Abstract: The present invention relates to an erosion control apparatus and methods of using and installing the apparatus. The apparatus is constructed to prevent erosion of soil during typical weather or tidal conditions and adverse weather events. The apparatus can include a plurality of anchored rolls and soil lifts operative to stabilize the shoreline.

Abstract: A cellular confinement system includes PET sheets and honeycomb-shaped cells formed by intercrossing the PET sheets. A connecting hole is provided at a joint where the PET sheets are intercrossed. An injection molded fixing component for connecting the PET sheets is provided at the connecting hole. The injection molded fixing component includes an injection molded rod arranged in the connecting hole and fixing plates each arranged to be fixedly connected to a corresponding end of two ends of the injection molded rod. The fixing plates each fits against a side wall of a corresponding PET sheet. The injection molded fixing component includes the injection molded rod and the fixing piece. The injection molded rod is configured to connect the PET sheets at the joint where the PET sheets are intercrossed. The fixing plate is configured to prevent the PET sheets from being disengaged from the injection molded rod.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention is an erosion and storm water control apparatus comprising a hopper portion, an upstream apron, and a downstream apron. The hopper portion may be fabricated from permeable filter fabric and is aided in remaining open by gussets that may be comprised of fabric or other material. The hopper may comprise a self-rising upper edge. The upstream apron may comprise pockets that may be filled with dirt, rocks or the like, and may be buried in an upstream trench, in order to hold the erosion and storm water control apparatus in place during a runoff event, such as during or directly after a thunderstorm. The downstream apron may be fabricated from impervious membrane for anchoring with adhesive, staples, stakes, weights or the like. The invention may comprise handles to assist in the removal of debris and sediment.

Abstract: A technique for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel, especially for high curvature areas. The vehicle trim panel includes an outer panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface. A plurality of discrete reinforcement elements are bonded to the inner surface of the outer panel at locations where localized stiffening is desired. The discrete elements can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, where the combination of elements and the number of elements is selected for a particular trim panel stiffness.

Abstract: A system for and method of remediating existing mud and reducing future mud in an animal stable, pen, paddock, or arena through the use of geocells filled with aggregate matter. A new surface is formed through the placing of a layer of networked geocells filled with compacted aggregate matter on top of the existing stable, pen, paddock or arena ground soil. A geotextile barrier may be placed below the layer of networked geocells. An optional aggregate layer may also be added on top of the aggregate-filled geocells. The geocells distribute loads (weight from the animals) across the soil, preventing soil displacement and mud formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for erecting a building structure with construction elements, wherein the construction elements comprise block-shaped bags filled with filling material and having an upper side, a lower side, a front side, a rear side, a right end surface and a left end surface, and wherein the block-shaped, bag-like construction elements of a first type are basic wall elements provided with connecting flaps at least close to the two end surfaces; the method comprising at least the steps of: —arranging at least two basic wall elements adjacently of each other on a ground surface, wherein the right end surface of the first basic wall element and the left end surface of the second basic wall element are placed close to each other; —placing against each other the connecting flaps of respectively the first and second basic wall elements situated close to the end surfaces placed closely together; and—mutually connecting the connecting flaps.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a system for strengthening a sloped structure such as a berm, basin, levee, or embankment. The comprises first and second opposing sides, the second side being adjacent the sloped structure; a bottom side adjoining bottom edges of the first and second sides, thereby forming a cavity within the first, second, and bottom sides; fill material disposed within the cavity; an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the fill material; and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the fill material.

Abstract: A method of imparting strength to earth in support of a ground surface is disclosed. A bag is placed in the earth under the ground surface, the bag having a first end oriented towards the ground surface, a second end opposite the first end, and a cross sectional contour from the first end to the second end that includes at least one wedge portion extendable laterally into surrounding earth located above and below the wedge portion when the bag is filled. A expandable polymeric resin is injected into the bag to at least partially fill the bag to compress earth around the bag. The expandable polymeric resin may be expandable polymeric resin. A bag is also disclosed for use in imparting strength to earth in support of a ground surface.

Abstract: A method of inline mixing the exact amount of sodium silicate, catalyst and water to form a grout for injection into underground construction applications in order to eliminate waste of resources. The invention is comprised of a sodium silicate pump assembly and a water and catalyst pump assembly. A metering pump injects a catalyst into the water loop. The sodium silicate pump and the water and catalyst pump discharge lines are merged into one pipeline downstream. The single pipe is connected to a static inline mixer that ensures uniform mixing of all the components. The sodium silicate pump assembly and the water and catalyst pump assembly are hydraulically controlled. This allows an operator to vary the speed of the pump thereby controlling pump discharge.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing geological gradation layer featuring disaster prevention and ecologic function, which uses on-site earth or gradation materials commonly adopted in road construction, including aggregates, soils, gravels, or a mixture of water permeable concrete, and most importantly, added with uniquely arranged hollow bodies, all constituents being mixed and laid on soil stratum, and subjected to ramming, to form an ecological gradation layer. The ecological gradation layer provides an effect of supporting and also provides the functions of water storage, water preservation, and improving earth, whereby earth microorganisms and earth protozoa may establish a beneficial survival environment in earth, making the gradation layer exhibiting the characteristics of high water content and prompting breeding of microorganisms.

Abstract: A grouting method for anchoring with polymer is provided, wherein the method includes steps of: a) rod body processing; b) tying up a geotextile bag and grouting tubes on the anchoring rod body; c) hole drilling; d) polymer grouting: I. hole sealing grouting; II. anchoring grouting. The present invention has advantages of a sufficient adaptability, non-water reaction, convenient and fast construction, being economic, a high strength and a high durability. An expansive polymer material has an obvious compacting effect on soil, and is capable of increasing a friction force between a grout and a base; the water-proofing polymer material is an impermeable material for a steel rod body, and is of benefit to anti-corrosion and durability of the rod body; a solidifying time of the polymer material is short and no maintenance is needed in such a manner that construction periods are shortened.

Abstract: A polymer grouting method for uplifting a ballastless track of a high-speed rail includes following steps of: (1) drilling grouting holes; (2) manufacturing geo-textile bags and binding the grouting pipes up with the geo-textile bags; (3) tying up the geo-textile bags; (4) displacing the geo-textile bags; (5) grouting two-component expansive polymer materials into the geo-textile bags; (6) uplifting the track; (7) grouting two-component expansive polymer materials for filling; and (8) monitoring amount of the uplifting, wherein a vertically uplifting height is monitored in real time by a laser level, and the grouting is quit if the vertically uplifting height meets uplifting requirements.

Abstract: A system and method provides for repair/reconstruction of bridge and culvert constructions. Geosynthetically confined soils are used in combination with soil nails. The soil nails provide additional tensile strength below the areas reinforced with the geosynthetically confined soils. The soil nails may include both horizontal and vertical soil nails. Various forms of vertical tensioning support can be provided to include soil nails, micro-piles, sheet piling, and the like. The confined soils are installed at locations under and adjacent to the man made constructions, and can be provided in both symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations. For bridge constructions, the confined soils may be installed at a desired depth under the bridge girders, and under other primary support members of the bridge. Horizontal nails may be installed under and adjacent to the confined soils.

Abstract: A subsurface support is provided comprising a soil nail having an outer member and an inner member placed within the outer member. The soil nail includes features that maintain a uniform spaced relationship between the inner and outer members. The soil nail may be installed by drilling or launching through a launching device. The spaced relationship between the inner and outer members may be achieved by crimping the outer member, or by use of an insert installed between the inner and outer members. In other embodiments, the support is made of composite construction materials, and having a self-drilling capability. The soil nail has two primary members, namely, an outer threaded member, and an inner threaded member that is placed through the outer member The outer member is made from fiberglass, and a metallic drill bit is secured to a distal end of the soil nail. The inner member is preferably steel.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing and facing a wall comprises a plurality of facing baskets and corresponding substantially horizontal reinforcing members, arranged in a plurality of layers. An impermeable membrane is positioned to uninterruptedly span two or more layers. At each of one or more layers, different portions of the impermeable membrane are positioned (a) between the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket and the bottom surface of the corresponding reinforcing member, (b) around the outer end of the corresponding reinforcing member, (c) along the top surface of the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket, and (d) angled upward toward an adjacent layer.

Abstract: A device that includes an insertion member, a shank, and a body having a through-hole and a post. The device can be part of a cellular confinement system. A method of transferring load from an expanded cellular confinement structure to a flexible tendon includes inserting an insertion member of a device through an open slot in the structure, inserting a tendon through a through-hole in the body of the device, and wrapping the tendon around a post of the body. A kit includes a first unitary section of cells, at least one device, and at least one tendon for securing the device and the section to allow transfer of load from the web to the tendon.

Abstract: A device and method for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils. A plurality of domes is positioned between the lightly loaded structure and the soil. Each of the domes has a convex side and a concave side. The convex side faces upward against the lightly loaded structure and the concave side faces downward against the soil. The concave side provides a void area for expansion of soil. Each dome also has two soil contact ends. The soil contact ends provide a small contact area with the soil to increase the pressure exerted by the lightly loaded structure at the soil contact area to overcome the swelling effects of expanding soil. In a preferred embodiment each dome is fabricated from PVC pipe.

Abstract: A reinforced soil structure including a fill (1), a facing (3) placed along a front face of the structure, at least one main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26) connected to the facing and extending through a first reinforced zone (Z1) of the fill situated behind the front face, and at least one secondary reinforcement member (6) disconnected from the facing and extending from the facing in a second reinforced zone (Z2) of the fill, which has, with said first reinforced zone (Z1), a common part (Z?), wherein the secondary reinforcement member (6) extends into the fill (1) up to a distance substantially shorter than the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26), with respect to the front face and wherein the stiffness of the secondary reinforcement member (6) is lower or equal to the stiffness of the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26).

Abstract: An embankment system comprises a source of pressurized sand/concrete slurry and a delivery conduit in fluid communication with the pressurized sand/concrete slurry source. The embankment system further comprises an elongate nozzle having an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet operatively associated with a distal end of the delivery conduit. A tube formed of a sheet material having an open end and a closed end is operatively associated with the nozzle outlet to receive the pressurized sand/concrete slurry through the open end, such that the tube is continuously filled with the pressurized sand/concrete slurry between the closed end and the open end.

Abstract: A foundation for structures, with a combination of pile-like support elements (11) and a load distribution layer (12) which is arranged above the support elements and has an incorporated three-dimensional honeycomb structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are geotechnical structures formed from a geosynthetic article and an encapsulated granular material dispersed within or upon the geosynthetic article. In particular embodiments, a geocell is used as the geosynthetic article. Among other things, the geotechnical structures can be used for forming roads, parking lots, paved surfaces, as well as road beds and foundations for highways or railroads.

Abstract: A pan (10) and a pan system (100) for surface control of wall and/or roof material in a subterranean tunnel or room, the oval pan (10) having a convex central portion (20) held at an angle above a horizontal plane and an outermost edge angling downwards and meeting a planar pan edge portion (14) lying in the horizontal plane, both edges meeting at a transition point (16). The central portion includes a plurality of parallel concave rib members (18) arranged to span the shortest width of the pan. In use as a system (100), a bolt (40) drilled though a support plate (3) and the pan secures the pan system to the wall or roof. The force exerted onto the bolt transfers to the pan results in a dimpling of the central portion, allowing for a tighter application of the pan to the wall or roof.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising: a first tubular mesh enclosure having a first opposing pair of ends, at least one of said first opposing pair of ends sealed; a first filling surrounded by said first tubular mesh enclosure; a first geogrid wrapped at least partially around said first tubular mesh enclosure.

Abstract: A single box gabion is disclosed. The gabion comprises interconnected side walls. Each side wall comprises at least one substantially closed side wall element panel that prevents a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall without the aid of a gabion lining material. The single box gabion can be coupled together to form a modular gabion structure 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.

Abstract: A soil densification system and method is disclosed. The presently disclosed soil densification system includes an air delivery probe or pipe that can be driven or otherwise installed into a soil mass. An inlet of the air delivery probe is supplied by an air compressor and an air storage tank, which are used for the rapid delivery of air impulses or bursts into the air delivery probe, whereas the air impulses or bursts are expelled out of an outlet of the air delivery probe and into the soil mass. The method of using the presently disclosed soil densification system includes the steps of inserting the end of the air delivery probe into the soil mass to any desired depth and then releasing an impulse or burst of air into the soil mass, thereby forming a densified region in the soil mass via the forces of the air impulse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-place soil stabilization. Specifically, the present invention relates a method and device for measuring the increase in subsurface earth pressure during the injection of a stabilizing agent into the soil. The rise in sensor pressure indicates an increase in soil strength and bearing capacity. Therefore, real-time monitoring of these pressures may serve as a guide during the injection process.

Abstract: A method of forming an underground slurry wall having the steps of: (a) providing a trencher having a trenching arm assembly with a cutting tooth track; (b) providing a dispensing tube proximate the cutting tooth track; (c) rotating the cutting tooth track; (d) extending the cutting tooth track below the outside surface, to, in turn, agitate the soil therebelow to a predetermined depth; (d) translating the trenching arm assembly across the outside surface so as to form an underground wall of agitated soil; (e) dispensing a clay-like material proximate the cutting tooth track; and (f) utilizing the cutting tooth track to mix the clay-like material into the soil while the cutting tooth track is rotating and translating, to, in turn, mix the clay-like material into the agitated soil. Systems are likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A system for mining includes the use of a stope fill barrier having a fluid-fillable bladder for temporarily filling a portion of a stope void directly adjacent to ore to be mined and creating a barrier between the stope void and adjacent ore. The stope fill barrier is installed and positioned in the stope void from below the adjacent ore.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure is provided. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements, where a soil reinforcing element is coupled to the wire facing at one or more crimps formed in either of the horizontal or vertical elements. A connection device may be inserted through an opening defined between the soil reinforcing element and the one or more crimps such that the soil reinforcing element may be coupled to the wire facing. A strut may be coupled to the top-most cross wire of the vertical element and the terminal wire of the horizontal element to maintain the vertical element at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal element as backfill is added to the wire facing.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. The system includes a soil reinforcing element having a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires. The soil reinforcing element is coupled to a facing anchor configured such that at least a portion of the facing anchor is inserted through the wire facing and coupled thereto. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. A soil reinforcing element has a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires where the longitudinal wires are coupled to a coil and a threaded rod is configured to extend through both the vertical facing and the coil. A washer engages the vertical facing and prevents the threaded rod from passing completely through the vertical facing and a nut is threaded onto the threaded rod to prevent its removal from the coil. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.

Abstract: A soil reinforcement system including angled soil reinforcement elements to resist seismic shear forces and methods of making same are disclosed. For example, the soil reinforcement system includes an array or grid of angled soil reinforcement elements installed within the ground, wherein the angled reinforcement elements are designed to absorb and/or resist earthquake-induced seismic shear forces by transferring the applied shear forces into axial compressive and tensile forces within each of the angled reinforcement elements.

Abstract: A large scale geotextile tube includes a plurality of shelves that extend across the width of the geotextile tube with each shelf formed of a web of geogrid material or geocell material. As one moves from the bottom of the geotextile tube to the top of the geotextile tube, the width of each shelf decreases. The geotextile tube can be surrounded by an envelope formed of geogrid material.

Abstract: A new synthetic cultivar of prairie cordgrass designated ‘Savoy’ is described. ‘Savoy’ is well adapted to the lower Midwest environment of the United States of America, and has a higher biomass yield potential than presently available commercial prairie cordgrass cultivars, such as ‘Red River’. In particular, compared to ‘Red River’, the cultivar ‘Savoy’ has higher mass per tiller, more leaves per tiller, higher shoot height and longer, wider leaves containing more biomass per leaf.

Abstract: Avalanche control system and method using one or more chambers in an avalanche-prone area to control the removal of snow or other material which might avalanche. The system includes a plurality of spaced housings made of a solid material like “shock-crete” and an asymmetric flywheel coupled to a motor which is controlled by a signal to warm up and turn on at a desired time to vibrate the housing and cause removal of loose snow or other material and/or the compacting of that material to make avalanching less likely.

Abstract: A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) system includes a vertically oriented wall offset from an earthen feature, backfill disposed between the wall and the earthen feature, and a plurality of anchor elements attached at one end to the wall and extending from the wall toward the earthen feature. The plurality of anchor elements are embedded within the backfill and include an elongated strap having an attachment end configured for attachment to the MSE wall and opposite surfaces along the length thereof. The anchor element further includes a plurality of punched openings along the length of the strap, each opening including a punched tab projecting outward from one of the opposite surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure including a fill (1), reinforcing strips (2), and facing (3), the reinforcement strips (2) being anchored to the facing (3). The facing incorporates a path formed for a reinforcement strip (2) between two emergence points (PE1, PE2) that are located at the back surface (7) of the facing, wherein the path comprises: two adjacent portions (21, 22) that are placed so as to position each strip within an emergence plane (P1, P2); two curved portions (23, 24) provided as extensions of the two adjacent portions (21, 22) and arranged so as to deviate the strip out from the emergence planes (P1, P2); and a connecting portion connecting together the two curved portions (23, 24). In the structure, both emergence planes (P1, P2) are distinct and separated by a physical separator, and the connecting portion includes at least one loop (25) located outside the emergence planes (P1, P2) and outside the space between said emergence planes.

Abstract: An ecological board includes a quadrilateral board body, on the side edges thereof is disposed at least one reglet or at least one insertion groove to be engaged with a corresponding insertion groove or a reglet of another identical board body. Further, a plurality of separated strong and pliable pad bodies are embedded in at least a first side surface of the board body and protrude outwards therefrom. The ecological board according to the present invention is durable, stable, easy to construct, maintain, and repair, and environmentally friendly to the natural landscape. Most importantly, it can be applied to various environments, such as coastlines, artificial reefs, and slopes of reservoirs, rivers, or mountains.

Abstract: Link device (100) between a facing element (20) of a reinforced ground construction work (1) and a longitudinal reinforcement (40), intended to extend in a backfill (60), which comprises a portion (101) for fixing to the facing element (20), two connecting portions (102), of which a first end of each of them is linked to a point of the fixing portion (101), in which a second end of each connecting portion is linked to a first end of a first and of a second return portion (103), in which the return portions (103) are substantially parallel to one another and in which a second end of each of the return portions is linked to a securing segment (104) substantially perpendicular to the return portions (103).

Abstract: A facing element (10) for reinforced soil structures comprising: a first facing sub-element (12) comprising at least one connecting member (16) configured to connect at least one reinforcement member to said first facing sub-element (12), a second facing sub-element (14), a linking device (22), wherein said first (14) and second (16) facing sub-elements are separated by a gap (20) and are linked together by the linking device (22) such that the first and second facing sub-elements have constant relative position.

Abstract: A multi-layer rig mat system and a method for implementing the rig mat system is provided. The rig mat system has a rig mat formed by interconnecting a plurality of panels in an edge-to-edge arrangement and one or more barrier layers placed between the rig mat and the terrain. The barrier layer prevents contamination of the terrain below the rig mat by water and other undesirable fluids seeping through gaps or discontinuities in the rig mat. The barrier layer also prevents heat transmission from the rig mat to the terrain below the rig mat.

Abstract: The invention relates to an armor unit to construct armor layers of mound breakwaters, revetments and groins for shore protection or hydraulic and maritime structures featuring a cubic or parallelepiped shape (2) and having one or more protrusions (1) on its faces to prevent coupling between the different armor units and to increase interlocking with the underlayer (3) of the armor layer.

Abstract: A subsurface support comprises a soil nail having an outer member and an inner member placed within the outer member. Features are provided to maintain a uniform spaced relationship between the inner and outer members. The spaced relationship may be achieved by crimping the outer member, or by use of an insert installed between the inner and outer members. In another embodiment, the support is made of composite construction materials, and having a self-drilling capability. The outer member may be fiberglass, and a metallic drill bit may be secured to a distal end of the soil nail. The inner member is preferably steel. A method is also provided to improve pull-out capacity by galvanizing the inner and outer members.

Abstract: A turf reinforcement mat comprises at least one polymer net layer; a non-woven mat comprising a plurality of multi-dimensional polymer fibers; and, a polymer yarn, stitching the net layer to the non-woven mat. A method for erosion control and revegetation facilitation comprises providing a turf reinforcement mat comprising at least one polymer net layer; a non-woven mat comprising a plurality of multi-dimensional polymer fibers; and, a polymer yarn, stitching the net layer to the non-woven mat; laying the turf reinforcement mat on a section of ground to be reinforced; securing the turf reinforcement mat to the ground; distributing soil and seed onto the turf reinforcement mat such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.

Abstract: A georeinforcing system, comprising a plurality of georeinforcement elements, each georeinforcement element formed from one or more basic connector pieces having one or more tire treads and one or more tire sidewalls fastened together in an alternating pattern with non-metallic screws. The plurality of georeinforcement elements are attached to a facing element and surrounded in particulate matter to support the facing element.

Abstract: A silt fence support base comprised of a porous casting made of stone, cement and water, and having a half-moon shape. Each casting may have one or more openings for the insertion of posts, which provide a frame for holding porous, filter material. Silt fence filtering material may be anchored under the bases.

Abstract: A georeinforcing system, comprising a plurality of georeinforcement elements, each georeinforcement element formed from one or more basic connector pieces having one or more tire treads and one or more tire sidewalls fastened together in an alternating pattern with non-metallic screws. The plurality of georeinforcement elements are attached to a facing element and surrounded in particulate matter to support the facing element.

Abstract: A connection device for fastening two expanded cellular confinement structures includes an insertion member having insertion ends, an insertion member extension, an integral shank, and a handle member. A cellular confinement system includes first and second webs of cells made from strips bonded together in spaced apart areas. The strips form walls of the cells and at least some of the cells define open slots. At least one connection device fastens the first web and the second web together through the open slots. A method of fastening two expanded cellular confinement structures includes aligning two expanded cellular confinement structures; inserting an insertion member of a connection device through open slots; and turning the connection device.

Abstract: A golf course bunker (10) comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal and staggered layers (11)of artificial grass turf is disclosed. The layers (11) may each be pre-impregnated with sand. The layers of artificial grass define an exterior surface of the bunker and the interior (5) of the bunker may be formed of different material. A method of construction is also disclosed which may include steps of excavating a bunker and laying artificial grass in horizontal layers (11) to face the exterior surface of the excavation.

Abstract: A cellular confinement system for soil, sand or other filler material comprises a number of sub-assemblies each made up of a plurality of interconnected open cells of fabric material. The sub-assemblies are stackable one on top of the other to provide a structure having at least one generally vertical side or end wall. The system further comprises sealing means such as one or more skirt portion(s) which are arranged between vertically juxtaposed sub-assemblies in use. The skirt portions substantially prevent or minimize the escape of finer aggregate material from between the stacked sub-assemblies.