Abstract: An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.

Abstract: An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.

Abstract: An improved anchor for degradation-resistant treated posts or posts protected with a conforming, protective cover that resists uplift or pull-out forces of a predetermined value without compromising the integrity of the treatment or protective cover. At least one indentation is applied to a portion of the post embedded in the ground prior to applying a conforming, protective cover or the other material degradation-resistant treatment. The indentation is configured such that the protective cover will conform to the contour of the indentation when the protective cover is applied to the post. In posts relying on degradation-resistant treatments, the indentation is applied prior to treatment so that the integrity of the treatment is not compromised by the indentation.

Abstract: An anti-ram removable bollard (10) assembly and an installation of the same to arrest impacts are provided. The removable bollard assembly comprises a base assembly (20) and at least a reinforcement member (32a,32b) to be fixedly installed on site, and a removable bollard member to be detachably secured to the base assembly as and when required. A coupling mechanism (42,44,48) may be provided in the base assembly to engage the removable bollard member. Also, the base assembly may include an I-beam cross-section arrangement (22,24,26) to provide increased strength to the base assembly. Several base assemblies may be connected by rebars (104) to form a cohesive installation which restrains movement when any bollard member in the installation is struck. With the cohesive arrangement, a high impact rating may be achieved even with shallow base assemblies.

Abstract: A protective covering and method for enclosing a pier and a post mounted to the pier and their connection that includes a body having perimeter wall defining a top end and a bottom end, an upper aperture disposed around the top end, a lower aperture disposed around the bottom end, and a cavity and a seal disposed proximate the upper aperture for compressively engaging an outer surface of the post.

Abstract: Systems use mounting devices arranged to support a hollow post on or position the hollow post around a pipe. One lower mounting device slides along the pipe prior to fastening thereto to allow change or adjustment of a height at which the hollow post is to be supported on a base of the device. Another mounting device can be used with or without a base-defining attachment to facilitate selective use of the device to either support the bottom end of the post on the optional base or instead just engage the post's interior surface at any point along the post for positioning thereof about the pipe. Another mounting device is directly fastenable to the pipe through a wall projecting from the device's body or alternatively cooperable with a second body mountable on the pipe for engagement with this second body in different positions relative to the pipe.

Abstract: An annular preform is constructed of predeterminable width and height and filled with a predeterminable quantity of a fluid grouting material. After setting of the grouting material and removal of the formwork a ring is placed on the surface of the set grouting material and a lower pylon segment is placed on the ring and connected thereto.

Abstract: A sports pole mounting structure for supporting sports equipment in a pool environment capable of repeated assembly and removal. The mounting structure includes a bracket and a collar securely engaging existing in-ground sleeves traditionally found around pool environments and supporting sports equipment for use in a pool. The bracket is configured such that the sports pole is prohibited from rotating in the in-ground sleeve and the combination of the bracket and collar is capable of use with in-ground sleeves of varying size and shape.

Abstract: A means and method for rigidly elevating a structure includes a base member securable in the ground and which has a portion extending above the ground. A pole section, having a bore inside a lower end, and an upper end, can be stacked upon the base means upwardly by slip fitting the pole section onto the base end and securing it in place. A flexible, easily transportable and durable system is thereby created for elevating structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for concealing and covering a columnar jack for columnar supports and a method of concealing a columnar jack using a columnar jack concealing kit. The device comprises a strap member, a skirt sized and shaped for covering the columnar jack, and a band member for attaching the skirt to the strap member. The strap member is sized and shaped for folding over and enclosing the band member and a portion of the skirt. The adjustable clamp member can attach the adjustable shield member with the adjustable strap member to the columnar support. The adjustable shield member can conceal and shield the columnar jack and the adjustable strap member can enclose the adjustable clamp member.

Abstract: A wooden post protective sleeve including a collar having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving the lower end of the wooden post therein. The surrounding side wall has a plurality of apertures therethrough downwardly of the open upper end. The apertures are dimensioned for receiving wood screws therethrough for engaging the lower end of the wooden post. The closed lower end has a plurality of drainage apertures therethrough. The drainage apertures include a central aperture and four peripheral apertures. The collar is fabricated of plastic.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a pole firmly in the ground, the structure having an anchor section and a pole section, wherein the anchor section is an auger, wherein the sections are hinged together with the pole section lying on the ground after the auger is screwed into the ground, and wherein the pole section can then be hoisted or lifted around hinge to an upright position, and wherein cooperating elements of connector structure are provided on the sections for firmly affixing the sections together with the anchor section remaining in the ground and with the pole in a desired upright position.

Abstract: A pole anchoring system for supporting a hollow distribution pole vertically over a hard support surface, such as rock, concrete or the like is described. The anchoring system comprises a solid plug of predetermined length and diameter adapted for close fit in a lower section of a hollow distribution pole. A harness assembly is connected about the lower section of the hollow distribution pole by connectors. The harness assembly has at least three anchor bolt restraining guides which are vertically spaced-apart about the harness assembly for captively receiving an upper portion of an anchor bolt of an anchor bolt assembly in each of the restraining guides. The anchor bolt assembly has a lower anchoring section and an upper anchor actuation section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball base securing device comprising a buried hollow receiving tube and a spring biased cover. Generally, the baseball base, having a downwardly extending anchor member is receivable by and removable from the receiving tube. The spring biased cover is insertable into the receiver and positionable between a flush position and a retracted position within the receiver. The cover is in the flush position just under the surface, when the anchor of the baseball base is removed from the receiver. The cover is traversed to the retracted position when the anchor of the baseball base is inserted into the receiving tube. The cover, including a air permeable seal around the perimeter, and in contact with the sidewall of the receiving tube pushes dirt out from the receiving tube when the anchor of the base is being removed therefrom, and the cover prevents environmental debris or dirt from entering the receiver when the anchor is not inserted into the receiver.

Abstract: A lightweight and flexible concrete forming tube for columns and pads is disclosed, wherein the tube has a very thin wall of high strength fabric and a longitudinal fabric tab running the length of the tube. The tab is sandwiched between two vertical support members made of lumber. The vertical support members and attached fabric tube are then accurately located and braced. As the interior of the tube is filled with concrete, the hydrostatic pressure causes the tube to form a cylindrical shape, thereby accurately aligning itself across from the vertical support members. The use of fabric prevents the problems associated with using cardboard forms, which weaken when exposed to moisture.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a device or for carrying articles on a device includes a ring structure and at least one container attached to the ring structure. The ring structure includes a container holder and a shaft holder. The at least one container is attached to the ring structure via the container holder.

Abstract: A screw pile stem includes a shank having an inwardly tapered portion at one end, and a helical screw on the shank, with the helical screw being of constant pitch and at least a part of the helical screw being on the tapered portion, and with a major diameter of the part of the helical screw on the tapered portion decreasing towards a small end of the tapered portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reinforcing a ground on which is disposed a loading structure, comprising a series of structural inclusions disposed in the ground and adapted to mechanically reinforce said ground, the inclusions having a diameter D comprised between substantially 0.2 m and 0.6 m, two adjacent inclusions being separated by a distance (A) such as 2D≦A≦10 D, the series of inclusions being made of a material having a Young's modulus of between 500 and 10,000 MPa, a load transmitting layer interposed between the ground and the loading structure, said layer having a Young's modulus less than the Young's modulus of the series of inclusions, a first nominal height between two adjacent inclusions of the series, and a second height less than the first nominal height at locations situated just above the series of inclusions, where the load transmitting layer is plastically compressed by the inclusions which partially penetrate within the load transmitting layer.

Abstract: A screw pier has an elongated shaft with a screw adjacent one end thereof. Soil displacing members are disposed on the shaft. The soil displacing members may be drawn through soil by turning the screw. A soil displacing member closer to the screw may be smaller than one or more soil displacing members farther from the screw. A driving tool may be provided for turning the screw.

Abstract: An elongated pilot member is forced into the ground and an auger with a hollow stem is positioned around the pilot member and rotated to move the auger into the ground. A second elongated member is coupled to the pilot member and an upward force is applied to the auger stem or to an extension thereof to enable a downward force to be applied to the second elongated member to force the second elongated member and the pilot member into the ground. The second elongated member and the auger stem then are attached together and to a foundation support member for providing support for a foundation.

Abstract: A fiber architecture in the form of an elongate beam having a hollow polygonal cross section with a plurality of substantially flat exterior sides and a corner between each pair of adjacent exterior sides. The cross section is substantially thicker adjacent each corner. The fiber architecture includes a first fabric layer extending around the beam, a layer of circumferential longitudinal rovings extending around the beam adjacent the outside of the first fabric layer, corner longitudinal rovings coterminous and integral with the outside of the circumferential rovings adjacent each corner, and a second fabric layer extending around the beam adjacent the outside of the corner rovings and adjacent the outside of the circumferential rovings not covered by corner rovings. The fabric architecture may be impregnated with resin to form a composite pole that may be used as a utility pole.

Abstract: A building construction method includes the steps of forming pile holes, installing piles, installing pile connecting beams, forming a concrete ground floor structure, erecting a building framework, forming walls on the building framework, and forming floors on the building framework. The construction method facilitates the construction of low-rise buildings at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: A column for use in post-frame construction having a two piece construction in which a first or foundation column portion of the column is set into the earth with a proximal end thereof protruding from the earth. The proximal end of the foundation column includes a column bracket for joining the foundation column to a wooden column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention. The foundation column of the present invention comprises a precast concrete column. The foundation column of the present invention advantageously resists degradation of its mechanical properties due to environmental influences while providing the necessary strength to support a post-frame building, including, e.g., the environmental loads received by the building. The wood column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention advantageously provides ease of workability to complete construction of a post-frame building.

Abstract: A pier support system comprises a support pier with a load-spreading plate that is laterally braced at the top to an anchor plate pinned to the ground just under the periphery of a modular building. The support pier is placed directly under the support girders of the modular building at critical points, and the lateral bracing runs outboard at a down angle of 35°-55°. Sufficient working room exists just inside the periphery of the modular building for large pinning rods to be driven into the ground through the anchor plate.

Abstract: A device to inexpensively repair a wooden post that has rotted or failed. The device comprises a plate which has a plurality of holes drilled or punched in it for attaching above ground level to a side of a wooden post and at least two rods depending out and down from the face of the plate. At least one of the rods depends near the top of the plate and at least one of the rods depends near the bottom of the plate. This location of the rods allows them to work cooperatively in tension-compression to counteract a moment tending to overturn the post. The rods extend into a hole dug in the soil adjacent to the existing post footing. After the fence has been aligned as desired, the hole is filled with concrete surrounding the rods.

Abstract: A caisson for use as a support structure in building construction. The caisson has an inner, metallic core and an outer portion surrounding the inner core. Both the inner core and the outer portion are cylindrical. Metallic straps or bands can be disposed peripherally, in spaced apart relation, around the inner core for anchoring it to the outer portion of the caisson. The inner, metallic core is usually steel and the outer portion is concrete or grout. A 22″ diameter caisson manufactured in accordance with this invention is capable of supporting more than 2,400 tons. A hollow, cylindrical, steel shell optionally surrounds the outer periphery of the outer portion of the caisson.

Abstract: The Rigid Polyethylene 4×4 Fence Post Form (Rigid Post Form) is a rigid sleeve with a bottom, designed to fit over the end of 4×4 wooden posts to allow for removal of a post after cementing in place. The Rigid Post Form is held in place with two stainless steel screws at the top of the sleeve. The Rigid Post Form also provides protection of wooden posts from wood rot below grade-level and damage from wood rot and lawn tools at grade-level. The Rigid Post Form is easy to install and is cost effective.

Abstract: A screw pier has an elongated shaft with a screw adjacent one end thereof. Soil displacing members are disposed on the shaft. The soil displacing members may be drawn through soil by turning the screw. A soil displacing member closer to the screw may be smaller than one or more soil displacing members farther from the screw. A driving tool may be provided for turning the screw.

Abstract: A easily installable fence post for fence posts. The easily installable fence post includes an elongated member having a first end and the second end. An auger bit portion for extending into a ground surface has a pointed end and a blunt end. The blunt end is integrally coupled to the first end of the elongated member such that the auger bit has a longitudinal axis is generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: A post base has an upwardly-tapering portion. The base is designed to be at least partially buried in the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved wood post protective sleeve that provides protection against conditions that promote post deterioration, allows for rapid dissipation of trapped exhaust air within the sleeve upon insertion of the post into the sleeve, and provides increased resistance to uplifting or downpressing displacing forces placed upon the post. In one form, the improved post protective sleeve comprises a body and at least one extending displacement resistant projection. The body comprises an internal surface and an external surface with an open end opposed to a bottom wall. The open end slidably receives a ground insert portion of a post. The bottom wall retains the ground insert portion of the post. At least one displacement resistant projection extends from the external surface, and a retainer secures the ground insert portion of the post to the body, preventing the ground insert portion of the post from uplifting out of and separating from the body.

Abstract: An efficient structural composite suitable for a cantilever applications in nonomnidirectional uses, such as that of highway guardrail posts, assembled from recycled plastic or rubber material as compressive elements with embedded formed sheet steel as tensile elements and shear transfer by encapsulation of said tensile elements in said compressive elements. Structural integrity and/or specific maximum service loads can be achieved through design sizing of shear-transfer elements allowing for intended catastrophic structural failure, which is useful in highway guardrail system design.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation of a structure under tension and compression relative to a pier anchored into the ground. The apparatus comprises a support member connected to the foundation by a plate and a V-shaped brace. A rod passes through the support member and is connected to the pier. Two fasteners threadably engage the rod above and below the support member, respectively, so that the central support member remains slidable along the rod between the first and second fasteners. A lift bracket is removably connected to the support member and a jack is inserted between the rod and the lift bracket. The jack is operated to exert a force between the rod and the lift bracket so that the support member slides along the rod between the first and second anchors as the foundation is lifted. The first and second anchors are then tightened against the support member so that it is held firmly in place relative to the rod to support the foundation under tension and compression.

Abstract: A means and method for rigidly elevating a structure includes a base member securable in the ground and which has a portion extending above the ground. A pole section, having a bore inside a lower end, and an upper end, can be stacked upon the base means upwardly by slip fitting the pole section onto the base end and securing it in place. A flexible, easily transportable and durable system is thereby created for elevating structures.

Abstract: A method for making piles and apparatus for practising the method of the invention are disclosed. The invention may be used to support the foundation of a structure, such as a building. The method draws one or more soil displacing members on a shaft down through a body of soil by turning a screw at the lower end of the shaft. The soil displacing members force soil out of a cylindrical region around the shaft. The cylindrical region is filled with grout to encapsulate and strengthen the shaft. The grout may be fed by gravity from a bath of grout around the shaft. The methods of the invention may be used to make stepped piers at much lower cost than existing methods. The invention provides methods for coating the screw portion of a screw pier with grout to protect the screw from the action of corrosive soils and to reinforce helical screws.

Abstract: A pole is mounted in a tubular filament wound support mounted in the ground and supporting the pole standing upwardly therefrom so as to provide an extension for the pole to increase its height or to replace a rotten lower end or to provide an environmentally friendly mounting which avoids toxic preservatives reaching the ground. The tubular body has a hollow interior with one end substantially closed by a dome shaped insert formed during the filament winding process and an opposed open end for receiving a bottom end portion of the pole as a loose fit. A first engagement arrangement on the tubular body is arranged adjacent the open mouth and includes three clamping screws mounted in a reinforcing ring formed by an annular rib of wound filament.