A modular foundation support system includes modular foundation support components including shafts provided with integrally formed coupler features on their respective distal ends. The coupler features are configured with a non-uniform wall thickness defining a plurality of sections of respectively different diameter to matingly couple the shafts to one another in a torque transmitting relationship. The coupler features may be integrally formed and fabricated on the distal end of each respective shaft.

A modular foundation support system includes modular foundation support components including shafts provided with integrally formed coupler features on their respective distal ends. The coupler features are configured with a non-uniform wall thickness defining a plurality of sections of respectively different diameter to matingly couple the shafts to one another in a torque transmitting relationship. The coupler features may be integrally formed and fabricated on the distal end of each respective shaft.

A method and apparatus for forming cemented ground support columns is disclosed. Namely, driving mandrels are provided for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns. For example, the driving mandrel includes a feed tube that has a top portion and an expansion head portion. The expansion head portion further includes an expansion (or compaction) chamber and a flexible tubular egress port. Further, construction methods are provided of using the driving mandrels for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns.

A method and apparatus for forming cemented ground support columns is disclosed. Namely, driving mandrels are provided for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns. For example, the driving mandrel includes a feed tube that has a top portion and an expansion head portion. The expansion head portion further includes an expansion (or compaction) chamber and a flexible tubular egress port. Further, construction methods are provided of using the driving mandrels for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns.

A hybrid anchor (10) comprises a caisson comprising a lid (35) and a rigid skirt (37) wherein the skirt defines an open end of the caisson and the lid comprises a valve, the skirt of the caisson being configured to engage with a substrate upon which it is placed, thus defining a sealed interior space and, in use, the skirt (37) is induced to sink into the substrate by evacuating the contents of the interior space through the valve. A drilling template is fixed to the lid (35) of the caisson, the drilling template being configured to receive at least one pile (40) at a respective location relative to the caisson lid (35) such that the at least one pile (40) may be driven though the caisson lid and into the substrate at an angle from 90 degrees to the plane of the lid up to an angle avoiding intersection between the at least one pile and the skirt to fix the position of the hybrid anchor within the substrate.

A hybrid anchor (10) comprises a caisson comprising a lid (35) and a rigid skirt (37) wherein the skirt defines an open end of the caisson and the lid comprises a valve, the skirt of the caisson being configured to engage with a substrate upon which it is placed, thus defining a sealed interior space and, in use, the skirt (37) is induced to sink into the substrate by evacuating the contents of the interior space through the valve. A drilling template is fixed to the lid (35) of the caisson, the drilling template being configured to receive at least one pile (40) at a respective location relative to the caisson lid (35) such that the at least one pile (40) may be driven though the caisson lid and into the substrate at an angle from 90 degrees to the plane of the lid up to an angle avoiding intersection between the at least one pile and the skirt to fix the position of the hybrid anchor within the substrate.

A modular foundation support system includes modular foundation support components including self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler features wherein a plurality of axially elongated ribs are aligned with a plurality of axially elongated ribs to rotationally interlocke the modular foundation support components to one another.

A modular foundation support system includes modular foundation support components including self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler features wherein a plurality of axially elongated ribs are aligned with a plurality of axially elongated ribs to rotationally interlocke the modular foundation support components to one another.

A vertical escape structure comprises an escape housing disposed in a vertical orientation and mounted to a ground to maintain structural integrity in the vertical orientation against external flooding. The escape housing includes an interior which is sealed against water entry from exterior flooding and at least one of a staircase, a ladder, an elevator, or a lift disposed in the interior of the escape housing. The vertical escape structure further comprises a connecting walkway to connect the escape housing to a building. The escape housing has a smaller horizontal footprint than the building. The walkway is severable from the building by force without damaging the escape housing to cause water entry from the exterior flooding.

A recyclable pile foundation is provided. The recyclable pile foundation includes several inner cylinders, several outer cylinders and several reciprocating components which are circumferentially distributed between the inner cylinders and the outer cylinders. Each reciprocating component includes several steel collars, a push-pull rod, a hold component and at least one motion component. The motion components are distributed along the push-pull rod. Each motion component includes at least one triangular connection plate, several connection rods, an inner wedge block, an outer wedge block, a motion block and a pointed rod. When the push-pull rod is pushed along its own axis to the pushed position, the pointed rod protrudes from the outer cylinders to increases the friction between the surrounding soil and the recyclable pile foundation. When the push-poll rod is pulled along its own axis to the pulled position, the pointed rods retract back into the outer cylinders.