Embodiments described herein relate to construction of subsurface structural elements that are configured to redirect soil forces. For instance, a form may be used to construct a subsurface structural element such that the subsurface structural element redirects soil forces to vertically displace a foundation rather than have the soil forces crack or otherwise damage the foundation.

A pile mechanism to support water barrier elements in a self-closing flood barrier is described. The pile mechanism includes a pile that is arranged substantially beneath ground level when the water level is below the ground level, and that is automatically positioned above the ground level when the water level rises above the ground level. In some embodiments, the pile mechanism has a central float that is suited to cause the pile to rise at a water level that is higher than the ground level, a cover element suited to provide a water-tight seal between the pile and at least one water barrier element of the self-closing flood barrier, and a well having at least one flotation compartment from which the pile rises by means of the central float positioned in the flotation compartment.

A pile mechanism to support water barrier elements in a self-closing flood barrier is described. The pile mechanism includes a pile that is arranged substantially beneath ground level when the water level is below the ground level, and that is automatically positioned above the ground level when the water level rises above the ground level. In some embodiments, the pile mechanism has a central float that is suited to cause the pile to rise at a water level that is higher than the ground level, a cover element suited to provide a water-tight seal between the pile and at least one water barrier element of the self-closing flood barrier, and a well having at least one flotation compartment from which the pile rises by means of the central float positioned in the flotation compartment.

An alignment tool for a pile cap is disclosed, wherein the alignment tool comprises: a tensioner configured to apply tension to a cord; a pile cap fastener coupled to the tensioner; and a cord guide coupled to the fastener; wherein the cord guide is configured to guide a cord under tension by the tensioner.

An apparatus for ending a tubular pile foundation includes a substantially plate-shaped pressure distribution plate which comprises a substantially flat plate surface and a contact surface opposite the plate surface for a structure to be erected on the tubular pile foundation. The pressure distribution plate can be fitted with the plate surface onto a pile end of a tubular pile of the tubular pile foundation. At least one centering collar for centering the apparatus on the pile end is arranged on the plate surface, and at least one support structure for reinforcing the pressure distribution plate is arranged on the contact surface.

An apparatus for ending a tubular pile foundation includes a substantially plate-shaped pressure distribution plate which comprises a substantially flat plate surface and a contact surface opposite the plate surface for a structure to be erected on the tubular pile foundation. The pressure distribution plate can be fitted with the plate surface onto a pile end of a tubular pile of the tubular pile foundation. At least one centering collar for centering the apparatus on the pile end is arranged on the plate surface, and at least one support structure for reinforcing the pressure distribution plate is arranged on the contact surface.

A poor foundation reinforcement system and a reinforcement method based on underground concealed arch structures are provided. The system and the method belong to the technical field of poor foundation treatment. The reinforcement system includes multiple columns of pile foundations arranged along a bridge direction. Multiple arch sheets are set in parallel between each two adjacent columns of pile foundations. Each arch sheet includes multiple high-pressure rotary jet piles arranged along the bridge. Each two adjacent arch sheets of the multiple arch sheets are connected by a micro-bending slab disposed on the two adjacent arch sheets, the multiple arch sheets are connected by the micro-bending slabs to together form an arch ring, and a construction joint is disposed between each two adjacent micro-bending slabs of the micro-bending slabs.

A poor foundation reinforcement system and a reinforcement method based on underground concealed arch structures are provided. The system and the method belong to the technical field of poor foundation treatment. The reinforcement system includes multiple columns of pile foundations arranged along a bridge direction. Multiple arch sheets are set in parallel between each two adjacent columns of pile foundations. Each arch sheet includes multiple high-pressure rotary jet piles arranged along the bridge. Each two adjacent arch sheets of the multiple arch sheets are connected by a micro-bending slab disposed on the two adjacent arch sheets, the multiple arch sheets are connected by the micro-bending slabs to together form an arch ring, and a construction joint is disposed between each two adjacent micro-bending slabs of the micro-bending slabs.

Foundation integral construction components and support systems where multiple pile foundation components are incorporated into a structure system that is connected to, or otherwise part of the foundation, can further reduce the need for excavation and thus preserve existing contours and drainage properties of the land. These multiple pile foundation systems, are applicable to a wide variety of site and soil conditions and a wide variety of surface structures or buildings. The multiple pile foundation system can reduce the need for site excavation, drainage control, and soil backfill by transferring load from a portion of a structure to the ground.

Foundation integral construction components and support systems where multiple pile foundation components are incorporated into a structure system that is connected to, or otherwise part of the foundation, can further reduce the need for excavation and thus preserve existing contours and drainage properties of the land. These multiple pile foundation systems, are applicable to a wide variety of site and soil conditions and a wide variety of surface structures or buildings. The multiple pile foundation system can reduce the need for site excavation, drainage control, and soil backfill by transferring load from a portion of a structure to the ground.