Abstract:
The present application relates to a tool having a cutting means (25, 26) for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting means (32) which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting means is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting device (49, 50) for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting means may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.
Abstract:
The present application relates to a method and apparatus for excavating soil from the ground to form a hole or trench. The tool is provided with a plurality of excavation members which are caused to penetrate the ground in order that soil may be excavated. The direction of excavation of the tool may be adjusted by the use of one or more steering members (10), the or each steering member comprising a steering element (11) which is dísposed, or is operate to be disposed, such that the initial point of contact of the steering element with the ground allows the direction of excavation of the tool to be adjusted. Provides a simple, but effective, mechanical means to adjust the direction of excavation. The steering element may comprise a plate which is angled such that at the point of contact with the ground, the steering members may gently divert the grab in the desired direction. Thus, in this way, any deviation in the direction of excavation can be corrected or at least countered. Furthermore, the direction of excavation of the tool may be monitored which may involve monitoring the plan position of the tool and/ or the verticality of the tool as it penetrates the ground.
Abstract:
The present application relates to a tool having a cutting means (25, 26) for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting means (32) which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting means is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting device (49, 50) for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting means may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.
Abstract:
The present applications relates to improvements in the joint used to couple together adjacent sections of a segmental casing (12) for supporting the wall of a bore formed in the ground. In order to reduce the required gap between complimentary portions (12, 13) of a two-part joint, one of the joint portions is provided with a plurality of discrete elements (21) spaced apart on the inner or outer surface thereof.
Abstract:
The present application relates to an apparatus and method for placing an element (14), such as a steel column or concrete section, into a pile shaft (1) during top-down construction techniques. The apparatus is provided with an upper and lower positioning means (2, 3) which allow the plan position of the element at upper and lower levels respectively to be adjusted.
Abstract:
The present application relates to method of designing and forming a foundation element by consideration of a number of parameters including the contribution of ground material to the overall bearing capacity of the element. Techniques for analysing the load bearing capacity of a composite foundation element are also described which take into consideration the volume of ground material that exists between neighbouring discrete concrete sections.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of measuring the difference in alignment between a first plan position of an element (1) and a second plan position of an element, the method comprising the use of: i) at least one rigid or taut connection (4) extending between a first point (2) at the level of the first plan position and a second point (3) at the level of the second plan position, the first and second points being at an identical displacement from the element; and ii) one or more electrolevel gauges (5) provided on the or each rigid or taut connection, so as to measure the inclination of the rigid or taut connection.
Abstract:
The present application relates to a method of breaking a concrete or grout element (10, 20) having a reinforcement means (11) which has been treated such that it will not substantially adhere to the surrounding concrete or grout. One or more expandable elements (12, 13, 14) are cast within the concrete or grout at a desired level and a fluid is supplied to the expandable element in order to cause the expansion thereof. The pressure exerted by the expandable element on the surrounding concrete as it expands causes said concrete or grout element to break.