An articulated concrete block system that includes a gabion mattress drainage layer. The two major components of the system reduce the effects of erosion and increase the hydraulic stability in areas that experience high velocity water flows, hydraulic jumps, and will dissipate wave energy action for shoreline and coastal erosion. Geosynthetics are first placed on the ground surface, followed by a gabion mattress drainage layer, a smaller aggregate layer for fine grading, another optional geosynthetic layer, and then the articulated concrete blocks overlie the system.

A caisson or casing 107 for installing a sheet 102/103 into a ground or underwater location, the caisson 107 having a shaped wall 107.1, which is open for a predetermined length and is adapted to receive and connect to an excavation means 3 within the confines of the caisson or casing 107. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a drilling assembly 3 for insertion of a caisson or casing 1, the drilling assembly 3 having one or more expanding drill bits 4 which are adapted to be driven by a drilling or rotation motive device 5, the expanding drill bits 4 being adapted to be arranged with respect to the caisson or casing 1 in use, so as form a hole or bore which substantially conforms to, or substantially overlaps with, the shape of the caisson or casing 1.

Building blocks include a tongue and groove on each block that allow the blocks to be placed in a way that interlocks the tongue and groove of one block with the corresponding groove and tongue, respectively, of another block facing the opposite direction. In a first embodiment, the same building block that has a decorative front face is used for both sides of the wall, resulting in a wall with opposed finished surfaces. In a second embodiment, a first plurality of blocks that have a decorative front face are used for one side of the wall, while a second plurality of blocks that have a thicker and non-decorative face are used for the other side of the wall, with the first and second plurality of blocks interlocking back-to-back via their respective tongues and grooves. Both types of blocks can be made using the same concrete form.

The present invention relates to an erosion control apparatus and methods of using and installing the apparatus. The apparatus is constructed to prevent erosion of soil during typical weather or tidal conditions and adverse weather events. The apparatus can include a plurality of anchored rolls and soil lifts operative to stabilize the shoreline.

The lubrication system includes a hydraulic cylinder pump which receives oil from the pile driver gearbox and an actuating mechanism connected to the pump to move oil therein through an exit line to a spray mechanism in the gearbox housing, providing lubrication to the gearbox bearings before the gearbox elements begin to operate.

A geogrid in the form of an integral, mesh structure includes molecularly orientated polymeric material, with the integral, mesh structure being formed of interconnecting mesh defining elements including elongate tensile elements. The molecular orientation of the integral, mesh structure is uniform throughout the extent thereof.

A system and method for installing a membrane-lined wall for levee reinforcement or leak prevention. The installation system may comprise a sled positioned above the trench having a length, and may comprise a frame and support members, and a weight suspension system mounted on the frame to lower an elongated weight into the trench. The liner installation sled may also include a liner roller rotatably mounted on the frame, the liner roller adapted to hold a roll of a liner above the surface on a first side of the trench when the liner installation sled is in an installation position relative to the trench, wherein a longitudinal axis of the roll of liner can be aligned with the length of the trench. The elongated weight is usable to force the liner into the trench.

An apparatus, system and method of connecting an earthen formation to a facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure in which a connector includes a single piece of wire that defines an opening for coupling the connector to an anchor and a pair parallel legs for mechanically connecting the to a soil reinforcing element.

A concrete block system is provided and allows for the use of a single type of non-integral connector to perform different functions in a mortarless structure, the system comprising a plurality of structural concrete blocks and a plurality of veneer units. The same connector can be used to connect veneer units to structural blocks, to retain the veneer units in different orientations; to create near vertical installations or a setback between stacked rows of structural blocks. In addition, the system provides a single structural block, which can be used for both straight portions or corners of a same structure. The structural block can also be used to create double-sided walls, with opposite lateral walls being configured to received/retain veneer units thereon.

Lifting apparatus for lifting, conveying and/or positioning blocks or slabs, such as blocks or slabs made of concrete, masonry, stone, brick, or similar materials, and methods of lifting, conveying and/or positioning such materials. The lifting apparatus may include two spaced block supporters that are positioned or positionable to respectively mechanically engage a block or slab to support the same mechanically. Upon biasing the two spaced block supporters, the block is engaged and its weight supported, and the block may be lifted, conveyed and/or positioned at a desired location. Unbiasing the block supporters releases the block. A plurality of lifting apparatuses may be used together, including in modular form.