Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a molded pile (e.g., 17) that includes a unitary elongated body (52) and an elongated tube (142) residing longitudinally within the elongated body (52). The elongated body (52) includes first (151) and second (154) exterior elongated plates that are spaced apart and opposed to each other. The elongated body (52) also includes a plurality of internal ribs (157) interposed between and being continuous with the first (151) and second (154) exterior elongated plates. The internal ribs (157) together define a plurality of apertures (67) and an elongated passage (160) that extends the length of the elongated body (52). The elongated tube (142) resides within the elongated passage (160), and provides fluid communication between upper (145) and lower (148) ends of the elongated body. Passage of a high pressure fluid (e.g., water and/or air) through elongated tube 142 results in fluidization of a penetrable material (e.g., soil) into which the lower portion (58) of the elongated body (52) is driven. The apertures (67) are dimensioned to receive fluidized penetrable material therein, thereby anchoring the lower portion (58) of the elongated body (52) within the penetrable material (178). The present invention also relates to a method of installing or anchoring the molded pile in a penetrable material (178).

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First Claim