The present inventive subject matter pertains to a device, system, and method that provides a buffer support for buried structures in response to lateral and vertical earth pressures of backfill material. The device having shaped form is able to provide timely response so as to reduce earth pressures of the backfill material exerted onto the buried structure. These behavioral features further enabling an effective geofoam device to be produced in thin proportion that conforms with industry standards.

A foundation component having an elongated shaft with a below-ground end and an opposing above-ground end. The foundation component is installed by sleeving it over a mandrel and applying downward force to the mandrel to insert the component and mandrel into underlying soil. Proximate to the underground end, the shaft has one or more crumple zones formed along its length. When the mandrel is rotated to a locked position and upward force is applied while bracing the above-ground end of the component, one or more of the crumple zones expand transversely into the soil, depending on the soil's density, thereby increasing the component's bearing capacity and resistance to pull out.

A system and method are disclosed for sealing an annular manhole riser ring assembly. A generally flat, bendable liner includes a flat strip that is generally conformably engageable with an interior circumferential surface of the riser ring assembly. An outer surface of the liner strip carries a plurality of spacer elements that form a void between the generally flat liner strip and the engaged inner circumferential surface of the riser ring assembly. An expandable tensioning device is operated to press the riser ring assembly against the circumferential surface of the riser ring assembly. A flexible bonding substance is introduced into the void and allowed to set to seal the riser ring assembly.

A foundation component having an elongated shaft with a below-ground end and an opposing above-ground end. The foundation component is installed by sleeving it over a mandrel and applying downward force to the mandrel to insert the component and mandrel into underlying soil. Proximate to the underground end, the shaft has one or more crumple zones formed along its length. When the mandrel is rotated to a locked position and upward force is applied while bracing the above-ground end of the component, one or more of the crumple zones expand transversely into the soil, depending on the soil's density, thereby increasing the component's bearing capacity and resistance to pull out.

A system and method are disclosed for sealing an annular manhole riser ring assembly. A generally flat, bendable liner includes a flat strip that is generally conformably engageable with an interior circumferential surface of the riser ring assembly. An outer surface of the liner strip carries a plurality of spacer elements that form a void between the generally flat liner strip and the engaged inner circumferential surface of the riser ring assembly. An expandable tensioning device is operated to press the riser ring assembly against the circumferential surface of the riser ring assembly. A flexible bonding substance is introduced into the void and allowed to set to seal the riser ring assembly.

A device for retaining solids includes a meshing, a removable fastener, and a covering. The meshing is made of synthetic material. The removable fastener to secure the covering is made of vegetable fiber to at least one portion of the meshing. The covering is made of vegetable fiber to cover at least part of the meshing.

A reinforcement for strengthening soil areas, ground surfaces, and in particular subsoils, and earthwork structures includes at least one reinforcement element, preferably a plurality of reinforcement elements which, in particular, intersect at an angle, wherein the at least one reinforcement element includes at least one actuator by way of which a property of the reinforcement element can be changed, and in particular at least temporarily changed. A structure on a subsoil, and in particular an earthwork structure includes the aforementioned reinforcement, and a method is provided for operating the aforementioned reinforcement.