Abstract: A device for testing the loading of a test pile extending downwardly into the ground. The device includes a reaction pile axially disposed inside the test pile and a reference pile axially disposed inside the reaction pile. The reaction pile extends further into the ground than the test pile and the reference pile extends further into the ground than the reaction pile. A loading device simultaneously exerts a downward force on the test pile and an upward reaction force on the reaction pile such that the test pile moves downwardly, and a laser distance measurement system, attached to the test pile and extending axially therewith, also moves downwardly. The laser distance measurement system resides in a test chamber defined by a shroud circumscribing the test device and secured to the top of the test pile so as to move downwardly therewith.

Abstract: A grooving depth indicator for a highway grooving or milling machine comprises a display device which is coupled by means of a cable to a mechanism which is employed to adjust the cutting depth of the machine. The display device includes an indicator scale which rotates relative to a zero marker, the scale being caused to rotate by a shaft on which a pulley is mounted. The coupling cable, which is maintained under tension by a spring bias, engages the pulley.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved self-contained, environmentally isolated, multi-parametric measuring apparatus and method for sampling and determining the dynamic loading characteristics of a soil bed. The apparatus is specially adapted to withstand the extreme pressure of deep water applications. In operation, a drill string presses the apparatus of the invention into a soil bed at an uncontrolled rate resulting in a variable penetration rate. The apparatus has a self-contained data acquisition system that measures and records, as a function of time, the force exerted on the sampling apparatus and the depth of penetration as the drill string presses the sampling apparatus into the soil bed. Data is provided that enables the user to determine the static soil characteristics (e.g., shear strength and stress-strain characteristics) and the dynamic loading characteristics of the soil bed. The apparatus captures a sample of the soil for laboratory analysis.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved self-contained, environmentally isolated, multi-parametric measuring apparatus and method for sampling and determining the dynamic loading characteristics of a soil bed. The apparatus is specially adapted to withstand the extreme pressures of deep water applications. In operation, a drill string presses the apparatus of the invention into a soil bed at an uncontrolled rate resulting in a variable penetration rate. The apparatus has a self-contained data acquisition system that measures and records, as a function of time, the force exerted on the sampling apparatus and the depth of penetration as the drill string presses the sampling apparatus into the soil bed.Data is provided that enables the user to determine the static soil characteristics (e.g., shear strength and stress-strain characteristics) and the dynamic loading characteristics of the soil bed. The apparatus captures a sample of the soil for laboratory analysis.

Abstract: A method for determining the liquefaction potential of cohesionless (granular) soils is provided in which a rotational shear vane assembly having a plurality of radially disposed blades (herein a Piezovane) is mounted to a shaft having a porewater pressure transducer mounted to such assembly and communicating to an outer edge of at least one the blades, with a torque transducer mounted to such shaft and a potentiometer connected to an upper portion of the shaft to measure rotational displacement of such blades. The vane assembly blades are inserted into undisturbed soil and rotated one or more turns to obtain porewater pressure response measurements from the soil shear surface defined by the blade ends along with torque and rotational displacement measurements. A porewater pressure increase indicates a contractive soil which has the potential to liquefy (and cause landslides) while a porewater pressure decrease indicates a dilating soil which does not readily liquefy and is suitable for building thereon.

Abstract: A method and device for determining in-situ rheological properties of earth materials are disclosed. A low-angle cone penetrometer is pushed into a predrilled cylindrical pilot hole of smaller diameter, to cause enlargement of the pilot hole. In one embodiment, the load applied to the cone is held constant and the relationship between the cone penetration and the time is recorded. In another embodiment, either the load on the cone or the rate of penetration into the pilot hole is held constant and the relationship between the penetration or the penetration rate and the resistance of the material against the enlargement of the pilot hole is recorded. The rheological properties of the material, such as the creep and time or rate-dependent deformation and strength properties, are then deduced from the recorded data.

Abstract: The turf gauge includes a housing, a probe assembly which is spring biased within the housing with a probe to penetrate into a green and a scale member to indicate the depth of penetration of the probe. A handle of the turf gauge acts to lock the scale member in place so that a reading can be obtained after withdrawal of the gauge from the green. The construction of the turf gauge permits ready replacement of spacer rings for changing the pre-stress of the spring on the probe assembly.

Abstract: A ground implanted support system includes a plurality of conical base members having irregular configurations in transverse cross section which are inserted in preformed complementary holes formed by a tool which is uniformly forced into the ground either manually or by controllable force producing means and thereafter each of the implanted base members receives a bolt, a plug, a post, or the like in a precast opening in the top of each base member. In a preferred form of the invention, the base members are precast from concrete and the base members are not inserted completely in the ground which reduces corrosion of the part being supported by the base members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the load bearing capacity of a surface by continuously transporting a known load along the surface and measuring the resulting deformation thereof. In one embodiment a contactless laser transducer is mounted directly in front of and behind a loaded wheel for measuring the elevation of the surface before and after the load. A computer determines the difference between the measured elevations which is indicative of the load bearing capacity of the surface. Conventional recording, display, and storage equipment are provided for recording, displaying, and storing the elevation values and the corresponding differences. The load velocity and longitudinal position may also be determined and stored with the corresponding elevation and difference values.

Abstract: A conventional borehole shear tester is modified by incorporating a volume-monitoring accessory in the non-pressurized chamber vent line. This accessory includes a fluid reservoir operatively connected to the non-pressurized chamber of the shear head unit. A change in the level of fluid in the reservoir indicates changes in the volume of the non-pressurized chamber, which in turn indicates a change in shear head diameter. By maintaining a constant fluid level in the reservoir, the volume of the non-pressurized chamber remains constant and the shear head diameter remains constant. Thus, with the shear head diameter fixed, the normal pressure exerted on the wall of the borehole varies as the soil dilates or consolidates. Accordingly, the modified borehole shear tester of the present invention simulates friction pile behavior.

Abstract: A soil penetration testing system for testing soils within a bore hole. The system including a drive-weightassembly (11) positionable with the bore hole (B). The drive-weight assembly (11) has a casing (20) containing an anvil (23), a hammer (33) movable relative to the anvil (23) and a hammer lifter (50) to move the hammer (33) a preselected distance selectively to impact against the anvil (23). A penetration member (26) is carried on the anvil (23) in such fashion to penetrate the soil. A winch line (12) and winch (13) are provided to position the drive-weight assembly (11) within the bore hole (B); and a cathead line (15) also is provided to actuate the drive-weight assembly (11) when positioned within the bore hole (B).

Abstract: This invention is a testing device for concrete having a cylindrical housing adapted to be inserted in a preformed or drilled cylindrical hole in the concrete. The lower end of the cylindrical housing has one or more openings equi-distantly spaced. These openings have bearing shoes therein which are forced outwardly against the concrete by eccentric cams or a force rod which bears against the bearing shoes. A measuring device connected to the cams or force rod measures the pressure on the shoes and a distance which they extend into the concrete to measure the modulus of elasticity of the concrete from which the ultimate compressive strength of the concrete and other parameters may be determined. The device may be calibrated to yield the ultimate compressive strength directly.

Abstract: A soil analyzer and penetrator for driving into the ground, having a hydraulic ram with a longitudinal opening with a hollow tubing extending through the opening. A two-way chucking mechanism engages the outside of the tubing for driving the tubing into the ground and pulling the tubing from the ground. A coiling and straightening mechanism is positioned above the ram engaging the tubing for coiling the tubing as it is removed from the ground and straightening the tubing when it has been driven into the ground. A cone is connected to the bottom end of the tubing and may be of various types for measuring various ground parameters and inserting or removing materials into/from the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the load bearing capacity of a surface by continuously transporting a known load along the surface and measuring the resulting deformation thereof. In one embodiment a contactless laser transducer is mounted directly in front of and behind a loaded wheel for measuring the elevation of the surface before and after the load. A computer determines the difference between the measured elevations which is indicative of the load bearing capacity of the surface. Conventional recording, display, and storage equipment are provided for recording, displaying, and storing the elevation values and the corresponding differences. The load velocity and longitudinal position may also be determined and stored with the corresponding elevation and difference values.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for measuring soil shear strength which includes a torque motor connected to a torque shaft, torque cell and vane which extend beneath the soil surface. The torque cell is located between the shaft and the vane; and measures soil shear strength. It includes a torque transmission member on which an electrical transducer is mounted; and a housing which surrounds the transmission member and defines an annular cavity which protectively surrounds the transducer.

Abstract: A device which separately measures the skin friction and the load-bearing capacity of the earth at the bottom of a hole. An expansion device is in the bottom of the hole, with a shaft resting on top it. A pressurized fluid is pumped into the expansion device, via a coaxial pipe and rod, to fill and expand it. By observing the movements of the rod and pipe responsive to the expansion and relative to the ground surface, it is possible to record the pressure versus upward movement of the shaft and the pressure versus downward movement of the earth below the bottom of the shaft. The ultimate or maximum skin friction is indicated when the load-upward movement curve plotted from the data indicates no further increase in load with upward movement. The ultimate end bearing capacity is indicated when the load-downward movement curve indicates no further increase in load with downward movement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for driving projectiles into the ground to acquire useful information about the soil and underlying strata of the earth. The projectile is attached to an oscillating hammer by a resilient spring-mass-spring connection whereby the hammer exerts a cyclically-varying force upon the projectile either with or without direct contact, change between the non-contact and contact modes taking place automatically in response to changes in ground resistance. A remotely-adjustable resilient stop, for instance in the form of a controllable gas spring, may supplement the spring-mass-spring connection and be operable to vary the characteristics of the connection between the hammer and the projectile during use. Also the projectile may be in the form of a hollow coring tube adapted to take core samples and the apparatus may be equipped with instruments which, as core samples are taken, simultaneously give an output indicating the resistance of the ground to penetration by the projectile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the driving resistance and velocity of piles during driving utilizing a strain gage accelerometer mounted on the pile. The accelerometer is constructed of a material having high internal dampening characteristics and is excited by alternating current electric signals. The acceleration signals of the accelerometer are electronically integrated to provide a measurement of velocity and an accurate blow count, which may be simultaneously recorded on two separate recording media. The velocity measurements are integrated a second time to derive a measure of pile displacement for selected hammer blows, which in turn enables the driving resistance to be determined. Observation of the velocity measurement during pile driving operations permits anomalous data to be eliminated prior to the calculation of driving resistance.

Abstract: The bore hole rock shear testing device of the present invention comprises a case assembly having a longitudinal axis, a driving block, at least one wedge member, and a restraint member. The wedge member is positioned between the restraint member and the driving block and includes a rock engaging surface facing radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the case assembly. The driving block and the wedge member have complimentary tapered surfaces which cause the rock engaging surface to be urged radially outwardly when the wedge member is compressed or squeezed between the driving block and the restraint member. Power means are provided for moving the driving block toward the restraint member, and a restraint mechanism selectively holds the restraint member against movment.

Abstract: The invention disclosed includes a method of and apparatus for measuring the subsurface bearing strength of soil and the frictional resistance of the soil to movement of a pile through the soil. A probe is used for this purpose that includes two relatively movable members, an inner plunger with a flat face, and an outer tubular member. By measuring the forces imposed by the soil at different locations on the probe as the relatively movable members of the probe are moved through the soil the bearing capacity and the skin friction of the soil can be calculated.

Abstract: The soil testing device of the present invention includes a tapered body member having opposite tapered surfaces which converge toward one another at their lower ends. Within one of the tapered surfaces is a cavity having a diaphragm placed thereover. Beneath the diaphragm are a plurality of sensors which extend in a line between the upper and lower ends of the cavity. Means are provided for introducing fluid pressure into the cavity. When the device is inserted into the soil, the sensors sense the various pressures being exerted on the diaphragm by the soil, and record these pressures on a gauge or meter located above the surface of the soil.

Abstract: A device for determining the shear strength of rock and soil is disclosed. The device includes means for supporting the device within a borehole, a primary shaft, a plurality of shearing units slidably attached to the shaft having shear heads which are movable from a retracted position to a material-engaging expanded position, and a slip joint between adjacent shearing units such that the units operate independently from one another. The shearing units apply progressively greater normal forces on the material to be tested and sequentially shear the material being tested.In operation, the device is lowered into a borehole. Then the shearing units are moved from their retracted position to their expanded material-engaging position so as to apply progressively greater normal forces on the material to be tested. An axial force is then applied to the shaft so that the material engaged by the shearing unit closest to the anchor shears.

Abstract: A device for performing soil inspection by means of a tube to be driven into the soil, comprising driving means which grip around the tube substantially coaxially said driving means comprising either a cylinder with a hollow piston rod or pairs of opposed driving wheels. Auxiliary means are provided for facilitating soil inspection operations with such a device, such as an improved pressing and pulling head, and means for signal transfer from a measuring cone towards measuring instruments at the soil surface.

Abstract: The ultra-flat pressure plate material tester for sounding concrete, comprises two facing side plates in the form of circular segments, of which the circular edges are turned back inwards by more than 90.degree. and assembled against one another by a flexible weld. The rectilinear edges of the side plates are assembled by using a U shaped obturator. Two elements for coupling to the hydraulic circuit are provided.

Abstract: The device of the present invention comprises a frame having at least one sensor mounted thereon. The sensor includes a diaphragm flush with one surface of the frame, a porous filter flush with one surface of the frame, and a strain gauge bonded to diaphragm and in electrical communication with a read-out instrument. A passageway in the frame provides communication between the filter and the diaphragm such that the water pressure of the saturated soil is transmitted through the filter such that the soil pore pressure is exerted on the back side of the diaphragm. Simultaneously, the total pressure of the saturated soil is exerted on the front side of the diaphragm when the device is embedded in the soil. The strain gauge measures the net pressure on the diaphragm which is equal to the soil effective stress, thus giving a direct measurement of such stress.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for lubricating a string of hollow rods connected to a cone penetrometer within a probe hole, as used in geotechnical "in situ" testing. The rods have aligned bores to receive a drilling or lubricating fluid which passes along the rods to a perforated lubricating apparatus extending between an inner end of the string of rods and the cone penetrometer. Preferably a major portion of an outer surface of the lubricating apparatus is within a maximum cross-section of the cone penetrometer. A longitudinal bore within the lubricating apparatus communicates with a plurality of lubricating openings in the outer surface of the lubricating apparatus body. Thus lubricating fluid within the string of rods passes in to the longitudinal bore of the body and is dispersed through the plurality of the lubricating openings to the outer surface of the body, so as to stabilize side wall of the probe hole and to lubricate the string of drill rods within the probe hole.

Abstract: A free falling or projectable penetrometer for simultaneously determining a multiplicity of ground characteristics during penetration and retracking cycles and while at rest following full penetration. The apparatus employs a multitude of sensing elements and is further characterized by the presence of at least three electrode pairs one aligned with the central axis of the penetrometer with the other two pairs being positioned orthogonally in a common plane that is itself perpendicular to the central axis. An onboard power supply is included together with telemetry equipment to generate ground characteristics and transmit such signals.

Abstract: A method of insitu testing of soil compressibility comprises boring a hole in the soil to be tested, reconstituting the lateral stress environment in the soil adjacent the bottom of the borehole and then performing vertical compression tests directly on the undisturbed material at the bottom of the borehole. The testing apparatus of the invention includes a cylindrical container adapted to be pushed to the bottom of the borehole. An inflatable circumferential membrane around the exterior periphery of the container is inflated to reconstitute the lateral stress environment. The load may be applied to the base of the borehole by either a closed or inflatable fluid cell or directly by a flat or stepped load plate.In one embodiment of the invention, a thin-walled cylindrical tube penetrates the soil at the base of the borehole so as to laterally support the test soil for substantially one-dimensional vertical compression testing.

Abstract: Various means for providing rigidity to the flexible hose of a water jet iment probe that is used to determine thickness and types of underlying sediment beneath land or seafloor is disclosed. A series of interconnecting rods or pipe sections are used to stiffen a length of flexible hose to a desired probe depth to enable a single operator to bore a hole of indefinite depth without assistance.

Abstract: The apparatus for simulating soil mechanical impedance on the root growth potential attempts to mimic the growth patterns of soil roots. The penetration probe consists of a right conical element attached to a shaft for forcing the conical probe into the soil. The tip of the cone is provided with a plurality of bores which deliver a polymerized carbohydrate lubricant to the cone during soil penetration. This results in a reduction in the axial reaction forces and more accurately mimics the radial growth patterns of plant roots. Moreover, the lubricant mimics lubricants which plant roots naturally exude.

Abstract: An automatic drive hammer system, particularly adapted to use in the Standard Penetration Test, is mounted on a drill rig in such a way that it can be swung and translated to an on-hole working position. A hammer reciprocating mechanism is so mounted that its weight is not borne entirely by the drill rod, the hammer is dropped free through an accurately predetermined height onto an anvil isolated from the reciprocating mechanism so that all of the energy from the falling hammer is transmitted to the drill rod, and the hammer will not be lifted and released if the anvil is not in place.

Abstract: The invention disclosed includes a method of and apparatus for measuring the sub-surface bearing strength of soil and the frictional resistance of the soil to movement of a pile through the soil. A probe is used for this purpose that includes three relatively movable members, an inner plunger with a flat face, an inner tubular member, and an outer tubular member. By measuring the force required to move the members through the soil together and separately the bearing capacity and the skin friction of the soil can be calculated.

Abstract: A quasi-static electrical friction sleeve cone penetrometer probe which includes a main body, portion of the body being a cone load cell connectible to a cone for measurement of cone resistance. A friction sleeve load cell is connectible to the main body, and a friction sleeve is connectible to the friction sleeve load cell for separate measurement of side friction. Each load cell has strain gauges attached around an outer surface, and balancing circuitry located within the cell. The friction sleeve is supported against lateral forces by three annular sleeves located on the main body, friction sleeve load cell and the cone.

Abstract: A rail vehicle for track investigation is provided which comprises an excavator attached to said vehicle for removing material supporting the rails and disposed below the rail level, a support provision attached to the rail vehicle and a measurement unit attached to the support provision. The measurement unit includes a frame supported by the support provision, a pressure plate held by the frame and capable of being lowered down to below the formation level and of being lifted up and disposed in its upper rest position such that it is at a level above the track region for preventing interference with line travel and a pressure piston adapted to an opening in said pressure plate and capable of substantially vertical motion relative to the pressure plate for pressing into the subgrade to be tested.

Abstract: A quasi-static cone penetrometer for subsoil investigation by simultaneously generating three sets of data, namely cone tip penetration resistance, sleeve friction resistance, and acoustical information, all as a function of depth. The penetrometer has a substantially smooth cylindrical outer surface terminating in a cone tip. The lower portion of the smooth cylindrical outer surface is provided by a friction sleeve immediately above the cone tip insulated from it by acoustic attenuation means. A microphone in the tip (or elsewhere in the penetrometer) is responsive to acoustical input generated, for example, by the tip moving through the soil, and sound barrier means holds said microphone firmly in place. The sound barrier means, the acoustic attenuation means, and the acoustical dampening means substantially isolate the microphone from the core ring and from the friction sleeve. A tip load cell is joined to the cone tip and insulated from it acoustically by acoustical-dampening means.

Abstract: A pipe clamp suitable for transmitting a tensile force as well as a compression force to a pipe comprises a housing (18) having a cylindrical inner wall, an opening (19) for passing a pipe to be clamped, two guide blocks (21,22) each having a sliding surface (32,33) running obliquely with respect to the axis of the opening (19), and two clamping blocks (34,35) which may cooperate with the oblique sliding surface of the respective guide block. The axis of the cylindrical inner wall of the housing (18) and of the opening (19) are substantially perpendicular with respect to each other and the guide blocks (21,22) may be rotated over 180.degree.. By rotating the guide blocks the pipe clamp can be switched from the pulling condition to pressing and vice versa.

Abstract: A drill string is provided at its lower end with a downwardly directed point having an upright cylindrical outer surface and a bore opening at this surface. A rod is provided in the bore and has a rod end horizontally displaceable therein between an inner position generally flush with the surface and an outer position spaced horizontally outwardly from the surface. In the inner position the point can be driven or drilled down into the ground. A fluid cylinder in the point has a piston connected to the rod that can be pressurized to urge the rod from the inner to the outer position. Thus the position of the rod end relative to the surface can be detected and the pressure exerted horizontally back against the rod end when it is urged outwardly by the pressurizing means can also be determined to establish the penetration resistance of the ground surrounding the point.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the load-bearing properties of piles comprises a cover which fits over the upper end of a pile as a cap. A weight slidable on guide posts extending up from the cover is releasably held in a raised position by wedges acting on a bar which is pivotally connected with the weight and extends up through a tapered opening in a transverse support extending between and supported by upper portions of the guide posts. When the weight is released by moving the wedges upwardly in the tapered opening of the support, it falls by gravity toward the pile cover and engages coil springs mounted on the cover. The springs convert the kinetic energy of the weight into potential energy and apply a reaction force through the cover to the pile for a period of time. Acceleration of the pile and of the weight are measured and recorded. The potential energy of the springs is reapplied to the weight to cause it to rebound to a height lower than its initial height where it is held by the wedges.

Abstract: Method and equipment to determine, in situ, in a rigorous and repetitive way, the load bearing characteristics or geotechnical parameters of a sandy soil, according to the following phases: circumscribing, in situ, in the sandy soil, a sand sample, having a tubular, cylindrical shape, with a predetermined external diameter, a predetermined internal diameter, and predetermined length; applying to the sample, in correspondence to its internal, cylindrical surface, a radial pressure of predetermined value; and applying to the sample, in correspondence to its upper annular surface, an axial pressure, the value of which is made to increase to a value at which the sample ruptures. The geotechnical parameters are easily deduced from the value of axial pressure which causes the rupture, as well as from the values of the radial pressure and of the internal and external diameters of the sample itself.

Abstract: In apparatus for monitoring the degree of compaction achieved by a compacting device including at least one vibrating compacting tool which device is mounted on a vehicle arranged to travel back and forth over a surface to be compacted, the apparatus including a system for detecting the value of an operating parameter which has a known relationship to the effective power of the vibrating compacting tool during each pass of the vehicle over the surface and which is representative of the degree of compaction achieved, there are further provided a representation storage system connected to the detecting system for separately storing representations of the detected values associated with each direction of travel of the vehicle, and a difference forming unit connected to the storage system for providing a representation of the difference between detected values associated with successive passes of the vehicle in the same direction.

Abstract: A static-dynamic penetrometer consists of a cone tip secured to the end of one or more coupled rods and is attached to the lower end of a conventional drill rig assembly and is applied initially in a manner similar to that of the Standard Penetration Test (ASTM:D 1586). A load cell component containing an internaly gauged strain stud is then installed in series at the drill head so that the total applied load can be read on an electric readout device such as an electric analog load-indicator. The necessary reaction for "quasi-static" or "static" loads is supplied by the drill rig. Skin fraction may be measured statically and quasi-statically by withdrawal procedures and this and point bearing loads may be estimated from the data thus obtained.

Abstract: A probe for measuring the characteristics of soil, rock and the like surrounding a bore hole. The probe includes a hollow cylindrical body surrounded by a resilient membrane. The ends of the membrane are clamped to the cylindrical body, and a pressurized fluid is injected into the cylindrical body to expand the membrane until it contacts the walls of the bore hole. Feeler members which are resiliently biased in a radially outward direction contact a relatively large area of the membrane so that the outward movements of the feeler members are a function of the outward expansion of the membrane. The feeler members are instrumented with strain gauges to measure the expansion of the membrane which, along with measurements of the fluid pressure producing the expansion, provides an indication of the stiffness and strength of the material surrounding the bore hole.

Abstract: The method of determining the deformation characteristics of construction materials and soil includes placing a die of a predetermined diameter on a material being tested and subjecting this die to an increasing load. Owing to the deformation of the tested material, the die becomes displaced by a value equalling 0.03 to 10.0 diameters of the die. The displacement of the die is measured, whereafter the load applied to the die is relieved, and the displacement of the die due to the elasticity is measured. The disclosed method enables to reduce the cost of testing with the use of dies, as well as to reduce the cost of foundations, and to enhance the reliability of structures by using information on structural properties and the characteristics of soils.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving the strength of a soft viscous ground are disclosed. For improving the strength of an area of some extent, hardenable liquid consisting essentially of cement milk is injected into each one of a plurality of preselected points for promoting dehydration and compaction of the ground. The liquid is hardened in a short time for forming a rigid tree-like structure. A measure or index for the local ground strength is obtained at first by using a measuring/injection device, and the injection pressure is set to be slightly larger than the measure or index so obtained. The liquid may then be permeated into the soft viscous ground at substantially the same injection pressure until the ground is consolidated satisfactorily.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises two coaxial elements (1,2), a first element (4) provided between the said two elements (1,2) and arranged to combine them and to oppose the relative displacements of the elements along their common axis (3), when a stress along the axis is applied at the free end of one of these elements and directed towards the other element, and also to oppose the relative rotation of the elements, a probe (7) affixed to the free end (6) of one of the elements (2), a second element (8) provided at the free end (5) of the other element (1) to apply the aforementioned stress and a torque to the elements (1,2), a cursor (9) arranged to move along the element (2) bearing the probe (7), parallel to the axis (3), from the free end (10) of the probe (7) towards the other element (1), when the probe penetrates into the body or medium to be measured and a third element (11 ) arranged, in a first position, to enable the aforementioned stress along the axis (3) and the displacement of the cursor (7) on the elem

Abstract: In a hollow stem auger for earth boring of the kind having spring loaded valve members at the bottom of the stem to permit the passage of test implements such as corers and vane test implements, the auger bit is constructed with a cage formation enclosing the valve member and supporting a bottom ring carrying cutting teeth. Interference of the valve members with a test implement is prevented by using an uncoupleable cylindrical sleeve surrounding the implement which sleeve can be lodged between the valve members to hold them open during use of the implement.

Abstract: A reaction tie-down system for axially load testing foundation members is provided by removably interconnecting a plurality of high tensile strength bar members from a base plate within a concrete anchor shaft through an adaptor to load-carrying girders. Hydraulic jacks apply an axial load between the foundation shaft which is to be tested and the girders. The reaction force to this axial load is provided by the reaction tie-down system wherein the force is transmitted from the girder through the rods to the anchor shafts and through the anchor shafts to the surrounding soil. The bar members are arranged in a circular pattern for flexibly matching the number of bar members to the anticipated test load. The bar members threadly mate with the base plate and the adaptor and the bar members are removably encased within the concrete anchor shaft by flexible sheaths. All the components are, therefore, reusable except the embedded base plate assembly and flexible sheaths.

Abstract: A recording soil penetrometer comprising a frame having upper and lower ends with a penetration probe extending downwardly from the lower end of the frame for penetration of the ground. A handle is operatively yieldably vertically movably mounted on the upper end of the frame for forcing the probe downwardly into the ground. A recording drum is rotatably mounted, about a vertical axis, on the frame and is adapted to have pressure sensitive recording paper mounted thereon. A ground-engaging apparatus is vertically movably mounted on the lower end of the frame. A rubber foot is provided on the lower end of the ground-engaging apparatus for engagement with the ground. A scriber is mounted on the upper end of the ground-engaging apparatus which is adapted to scribe the recording paper on the recording drum. A force link apparatus operatively interconnects the handle and the recording drum for causing rotation of the drum relative to the force required to cause the probe to penetrate the soil.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the nature of soil layers by driving a sound carrying a pressure transducer continuously through the soil, measuring the transient pressure generated as the probe moves continuously and then correlating the transient pressure to soil type and condition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining strain data during piling in which a strain gauge transducer mounted to the pile is excited with alternating current signals. The output of the transducer is sensed, amplified and demodulated to produce signals proportional to strain. The demodulated signals are used to control a voltage controlled oscillator whose output is transmitted by a telemetry transmitter via an antenna mounted to the pile. The signals are received at a remote location, converted back to strain proportional signals and recorded. An accelerometer mounted to the pile may be used to remotely turn on the equipment for a predetermined period. The arrangement is particularly suitable for use when piling offshore.