Patent Application
20060275086
The present invention relates generally to segmented underpinning piles for supporting a structure disposed upon the Earth's surface and, in a specific though non-limiting example embodiment, to a piling base apparatus that enables a more effective installation of segmented underpinning piles into the Earth.
Known foundation pile segments (or, more simply, “foundation piles”) are used to transfer loads applied to or resulting from disposition of aboveground structures, such as buildings, slabs, walls and columns. A first pile segment is typically driven into the Earth by means of a driving force, and is then followed by additional pile segments being inserted into the ground space created by the first pile segment. A cable or strand may be fixed to the first pile segment and threaded through successive additional pile segments, thereby enabling a linear stacking of all the pile segments.
Presented herein is a piling base apparatus having a generally solid body, a top end surface, a bottom end surface, and a side surface extending between the top end surface and the bottom end surface. In some embodiments, the surface area of the bottom end surface is less than the surface area of the top end surface. In other embodiments, at least one ridge extends generally about a side surface in a generally downward direction measured from the top end surface toward the bottom end surface. In still other embodiments, each ridge has an offset surface extending generally outward from the surface of the side surface. In further embodiments still, one end of a strand is fixed to the piling base apparatus, with the strand extending outwardly from the top end surface.
A method of making a piling base apparatus is also provided, the method including the steps of: forming two conical section halves, each having a top end surface, a bottom end surface, a side surface, and a cord surface; mutually facing the cord surfaces of the two section halves to one another, aligning the two top end surfaces; and laterally displacing the two side surfaces, thereby forming at least one ridge extending generally about the side surfaces and in a generally downward direction from the top end surfaces to the bottom end surfaces. In a presently preferred embodiment, at least one ridge has an offset surface extending generally outward from at least one of the side surfaces.
Further, a foundation pile system for supporting a structure having a spiral lock starter segment is provided, the system including a pile segment, a cap member, and a support member. In one embodiment, the spiral lock starter has a generally solid body portion, a top end surface, a bottom end surface, and a side surface extending from the top end surface down toward the bottom end surface. In another embodiment, the surface area of the bottom end surface is less than the surface area of the top end surface. In further embodiments, at least one ridge extends generally about the side surface in a generally downward direction from the top end surface to the bottom end surface. It is presently contemplated that each ridge should include an offset surface extending generally outward from the surface of the side surface, and that an end of a strand should be fixed to the piling base apparatus, with the strand extending outwardly from the top end surface. In further embodiments, the pile segment has a hole extending longitudinally therethrough, thereby allowing the strand of the spiral lock starter segment to be threaded there through. A capping member is then placed between the structure and the pile segment, whereby a second end of the strand may be affixed. Finally, a support member abuts between a side of the cap member opposite the pile segment and the structure.
Further, a process for installing segmented underpinning piles for supporting a structure upon the earth is provided, wherein the process includes at least the steps of: driving a threaded piling base having an end of a strand into unexcavated earth a desired distance from the structure; sliding a pile segment on the strand until the pile segment contacts the end of the threaded piling base; and driving the pile segment a further desired distance into the earth. The threaded piling base has a generally solid body, a top end surface, a bottom end surface, and a side surface extending between the top end surface and the bottom end surface. The surface area of the bottom end surface is less than the surface area of the top end surface. At least one ridge extends generally about the side surface in a generally downward direction from the top end surface to the bottom end surface. Each ridge has an offset surface extending generally outward from the surface of the side surface. The end of the strand is fixed to the threaded piling base, the strand extending outwardly from the top end surface.
Each of
Referring now to
In the proposed embodiment of
Means may be provided for connecting pile 1 to other pile segments. In one embodiment, one end of strand 7 is fixedly received by pile 1, anchored or bonded within pile 1 using known bonding means. In a presently preferred embodiment, strand 7 extends outwardly from top end surface 5, typically outward along a common axis established between top end surface 5 and bottom end surface 6. In a particular, though non-limiting, embodiment, strand 7 comprises a steel cable having a high strength, e.g., a steel having approximately 200,000 psi yield strength. The ends of the cable may be painted to indicate cable length. Other materials and methods may be used for connecting pile 1 to other pile segments. Strand 7 may be a solid rod, a single filament wire, composed of metal or plastic, or a material having rope like properties. In an equivalent manner, one or more fasteners distributed on pile 1 may function for strand 7. A female receiving receptacle may be placed on pile 1 for later insertion of a connecting component. A glue or epoxy may be alternatively or conjunctively used as a means for securing or connecting pile 1 to other pile segments.
In an alternate embodiment, ridge offset surface 4 comprises a non-planar ribbon surface, formed by imparting a rotation force relative to top end surface 5 on the narrow dimension of the ribbon surface, as ridge offset surface 4 extends downward toward bottom end surface 6. The non-planar ribbon surface may also be called a flaring screw plane, i.e., a flaring screw plane having a slight curve or curl.
In a further embodiment, ridge offset surface 4 may be formed into the shape of a flaring screw plane through a rotation of ridge offset surface 4 about the common axis of top end surface 5 and bottom end surface 6 as ridge offset surface 4 traverses from top end surface 5 toward bottom end surface 6. As illustrated in
In the embodiment as shown in
In the embodiment as shown in
In a presently preferred embodiment, bottom end surface 6 has a minor axis length of approximately three quarters of an inch, with a major axis length of approximately one and three quarters of an inch.
In one embodiment, the longitudinal distance from top end surface 5 to bottom end surface 6 is typically four and one half inches (4.5″). It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other dimensions of the piling base may be obtained, as required. For example, piling bases may be made longer or shorter and bigger or smaller than the five inch (5″) diameter piles depicted in the Figures. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that there may be certain practical limitations, i.e., strength, to the size and dimensions of the piling base design.
In a presently preferred embodiment, the ratio of the average diameter of top end surface 5 to the average diameter of bottom end surface 6 is approximately six to one (6:1).
A method of making a piling base apparatus of the present invention is to form two conical section halves, each having a top end surface, a bottom end surface, a side surface, and a chord surface. The cord surface forming the conical section half is a plane generally perpendicular to both the top end surface and bottom end surface, intersecting approximately along the common axis of top end surface and bottom end surface.
The two chord surfaces are then faced mutually to one another, aligning the two top end surfaces along a common plane. The two conical section halves are laterally displaced from one another, exposing a portion of at least one of the chord surfaces. The exposed portion of the chord surface forms an offset ridge surface extending generally between the side surfaces and in a generally downward direction from the top end surfaces to the bottom end surfaces.
In an alternate embodiment, pile segments 13 may also be threaded, having ridge offset surfaces along the side surface of pile segments 13.
The piling base apparatus according to the present invention may be used in the process of installing segmented underpinning piles for supporting a structure upon the earth. First, a threaded piling base, pile 1 is driven into unexcavated earth a desired distance from an existing structure 9. One end of strand 7 is fixed to pile 1. A pile segment 13 is slid on strand 7 until pile segment 13 contacts top end surface 5 of pile 1. Pile segment 13 is then driven another desired distance into the earth. These steps may be repeated until the desired total depth is reached, such as until the resistance from the earth reaches a certain required driving force.
In an alternate embodiment, the process of installing segmented underpinning piles may use pile segments that are threaded in conjunction with the threaded piling base.
The use of the threaded piling base, which may also be called a spiral lock starter, when used with threaded pile segments typically enables penetration deeper into the earth and increases efficiency during the installation process.
Thus, the foregoing description is presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the teaching of the relevant art are within the spirit of the invention. Such variations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the relevant structural or mechanical art. Further, the embodiments described are also intended to explain the best mode for practicing the invention, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent that is permitted by prior art.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/629,100, filed Jul. 29, 2003.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10629100 | Jul 2003 | US |
| Child | 11504437 | Aug 2006 | US |
