Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A drilled, cast-in-place shell pile in the form of a cementacious pipe surrounding an earthen core. The pile is cast in an annular kerf drilled in the soil with a rotating hollow cylindrical core barrel. The earthen core within the annular kerf remains in place to form the core of the shell pile and act as a form. The cylindrical shell of the pile transfers load from above to the soil mass below through skin friction, and may be reinforced against tension loads by a plurality of reinforcing bars. The earthen core has end bearing capabilities to assist in transferring loads from above. Soil excavated from the annular kerf may be mixed with cement to form a cementitious soil/cement mixture to be pumped into the annular kerf to form the cylindrical shell. This cementitious mixture, while in a fluid state, is pumped into the excavation as the core barrel is removed. A mixing/circulating unit is provided for on-site mixing of dry cement with the cuttings and other materials to form the cylindrical shell. The shell pile may be used in soil solidification or soil improvement applications, or a plurality of such shell piles may be constructed as secant wall shell piles to form a cementitious barrier against lateral migration of moisture, soil contaminants, or other substances.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim