Abstract: A wall system includes a counterfort retaining wall forming at least one tier of the wall system, the counterfort retaining wall including counterfort beams and wall panels. The wall system further includes a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, the MSE wall positioned above the counterfort retaining wall. A bottom layer of the MSE wall is positioned above the counterfort beams of the counterfort retaining wall. The wall system further includes a plurality of fascia panels spaced horizontally from a face of the MSE wall and the wall panels of the counterfort retaining wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Pre-cast Decorative Retaining Wall consisting of concrete walls constructed on a horizontal surface normally at a manufacturing facility, on rolling platforms, or preferably built on the construction site where after curing to 3000 psi the pre-fabricated walls can be shipped to and installed at a building site. In the flat state the panels can have a wide variety of decorative elements readily applied to both the upper and lower downside reflection surface. A unique feature is the buttress system that is added to the back of the wall system when elevated retention is required. By pouring the buttress portion on top of the footing pier or caisson, and tying into the pre-decorated wall with reinforcement, an eco-friendly, design optional retaining wall system is accomplished which can be rapidly and safely installed.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower. The foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab with a stiffened perimeter, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal, ribs and slab forming a continuous monolithic structure. The foundation having a three-dimensional network of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity intended to reduce stress amplitudes and deflections and allows the foundation to have a desirable combination of high stiffness and superior fatigue resistance. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to precast cantilevered retaining walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cantilevered concrete retaining wall having a base shear key and blockouts for receiving a material that substantially impedes the wing wall from sliding or other inadvertent movement.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods and kits for constructing walls such as diaphragm walls comprising one or more panels and walls so constructed. In particular the invention relates to apparatus, methods and diaphragm walls having a guideway along a height of a first wall of a pane). More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for constructing a diaphragm wall comprising: a guideway tube along a height of a first wall of a first concrete panel; a sacrificial wall element in the guideway tube that extends along the tube and about a portion of a periphery of the tube; a cutting mechanism for cutting along the height of a first wall of the first concrete panel, the cutting mechanism being arranged to cut along the height of the wall of the first concrete panel and along the sacrificial wall element of the guideway tube so as to cut away at least part of the sacrificial wall element of the guideway tube along at least part of the height of the first wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.

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

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

Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a rear flange and a mold box and method of making the block. The mold box is configured with a mold cavity that includes a vertical flange forming cavity extending from the top of the mold box to the bottom of the mold box.

Abstract: A retaining wall for supporting and stabilizing cut or fill areas of excavation and a method of constructing a retaining wall. The wall is preferably constructed by applying the concrete pneumatically. The method comprises installing a backing board while the vertical wall is pneumatically constructed. The backing board may be selectively removed after application of concrete. The footing and vertical wall can be constructed monolithically utilizing this method. This method of construction yields a high strength wall with very few construction steps and uses materials efficiently. The flexibility in the design and advantages regarding accessibility, along with needing fewer workers for construction, are also a large benefit.

Abstract: A block assembly includes integral connection mechanisms specifically designed for incorporation into engineered retaining walls. These connection mechanisms specifically accommodate the use of reinforcing grids in the formation of a retaining wall which, when used, will stabilize the retaining wall and provide additional strength. The connection mechanism is formed prior to fabrication of the block itself, and thus can be integrally incorporated during casting/fabrication of the block itself. The connection mechanism defines a connection slot usable during retaining wall fabrication (by allowing easy connection to the reinforcing grid) while also accommodating holding and lifting of the block assembly. Due to the fabrication method, the configuration of the connection mechanisms inserted into the block can be uniquely designed to provide desired physical coupling once the concrete is hardened.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a rear flange and a mold box and method of making the block. The mold box is configured with a mold cavity that includes a vertical flange forming cavity extending from the top of the mold box to the bottom of the mold box.

Abstract: A method for creating an elevated containment structure at a site for providing telecommunications services. The elevated containment structure defines a containment field that is substantially surrounded by at least one wall of the elevated containment structure. The creation of the elevated containment structure further comprises forming the at least one wall, disposing a fill material within the containment field, positioning an equipment pad on the fill material, positioning telecommunications equipment on the equipment pad, receiving a signal at the telecommunications equipment from either end user and a service provider, communicating the signal from the equipment to the other of the end user and the service provider. Forming the at least one wall comprises positioning a plurality of forms to create a gap between at least two of the forms and disposing a second fill material in the gap.

Abstract: A block assembly includes integral connection mechanisms specifically designed for incorporation into engineered retaining walls. These connection mechanisms specifically accommodate the use of reinforcing grids in the formation of a retaining wall which, when used, will stabilize the retaining wall and provide additional strength. The connection mechanism is formed prior to fabrication of the block itself, and thus can be integrally incorporated during casting/fabrication of the block itself. The connection mechanism defines a connection slot usable during retaining wall fabrication (by allowing easy connection to the reinforcing grid) while also accommodating holding and lifting of the block assembly. Due to the fabrication method, the configuration of the connection mechanisms inserted into the block can be uniquely designed to provide desired physical coupling once the concrete is hardened.

Abstract: A retaining wall or a counterfort retaining wall incorporates a vertical stem wall section, a base section having a toe, a heel, and a number of shallow piles at the bottom of the base section to improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall. To further improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall, an edge of the heel is slanted with a bevel or a batter with an angle to pick up more resisting load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for building a reinforced sea wall or levee. The reinforced structure is designed particularly for use in areas of soft sub-soil such as those sub-soils found near the Gulf of Mexico which are capable of bearing loads of less than 5 pounds per square inch of weight. The structure includes first and second rows of soil-cement columns formed on opposite sides of the centerline of the structure. Soil-cement columns are formed by mechanically cutting the soft sub-soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the cut soft soil with a cement slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or more. Reinforcing structural elements, preferably H-beams, are embedded in at least some of the soil-cement columns in each of the two rows. Tensile load bearing members, such as cables or beams, are interconnected between some of the reinforcing structural elements in the first row of soil-cement columns with some of the structural elements in the second row of soil-cement columns.

Abstract: A concrete form with a keyway with an opening between opposing keyway lips together with a base that fits through the keyway opening and rotates without restriction in the keyway such that a portion of the base rests behind the keyway lips so when it is pulled as a clamp or tie is exercised to secure a stake to the form the base is secured tight against the form front. The concrete form further has at least one brace wall extending between intermediate the keyway back wall and the form back. Form end connectors securable in form ends are provided that join two forms aligned end to end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for building a reinforced sea wall or levee. The reinforced structure is designed particularly for use in areas of soft sub-soil such as those sub-soils found near the Gulf of Mexico which are capable of bearing loads of less than 5 pounds per square inch of weight. The structure includes first and second rows of soil-cement columns formed on opposite sides of the centerline of the structure. Soil-cement columns are formed by mechanically cutting the soft sub-soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the cut soft soil with a cement slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or more. Reinforcing structural elements, preferably H-beams, are embedded in at least some of the soil-cement columns in each of the two rows. Tensile load bearing members, such as cables or beams, are interconnected between some of the reinforcing structural elements in the first row of soil-cement columns with some of the structural elements in the second row of soil-cement columns.

Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall and comprising a body having a central cavity extending vertically there through and defining front, rear, and side walls. The side walls diverge rearwardly from the front of the block to the rear. Stabilizing wings extending outwardly at the rear of the side walls. Positioning wedges extend from the bottom surface and include flat forward surfaces for positioning the block with respect to the blocks in a lower tier of blocks. The flat forward surfaces of the positioning wedges are located nearer the front surface of the block than is the inner surface of the front wall, thereby enabling a retaining wall created from the blocks to have each successive higher tier offset from the adjacent lower tier by a set distance. The block of the present invention provides a stable block having a large coverage area at a low weight.

Abstract: The instant invention constitutes a method of forming a concrete column and panel wall system, comprising the steps of: auguring a vertical pile hole; excavating about the pile hole a ground level recess for a pile cap; placing vertical rebars into the auger hole and cap recess; pouring concrete in situ into the pile hole and pile cap recess; positioning a pile cap plate on the poured concrete prior to the curing thereof; positioning opposing vertical ends of pre-cast concrete panels upon opposite ends of the pile cap plate and using forms to substantially define an H-shaped above-ground geometry each having vertical rebars therein, the panel ends also having horizontal re-bars extending into the geometry, thus horizontally and vertically positioning re-bars characterize substantially an entirely above-ground length of each column resultant of the H-shaped geometry; and casting in situ within volumes defined by the forms defining the above-ground geometry.

Abstract: A precast concrete retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass in a railway installation or the like includes an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron where a rectangular front wall and an integral stem. The front wall defines an area of between about 18.75 and 75 square feet and wherein the ratio of the width of the face panel to its height is between about 0.75 to about 3.0. A reinforced element including an upward extension, an improved shear key and stacked arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A top block for modular precast retaining wall system wherein beveled surfaces of a horizontal component of the top block form a cast-in-place key integrated with cast-in-place column formed in the construction of the retaining wall using modular block units. The top block provides an aesthetically pleasing front surface the upper edge of which may be rectilinear or contoured to fit various applications and appearance requirements.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided. The retaining wall block includes top, bottom, front, back, first side and second side surfaces. A tongue set is provided on the top surface of the block and a groove in the bottom surface of the block. The tongue set includes a rear-facing surface set that includes first and second curved sections. A block form for forming retaining wall blocks is also provided. A face form for placement on the bottom surface of a block form is also provided. A method of molding retaining wall blocks with a form having hinged doors is also provided. A method of using a face form for forming two blocks of reversed front surface ornamentation is also provided.

Abstract: A construction for environmental protection in respect of water source and earth, including combining water ducts, planting cases, connecting meshes and lower moldboards to form framework for paving the hillsides. The end of the water duct is buried in the soil, whereas the frames can connect with each other and be hammered along with earth anchors into the rock walls for fastening purposes. Frames can be covered by mold panels and padded by moldboards to be fastened to the hillsides before grouting with liquid concrete to form hard walls. In the case of trench walls, hillsides, or any ramp, planting cases containing soil can be used for weeds to grow naturally, in order to prevent mudflow and landslide, create a beautiful greening landscape, and maintain the environment protection, as well as reduce the greenhouse effect.

Abstract: A modular wall or fence construction system includes at least first and second I-profile blocks, each having an I-shape in planform. The I-shape defines a parallel pair of flanges across opposite ends of a web extending between the flanges. The I-profile blocks have generally planar and parallel upper and lower surfaces and a uniform vertical height. Each of the flanges of the first and second I-profile blocks have radiused rib keys formed in opposite parallel edges of the flanges. The edges are distal on the flanges relative to the web. A first pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of convex rails along the parallel edges on a first side of the web. A second pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of concave channels along the parallel edges on a second side of the web opposite the first side of the web. Each flange has oppositely disposed, on opposite edges, one convex rail and one concave channel.

Abstract: A fastening system is invented for fasten the soil nails (which are used in cut areas) and the reinforced retaining structures (which are used in fill areas). The system is to connect the two and form an integrated body to prevent sliding plane passing through the interface of the two. The fastening system includes coupling elements, struts, flanges, steel pipes, cables, annular sleeve and clamps.

Abstract: A waterstop, 10 or 11, for restricting or preventing the flow of water across the joints of foundation elements 8, such as between or along individual diaphragm wall panels or between or along individual secant wall piles. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a waterstop at or near the joints between adjacent foundation elements. The waterstop consists of one or more longitudinal strips, 1 or 2, of hydrophilic material, wherein the or each hydrophilic strip extends vertically along the interface between adjacent foundation elements, from a position at or near the top of the foundation elements, to a position at or near the base of the elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retaining panel of one-piece construction for a body of water. A preferred embodiment of the retaining panel comprises a central portion, two side portions, and two flanges. The central portion has a first end and a second end. One side portion is integrally connected to and extends at a first angle from the first end of the central portion. Similarly, the other side portion is integrally connected to and extends at a second angle from the second end of the central portion. It is preferred that the first angle and the second angle are approximately equal. It is further preferred that the lengths of the first and second side portions are approximately equal. One flange is integrally connected to and extends at a third angle from a rear end of one side portion, and the other flange is integrally connected to and extends at a fourth angle from a rear end of the other side portion. It is preferred that the third and fourth angles are approximately equal.

Abstract: The joint includes at least two profile elements having such a shape as to enable mutual engagement thereof as a male part and at least a female part, each being integral with one of the edges of two adjacent slabs. One edge of the slab is provided with a substantially L-shaped female profile, whose vertical stem extends all along the edge up to the sharp edge of the upper surface of the slab, and whose base stem extends towards the inner part of the slab and is downwardly folded to form a further stem, extending parallel to the base stem and forming a small space therebetween, for possible engagement of a part of the male profile.

Abstract: A wall is built in the ground by pulling a wall building device having cross-sectional dimensions which are substantially equal to the dimensions of at least a part of the cross-section of the wall through the ground, at least a part of the wall being formed by injecting a hardenable material behind the wall building device. A tunnel is made by first making a tunnel wall, leaving the ground inside the tunnel wall substantially intact, followed by excavating the ground inside the tunnel wall.

Abstract: A reinforced retaining wall is provided comprised of precast, concrete block facing elements connected by suitable connectors to reinforcing members which extend from the facing elements into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The connectors which affix the reinforcing members at their connecting ends to the facing elements comprise concrete poured into a part or all of certain of the void spaces within selective facing blocks, which concrete may or may not be reinforced and which concrete, when dry and cured, envelops and secures the connecting ends of the reinforcement members to their corresponding blocks and forms anchors thereat.

Abstract: A standardized block for forming a retaining wall, said block comprising a top and bottom and having disposed proximate the top thereof first, second and third abutment means, and having disposed proximate the bottom thereof fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means, said second and fifth abutment means abutting in a first abutting position when like blocks are placed course upon course to form a retaining wall having a substantially vertical alignment, said first abutment, said second abutment and said third abutment abutting with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment in a second abutting position different from said first position when like blocks are placed one upon the other, course upon course, to provide a substantially set-back retaining wall construction, and wherein said first, second and third abutment means abut with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means in a third abutting position different from said second or first position when like blocks are placed one upon another, course upon course, to

Abstract: An excavation pit lining consisting of a slit wall of a hardening single-phase slit wall material with an exposed surface on the pit side, and also of vertical support elements placed at a distance in the single-phase slit wall material, whereby the slit wall forms a panel wall between the support elements and where the single-phase slit wall material has at least one water-retentive, lightweight aggregate.

Abstract: A retaining wall system to align panels into a plurality of horizontally adjacent vertical assemblies of stacked cells to retain soil placed between the cells.

Abstract: A soil filled wall which accommodates the growing of plant life. The wall comprises welded wire structures which contain soil. In one embodiment the wall is free standing to provide a fence-like structure suitable for use as a sound barrier. In another the wall is erected at the situs of an earthen formation to retain and provide a face for the formation. In the latter embodiment, anchors secure the wall to the earthen formation.

Abstract: A modular wall system (8) is provided for constructing ornamental, privacy and acoustical type walls having exterior surfaces of stucco and other decorative material. The system (8) features polymer spacers (14) and vertical metal sleeves (16) onto which are glued opposing pairs of substantially rectangular polymer panels (12). Spacers (14) and/or sleeves (16) that are present at the ends of some modules (10) extend out from between the pairs of panels (12) to allow adjacent modules (10) to be interlocked. A wall may be rapidly constructed since fabrication of the wall is almost entirely complete prior to transportation to the intended site, the only on-site construction being to dig footing holes (40) and pour concrete into the sleeves (16) to simultaneously form concrete footings (42) and concrete support columns (44). The slidably interlocking nature of the individual modules (10) makes the system (8) especially resistant to damage from earth movement.

Abstract: In a wall for restraining earth from displacement relative to a stable formation, a plurality of side-by-side gabion baskets are joined by an integral structural beam and the beam is anchored at intervals with respect to the stable formation.

Abstract: A system and method for adjustably connecting traffic barriers and pre-cast wall facing panels to the soldier beams of a pile wall is provided, which includes a connecting structure cast-in-place between the upper ends of the beam and the panels for structurally interconnecting both a traffic barrier and the upper ends of the panels to the beam. The system further includes an anchor member projecting from the upper end of the soldier beam for securing the connecting structure to the beam, as well as a depth-adjustable array of reinforcing members that are cast within the structure for accommodating variations in the distances between the beams and panels. At least one of the array of reinforcing members projects upwardly out of the connecting structure to link the traffic barrier to the connecting structure.

Abstract: A system for construction or reconstructing building foundations involving prefabricated members (1) of a sectional monolithic wall in ground comprised of a reinforcing cage and a concrete body with longitudinal curvilinear slots (2) on end faces, offset towards one of the longitudinal sides of the body and forming thicker (3) and thinner (4) projections. The reinforcing cage consists of an external sheet reinforcement (6), cross bars (7) and intersection bars 95) rigidly connected to the sheet reinforcement (6) and to cross bars (7). The cross bars (7) and sheet reinforcement (6) may have free lengths (9, 10, 11). A sectional monolithic wall in ground built up from said prefabricated members (1) is provided with continuous lateral reinforcement at the side opposite to the sheet reinforcement (6).

Abstract: A method of temporarily shoring and permanently facing an excavated slope or embankment is provided. First, a slope is excavated in successive sections from the top down to form exposed slope faces. A temporary shoring wall is then formed by shoring up the exposed slope face of each successively excavated section with soil nails and at least one layer of pneumatically applied concrete. As the desired final depth of the excavation is reached, the tiebacks are installed. The pneumatically applied concrete is thickened in the area of the tiebacks so as to form reinforcement elements along the exposed slope faces. The reinforcement elements include reinforced steel bars which extend outwardly away from the exposed slope faces. The tie backs are tested, prestressed and secured against the reinforcement elements. Finally, a final retaining wall is formed by pouring and curing a layer of reinforced concrete over the temporary shoring wall and the secured tiebacks.

Abstract: A system and method for adjustably connecting pre-cast wall facing panels to the soldier beams of a tie-back or anchor wall is provided, wherein the system comprises an array of panels stacked in rows having mutually adjacent side edge portions which are spaced apart from one of the soldier beams, a connecting column cast-in-place between the beam and the adjacent side edge portions of the panels for structurally interconnecting both of the panels to the beam, and an adjustable array of reinforcing members within the column for interconnecting the adjacent side edge portions of each of the panels with the beam and for reinforcing the resulting column. The depth of the cast-in-place connecting column advantageously accommodates variations in the distances between the beams and panels. In the method of the invention, a first row of wall facing panels is stacked in front of the soldier beams, and a first section of the connecting column is cast therebetween.

Abstract: An improved coping construction is comprised of a precast element attached to a retaining wall. The retaining wall and precast element serve as a portion of the form for a cast in place portion of the coping construction.

Abstract: Process for guiding the excavation tool used in order to execute the trenches necessary for the construction, by successive or alternating panels, of a wall cast in the ground, according to which:a) an excavation tool fitted with a first guiding element is provided,b) at the end of a previously executed trench, a second guiding element is arranged extending substantially over the entire depth of this trench, and thenc) after construction of the panel in the previously executed trench, the guiding elements are mutually engaged; andd) the excavation tool is controlled so as to create a force tending to keep the guiding elements mutually engaged while the excavation of the following trench is performed.

Abstract: An excavator for constructing an underground continuous wall includes a traveling trolley movable on rails and having a sprocket in mesh with a rack extended parallelly to the rails and a hydraulic motor for driving the sprocket. The trolley further includes an upper frame arranged thereon and having a tiltable frame tiltable relative to the upper frame and a saddle provided on the tiltable frame slidable on the tiltable frame in directions substantially perpendicular to the rails. An extensible guide post is provided upward and downward movably relative to the tiltable frame. An endless chain extends around a chain driving wheel provided on the saddle and a chain sprocket provided at the lower end of the guide post, and a number of cutter bits and a number of agitator bars are alternately arranged on the endless chain to form an endless chain cutter. A chain driving device is provided for driving the endless chain.

Abstract: A method of progressively erecting a wall below earth grade as excavation of the volume to be walled is accomplished. Initially, a plurality of spaced, generally vertical, holes are drilled in the earth to the full intended wall height along edges of the intended excavation plus an embediment amount at the lower end. Parallel soilpier beams are secured in each hole, preferably by filling the hole around each soilpier beam with lean concrete. The interior area is incrementally excavated, including the earth between the soilpier beams, to a selected depth. After the lean concrete on at least the sides of the soilpier beams in line with other soilpier beams is chipped away to the selected incremental excavated depth, structural panels having heights substantially corresponding to the excavated depth are placed between the soilpier beams and secured to the soilpier beams. Incremental excavation is continued and panels are installed in series until the desired full depth is reached.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing an impervious underground wall in which an initial excavation, filled with an excavating slurry, is made having a length L.sub.1. A milling excavator is lowered to the bottom of the initial excavation in a collapsed condition and then expanded outwardly by a linkage mechanism in the direction of the trench portion, transmitting a reaction or bearing force to a wall of the initial excavation to excavate from the bottom upwardly. The cuttings fall to the bottom of the trench and are removed by suction or an air lift. The initial excavation is thus expanded laterally from the bottom up with the excavation forces from the excavation being transmitted to the opposing wall surface. Precast concrete panels having convave sides, one concave and one convex end, are inserted into the excavation and have formations on the end to interlock with one another and serve as an excavating guide for the excavating tool.

Abstract: An expansion joint for use in constructing concrete material structures of the present invention has a plurality of sandwich type composite plates each comprising a sheet-like elastic body sandwiched by a pair of hard plates with a rib at both surfaces thereof are connected with each other through a water-swelling rubber.