined direction, and a head strip of larger cross section on the free end of the neck strip for engagement with a claw strip partially surrounding the head strip. The second of the two connecting profiles possesses a base attached to a second sheet pile wall and a claw strip to secure a head strip. The head strip of the first connecting profile is thus configured both to secure the claw strip of a sheet pile as a sheet pile wall and to secure the claw strip of the second connecting profile.

Abstract: A connecting profile is disclosed for interconnecting three sheet-pile wall components. The connecting profile has a basic body from which three identical lock profiles project in predetermined coupling directions. Each lock profile comprises a thumb strip with a central web on which is formed a thumb which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the central web. A curved finger strip points in the direction of the thumb strip and forms a lock inner chamber and defines a mouth opening for the lock of the sheet-pile wall component that is to be hooked in. The mouth opening and the lock inner chamber are designed in such a way that the lock of the sheet-pile wall component that is to be hooked into the lock profile can be pivoted in the lock profile by a pivot angle of at least 15 degrees.

Abstract: A connecting profile of constant cross section that couples sheet piles to carrier elements. The connecting profile exhibits a center strip, on which a coupling profile, which is to be connected to the carrier element, and an interlock profile for hooking an interlock of the sheet pile are formed. The interlock profile exhibits a supporting strip projecting from the center strip and a hook strip projecting from the center strip. The supporting strip projects at least approximately at a right angle from the center strip. The hook strip exhibits a transition section projecting at least approximately at a right angle from the center strip, and a hook section, which runs at least approximately at a right angle to the transition section in the direction of the supporting strip and which defines with the supporting strip a jaw for inserting the interlock of the sheet pile.

Abstract: A subterranean barrier and method for forming same are disclosed, the barrier including a plurality of casing strings wherein at least one casing string of the plurality of casing strings may be affixed to at least another adjacent casing string of the plurality of casing strings through at least one weld, at least one adhesive joint, or both. A method and system for nondestructively inspecting a subterranean barrier is disclosed. For instance, a radiographic signal may be emitted from within a casing string toward an adjacent casing string and the radiographic signal may be detected from within the adjacent casing string. A method of repairing a barrier including removing at least a portion of a casing string and welding a repair element within the casing string is disclosed. A method of selectively heating at least one casing string forming at least a portion of a subterranean barrier is disclosed.

Abstract: The connection element according to the present invention includes a central strip and two hook strips issuing from it that together form a claw strip with C-shaped cross section. The ends of the hook strips point toward each other, and with their ends, define an open jaw. Additionally, the extended central lines of the ends of the hook strips intersect outside the open jaw. Extending from the claw strip is at least one connection strip that possesses a straight neck strip and a head strip that is oval in cross section. The major axis of the oval head strip is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck strip.

Abstract: A combination pile wall is formed of beam elements (12), particularly T-beams and double-T-beams (I-beams), and shaped connection strips (16) directly or indirectly connecting the beam elements (12), whereby each shaped connection strip (16) that is coupled directly with one of the beam elements (12) is engaged with one of the locking elements (30) formed on the respective beam element (12). The two mutually-engaged locking elements (24, 26) of the shaped connection strip (16) and of the beam element (12) are configured with a cross section such that the two locking elements (24, 26) may pivot with respect to each other through an angular range of a minimum ±3° to a maximum ±10°.

Abstract: A re-enforced composite sheet piling segment is disclosed. The segment of sheet piling includes multiple panels. The panels of the segment come together at an angle to form a corner. A re-enforcement is placed in the corner of the segment. The re-enforcement has a cross-sectional area that is convex shaped.

Abstract: To simplify the production and expand the variability of structures to use, a grooved sheet pile having a trough-type body is produced by cutting a cylindrical segment (referred to as a troughlike element) (1) from a round tube along its length and fixing locking elements (2) and (3) to side edges of the troughlike element. The troughlike element (1) can be reinforced by attaching reinforcing elements (4) thereto and/or providing annular elements (15), (16). The troughlike element (1) has a section made of material of higher strength and/or corrosion-resistant and/or thickened material. The troughlike elements (1) can be arranged in parallel and fixed to each other to make a panel.

Abstract: An elongated element (1) having a cross-sectional shape permitting the element to be interlocked with adjacent elements, the element having a basic square shape with interlocking members (4,6,8) on at least three sides of the element, wherein the proportions of the element and the interlocking members are such that the elements can be interlocked in side by side and/or overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A soil retaining system combining flat sheet pile walls in an open cell configuration includes integral soil anchors to provide an earth retaining system. A method of designing and installing a soil retaining system with an open sheet pile cell structure having integral soil anchors. The method includes, inter alia, calculating soil forces by taking into account material strength of sheet pile, soil friction against the sheet pile in combination with the strength of the integral soil anchor, selecting sheet pile size and length based on soil forces calculation; and installation of sheet pile to form a soil retaining system. The integral soil anchors serve to provide higher load resistance to the earth retaining system.

Abstract: A device for ensuring that two sheet pile locks (10, 12) are hooked correctly, comprising a detector (18) which is arranged in the locking area (14) of the first lock in such a way that a complementary lock part (16) of the second lock crosses through said detector when the sheet pile locks are hooked correctly. The inventive device also comprises an electric circuit which determines when the detector (18) has been crossed through. The electric circuit comprises a mounting (28?) inside the detector. Said mounting has a first impedance value prior to the through-crossing of said detector (18) and a second impedance value after through-crossing has occurred. Both impedance values are distinctly different from the impedance value of a short circuit or an interruption in the electric circuit outside the mounting.

Abstract: A re-enforced composite sheet piling segment is disclosed. The segment of sheet piling includes multiple panels. The panels of the segment come together at an angle to form a corner. A re-enforcement is placed in the corner of the segment. The re-enforcement has a cross-sectional area that is convex shaped.

Abstract: A metal sheet pile has an improved joint strength and is suitable for high productivity manufacturing. Right and left end flanges are formed at opposite sides of the rolled steel sheet pile. Joints are formed at edges of the right and left end flanges. Cross-sections of the joints are point-symmetric or line-symmetric, wherein the end flange and the joint are disposed so that a center of point-symmetry of a pair of interfitted joints is located on or near a centerline of the end flange in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the joint has a protrusion for preventing rotation near the border between the joint and the end flange portion.

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods relating to subterranean containment barriers. Laterally adjacent tubular casings having male interlock structures and multiple female interlock structures defining recesses for receiving a male interlock structure are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The multiple female interlock structures enable the barriers to be varied around subsurface objects and to form barrier sidewalls. The barrier may be used for treating and monitoring a zone of interest.

Abstract: A metal sheet pile comprises a cold formed wall section to the longitudinally extending side edges of which are secured hot formed clutch sections (12). The clutch sections (12) may be produced by hot rolling, extrusion or other hot forming process and are preferably welded to the side edges of the pan or web by, for example, laser, submerged arc or resistance welding. Cold forming of the wall section from steel plate may be effected in a press, or by passing steel plate between or around cold bending rolls.

Abstract: A wall system, comprising a plurality of pile members. The pile members are driven next to each other using a conventional pile driving system. An interlock system locks adjacent pile members together. A flowable hardenable material may be introduced into the pile members to reinforce the wall system. A reinforcing assembly may be inserted into the pile members to provide additional strength to the wall system.

Abstract: A hot-rolled Z-shaped sheet pile comprises two flanges (12', 12") and a web (10) delimited by two substantially plane faces (18', 18"). This web (10) makes an acute angle 75o with a plane (16) parallel to the outer faces (14', 14") of the flanges (12', 12"). In order to increase the section modulus of this sheet pile without having to increase the thickness of the flanges (12', 12") or the rolling width, each of the two flanges (12', 12") has an extension (22', 22") protruding with respect to the fictitious plane (24', 24") extending the plane face (18', 18") of the web located on the same side as the outer face (14', 14") of the respective flange. In this way, it is possible to roll sheet piles having a section modulus per unit length of the wall 4800 cm3/cm and a specific section modulus of approximately 20 (cm3/m)/(kg/m2).

Abstract: A method for connecting a standard sheet pile equipped with a standard locking element to the flange of a standard girder (31). First the initially flat edge (39) of the flange of the girder (31) is given an undulating profile having of a longitudinal series of bosses (40,42) cantilevered with respect to the flange of the girder (31). Next a connecting profile (30) including an inwardly flaring groove (36) is slotted onto the undulated edge so that the cantilevered bosses (40,42) can fit into said groove (36) and laterally lock the connecting section (30) on the undulated edge. The connecting section (30) being used is a hybrid profile which includes on the opposite side to the groove (36) a standard locking element (34) complementary to the standard locking element of the sheet pile. Into this locking element (34) is interlocked the standard locking element of the sheet pile to form a standard sheet pile joint therebetween.

Abstract: An extruded containment barrier panel (5) for use in forming a containment barrier wall about a waste material storage or disposal site is disclosed. The containment barrier panel has an elongate body panel (10) with a top end (11), a spaced bottom end (12), and a first side edge (14) and a spaced parallel second side edge (15) extending from the top end to the bottom end of the body panel. A C-shaped female connecting member (17) is formed along the first side edge of the body panel, and a complimentary male connecting member (22) is formed along the second side edge of the body panel, both of which extend the length of the body panel.

Abstract: Structural panels (12) of extruded PVC and of stretched Z-shaped configuration and which can be driven into the ground include strengthening ribs (36-40) extending from the inner surfaces (34 and 35) of the opposed side sections (26 and 27). The ribs extend at a right angle to the side section bending planes (56 and 57) and at a right angle to the panel bending plane (64), thereby adding significant resistance to both compression and tension forces applied to the panel. The structural panels are driven into the earth to form a wall barrier, with the female locking element (43) being telescopically moved along the male locking element (42) of a previously installed panel. Distal strengthening rib (40) functions as a driving tongue to stabilize the position of the male locking element (42) during driving of the panel into the ground.

Abstract: An extruded sheet piling (20) is disclosed. The sheet piling has a planar body panel (22) with a top end (23) and a spaced bottom end (24). A first continuous side edge (26) and a second spaced parallel continuous side edge (27) extend between the top end and the bottom end of the body panel, respectively. A first planar flat (29) extends away from the first side edge of the body panel, and has an elongate continuous male locking member (31) formed along an outside edge (30) thereof A second spaced parallel flat (34) extends away from the second side edge of the body panel, and has a female locking member (36) extending the length of an outside edge (35) and which is sized and shaped to snugly receive the male locking member of an adjacent sheet piling therein. An elongate structural reinforcing rib (42) is extruded as a part of the sheet piling along the outside edge of the first flat, and is spaced from and parallel to the male locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for stabilizing sloped embankments is disclosed which utilizes interlocking barrier elements to form a step-like, cascading barrier to erosion and to provide an inexpensive, easy-to-install and aesthetically attractive landscaping wall, planter or landscaping island. The scallop or channel-like shape of the barrier elements creates filler spaces which may be filled with concrete, soil or other filler materials and in which vegetation may be planted. A row of barrier elements within the system may be locked in place by slip restraint devices which function to prevent vertical slippage of the rows. Adjacent barrier elements on the front most row are held together by frontal locking elements. Also disclosed is a barrier element, system and method. The barrier elements have complementary male and female portions. The connectors allow for use of a single barrier element shape to inexpensively create cascading slope armoring barriers, barrier walls and containment structures.

Abstract: The barrier is waterproof, and is used to contain contaminated groundwater within an enclosure. Steel elements are pile driven, the elements having rolled-over forms (5,6) which inter-engage. Upon inter-engagement, an enclosed cavity (90) is created which extends from top to bottom of the piled elements. A scraper (19) on the junior element (8) cleans dirt out of the cavity as the junior is driven down alongside the adjacent senior element (7). The cavity may be cleaned out by inserting a hose pipe to the bottom of the cavity (90) and flushing through with water. Then, a sealant is injected into the cavity, using an injection tube. The inter-engagement of the edge forms (5,6) of the elements is such that the cavity formed by the inter-engagement is constrained to its nominal size and shape throughout the whole height of the barrier.

Abstract: PVC panels for a bulkhead are characterized by an elongated S-shaped cross section and an axial passage extending from top to bottom. The panels are joined by tenon in mortise joints, preferably via a spade shaped tenon. The assembly is capped with a channel to position and strengthen the upper ends of the panels. A stake positioned through the passage and into the earth also secures the panels. The panels are positioned by water flow through the passage during the sinking process. Soil stabilization chemicals can also be introduced through the passage. A nozzle for the lower end of the passage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for connecting in a liquid-tight manner cooperating lock halves of a locking device of adjacent wall sections of a multi-sectioned wall introduced into a suspension includes providing a first lock half as an inner profiled member and a second lock half as an outer profiled member. The inner profiled member is inserted into the outer profiled member so that the profiled members substantially areally rest at one another and form a capillary gap. An inner groove is cut over the length of the lock halves such that the inner groove extends through the wall of the inner profiled member into the wall of the outer profiled member. The area of the wall of the inner profiled member where the inner groove is located is sealed against the suspension with a sealing material introduced into the gap. The inner and outer profiled members are fused with a fusing material introduced into the inner groove.

Abstract: A wide sheet pile for the formation of buildings folded or formed from a metal plate or plates or by joining modular panels. The sheet pile is of corrugated form having upper and lower webs and joined by an inclined flange and provided on opposite sides with joining members and to enable the sheet pile to be connected to adjacent sheet piles. The sheet pile may incorporate a lateral stiffener or stiffeners. There is also disclosed pile driving apparatus for driving a sheet pile member into the ground, said apparatus including a pile driving frame for supporting drive means for applying a driving force to a said sheet pile member and means for coupling said pile driving frame to an adjacent said sheet pile member in the ground.

Abstract: The joints between pile-driven sheet metal barrier elements (12, 14) have edge forms which interlock so as to form cavities (20, 21). The cavities extend from top to bottom of the barrier, and allow a flushing hose to be inserted to the foot of the barrier. Sealant is injected when the cavity is flushed clean. Two cavities are provided side by side at each joint. The cavities are independently sealed for extra reliability.

Abstract: Methods and structural configurations of modular barrier systems and cutoff walls used to isolate contaminated soils from the environment in situ. The cutoff walls comprise plastic sheets, preferably of high density polyethylene, inserted in or adjacent to dense soil (such as bentonite modified) walls, and they are connected to each other with tubular connectors having flaps to which the plastic sheets are connected, preferably by welding.

Abstract: A bulkhead member for assembling a bulkhead is disclosed, comprising a body having two opposed faces and first and second substantially parallel edges. The first edge includes an integral split socket and the second edge includes an integral connecting bead. At least one of the opposed faces includes a planar surface, and one of the socket and bead is mounted adjacent the planar surface. The connecting bead is angled with respect to the planar surface, and the gap in the split socket is correlatively angled, such that when the bead of the first bulkhead member is lockingly received in the socket of another like bulkhead member, the planar surfaces of the two bulkhead members may be substantially coplanar, and the connecting bead and socket of the two bulkhead members are offset from the common plane of the planar surfaces of the two bulkhead members.

Abstract: A corner adapter for use with corrugated barrier sections is disclosed. The corner adapter provides great freedom of movement in the relative angles between adjacent barrier sections. Further, an inventive cross-section for the corrugated section provides a high strength barrier.

Abstract: An excavation shoring system comprised of a modular support frame having longitudinal and lateral beam members provided with collar sleeve openings adapted to slidably receive vertical support pipes which in turn are provided with regularly spaced vertical openings for insertably receiving stop pins in setting vertical height adjustment retention of the longitudinal and lateral beam members of the support frame to accommodate an excavation pit depth when assembling the support frame for placement use in vertically holding shoring grids to retain the exposed earthen walls of an open pit, which shoring grids are in turn adapted to receive slidably inserted planks within the grid slot structure thereof in further providing additional retentive support for unstable soils.

Abstract: A method of isolating a contaminated geological formation or aquifer is disclosed in which the formation is encapsulated by impermeable barriers. A grid of wells is drilled into the formation. A horizontal barrier is formed below the contaminated formation by creating an overlapping pattern of horizontally-oriented fractures filled with polymer radiating from each of these wells. A horizontal barrier may also be formed above the top surface of the contaminated formation if necessary. A ring of boundary wells may also be drilled surrounding the contaminated formation. The strata around each boundary well are fractured, and a polymer is then injected to form a vertical barrier around the periphery of the contaminated formation. In addition, water may be injected under pressure into guard wells between the contaminated formation and the vertical and/or horizontal barriers to further reduce any migration of pollutants into neighboring formations.

Abstract: Wall systems are disclosed which employ a plurality of individual panels formed of extruded polymeric material joined in edge-to-edge relation including wale members which are vertically offset and interlocked at end portions thereof with adjacent wale members. The wall systems include connector elements for joining and interlocking the adjacent panel edges, and panels are disclosed, each having a continuous convex surface between their opposite side edges and strengthening ribs formed on a concave surface disposed opposite the convex surface thereof. A revetment system is disclosed in which a pair of wall sections are positioned in facing spaced-apart relation and joined by tie bolts extending through the wale members, to receive concrete therebetween.

Abstract: A polymeric retaining wall member with interlocking means along its edges that are universally mateable to like members, such that a plurality of like members can be interlocked to form a wall.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for the interconnection of sealing plates. Symmetrical coupling halves of the sealing plates are interconnected and welded together to form a hollow space that can be checked. Each coupling half has a free edge that is provided with a C-shaped profiled connecting part. That edge of the coupling half where it is attached to a sealing plate is provided with a notch-like part that is symmetrical to the C-shaped connecting part. A sealing strip projects into the hollow space from the transition area between the notch-like part and the adjoining wall. This sealing strip can be welded to the transition area of the cooperating coupling half between the C-shaped connecting part and the adjoining wall thereof.

Abstract: The seawall extends along and retainingly engages the ground and at its top extends above the ground level and at its bottom is projected and anchored down into the ground, below the water level. The seawall includes a series of laterally aligned elongated corrugated bulkhead strips made from a plastic material. Each strip has along one side an undercut grooved edge and along its other side a similarly shaped tongue edge, with the tongue and groove edges of adjacent bulkhead strips interlocked. The strips are of such lightweight that each strip may be lifted and assembled manually relative to an adjacent anchored strip and driven into the ground and into lateral alignment with an adjacent strip and a longitudinal interlock. A cap overlies and is secured upon a bulkhead strip. Spaced anchor strips are embedded into the ground and spaced from the seawall and connected to corresponding bulkhead strips by a series of tie rods and flexible walers.

Abstract: Wall assemblies useful for a wide variety of different applications can be economically constructed utilizing extruded polymer panels shaped so as to have sloped positioning walls located adjacent to interlocking connecting elements at their side edges. The connecting elements are shaped so that the connecting element along one side edge of one panel can be pushed into engagement with a connecting element along another side edge of another panel through the use of a tool pressing against the adjacent positioning walls when the side edge of the first of the panels is located over the side edge of the other panel.