Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

Pile foundations for power transmission towers or the like for installation in different types of soil prone to frost heaving include a casing pipe and a dipped pile, comprising a shaft and a toe bulb, secured at the bottom of the shaft. The pile comprises rigid elements that are mounted on the shaft in the direction of horizontal forces acting on the pile against the anticipated horizontal loads. The rigid elements transfer horizontal forces from the pile to the casing pipe.

Pile foundations for power transmission towers or the like for installation in different types of soil prone to frost heaving include a casing pipe and a dipped pile, comprising a shaft and a toe bulb, secured at the bottom of the shaft. The pile comprises rigid elements that are mounted on the shaft in the direction of horizontal forces acting on the pile against the anticipated horizontal loads. The rigid elements transfer horizontal forces from the pile to the casing pipe.

The frost heave prevention system is configured for use with a piling. The piling further comprises a stanchion and a frost pad. The stanchion anchors to the frost pad. The frost pad is a concrete pad that is buried below the frost line such that frost will not cause the frost pad and the stanchion to heave or otherwise shift. The frost heave prevention system comprises a skirt structure and the piling. The skirt structure encloses the piling such that the skirt structure inhibits water from flowing towards the anchor joint between the stanchion and the frost pad thereby inhibiting a common source of failure when using a frost pad.

The frost heave prevention system is configured for use with a piling. The piling further comprises a stanchion and a frost pad. The stanchion anchors to the frost pad. The frost pad is a concrete pad that is buried below the frost line such that frost will not cause the frost pad and the stanchion to heave or otherwise shift. The frost heave prevention system comprises a skirt structure and the piling. The skirt structure encloses the piling such that the skirt structure inhibits water from flowing towards the anchor joint between the stanchion and the frost pad thereby inhibiting a common source of failure when using a frost pad.

Generally, the disclosed technology regards a novel auger annulus adjoinable to a shell useful in encapsulating structural piles to below the earth's surface. The disclosed technology further regards a jacket and auger annulus system useful in encapsulating structural piles. Also provided is a method of positioning a first fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) circular-cylindrical shell at and about the exposed base of a structural pile, thereby encapsulating the pile to below the earth's surface using a jacket and auger annulus.

A concentrically loaded foundation pier system which includes several concentrically stacked steel pipes filled with concrete. The entire pier is installed centrally beneath the footing of the structure. Shims are placed between the top-most pier element and a pier cap which prevents shifting when the soil expands and contracts. The final structure is end-loaded and pressed to the bedrock or other load-bearing strata. An alternative embodiment includes a temporary lifting assembly which can be fastened about the structural pier without need for bolts or other fasteners.