A pile for use in a ground pile system has a tubular body and one or more sensor modules attached to the tubular body. Each of the one of more sensor modules includes a sensor guard that has a perimeter and a sensor nested within the sensor guard. The sensor is recessed within the perimeter of the sensor guard to protect the sensor during installation of the pile. A data acquisition unit can be used to receive data from the one or more sensor modules. The data acquisition unit includes a solar panel array, a battery charged by the solar panel array, a modem powered by the battery, and a computer powered by the battery. The computer is configured to receive signals from the sensors and transmit the signals to a remote operation center through the modem.

A combination pier includes: a pile disposed in a bore hole from the bottom of the bore hole to a desired depth; and a pier disposed in the bore hole from the desired depth to the surface. A method for constructing a combination pier includes: forming a pile in a bore hole from the bottom of the bore hole to a desired depth; and forming a pier from the desired depth to the surface.

A combination pier includes: a pile disposed in a bore hole from the bottom of the bore hole to a desired depth; and a pier disposed in the bore hole from the desired depth to the surface. A method for constructing a combination pier includes: forming a pile in a bore hole from the bottom of the bore hole to a desired depth; and forming a pier from the desired depth to the surface.

A method for strengthening soils comprising: a step of making in the soil (1) a hole (2) that has a main line of extension which is at least mainly vertical; 5 a driving step wherein a micro-pile (11) is driven into the soil (1) at the hole (2); and a step of filling the hole (2) with a solidifiable material or with a compactable solid granular material; wherein the step of making the hole (2) in the soil (1) comprises an inserting step wherein a punch (4) is inserted in the soil (1) by applying a pressure to the punch, the punch comprising a lower tip (5) insertable in the soil (1), a top portion (6) opposite to the lower tip (5), an axis of extension that extends between the top portion (6) and the lower tip (5) and a cross-section that increases along the axis of extension going away from the lower tip (5), and 5 wherein the step of inserting the punch (4) in the soil (1) also causes compression and compacting of the soil (1) surrounding the hole (2).

A method for strengthening soils comprising: a step of making in the soil (1) a hole (2) that has a main line of extension which is at least mainly vertical; 5 a driving step wherein a micro-pile (11) is driven into the soil (1) at the hole (2); and a step of filling the hole (2) with a solidifiable material or with a compactable solid granular material; wherein the step of making the hole (2) in the soil (1) comprises an inserting step wherein a punch (4) is inserted in the soil (1) by applying a pressure to the punch, the punch comprising a lower tip (5) insertable in the soil (1), a top portion (6) opposite to the lower tip (5), an axis of extension that extends between the top portion (6) and the lower tip (5) and a cross-section that increases along the axis of extension going away from the lower tip (5), and 5 wherein the step of inserting the punch (4) in the soil (1) also causes compression and compacting of the soil (1) surrounding the hole (2).

An offshore structure having a foundation structure, wherein the foundation structure has at least a first and a second profile, the first profile is designed as a pile and the second profile is designed as a pile sleeve, the second profile encloses the first profile over a penetration length, wherein an interspace is formed between the first and the second profile, the interspace has a casting compound filling over the total penetration length, shear elements are provided on the first and/or the second profile, the shear elements extend into the interspace and effect an axial load dissipation into the casting compound filling, the shear elements are provided only over a first partial length of the penetration length, the first partial length is between 65 and 90% of the total penetration length and a second partial length is free of shear elements, wherein the second partial length forms the upper length of the penetration length in the installed position.

An offshore structure having a foundation structure, wherein the foundation structure has at least a first and a second profile, the first profile is designed as a pile and the second profile is designed as a pile sleeve, the second profile encloses the first profile over a penetration length, wherein an interspace is formed between the first and the second profile, the interspace has a casting compound filling over the total penetration length, shear elements are provided on the first and/or the second profile, the shear elements extend into the interspace and effect an axial load dissipation into the casting compound filling, the shear elements are provided only over a first partial length of the penetration length, the first partial length is between 65 and 90% of the total penetration length and a second partial length is free of shear elements, wherein the second partial length forms the upper length of the penetration length in the installed position.

Disclosed is a nesting element for use in a hollow pile. The nesting element is configured to be retained at an opening defined in a wall of the pile. The nesting element comprises a surface that is configured such that, in use, the surface substantially conforms to an internal profile at a transverse cross-section of the pile. Also disclosed are a pile system that employs one or more nesting elements in one or more respective piles, and an installation system for installing the pile system into the ground. Additionally, a method of constructing a retaining wall using the pile system and installation system is disclosed.

Disclosed is a nesting element for use in a hollow pile. The nesting element is configured to be retained at an opening defined in a wall of the pile. The nesting element comprises a surface that is configured such that, in use, the surface substantially conforms to an internal profile at a transverse cross-section of the pile. Also disclosed are a pile system that employs one or more nesting elements in one or more respective piles, and an installation system for installing the pile system into the ground. Additionally, a method of constructing a retaining wall using the pile system and installation system is disclosed.

A system for and method of stabilizing rail track structures using a load transfer apparatus is disclosed. The load transfer apparatus includes a vertical load transfer element and a top load transfer element, wherein the top load transfer element is used to transfer applied locomotive and rail car loads to the vertical load transfer element. In one embodiment, the top load transfer element includes helical flights. In another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a flared top. In yet another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a load transfer cap. In a further embodiment, the top load transfer element includes two or more support legs each with a top support attached thereto. The railroad stabilization system can comprise any one type or any combinations of types of the aforementioned load transfer apparatuses.