SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STRUCTURAL STABILIZATION WITH HIGH-DENSITY POLYMER FOAM NONCORROSIVE ANCHORS AND PIERS

Abstract

In one or more arrangements a system and method are presented for transfer of tensile and compressive forces in stabilization of retaining walls, foundations, elevated decks, and/or other structures. The anchors support the weight 4-14 below the original bearing point. It minimizes the surcharge loads created by the weight of the wall and thus allows them to be spaced closer to one another. The system utilizes a non-corrosive hollow tie-back anchor and a high-density polymer foam injection technique. The system includes a hollow non-corrosive rod, which is used as a tie back anchor by driving the rod into the earth and injecting high-density polymer foam therethrough to form an anchor. A major part of the application is its adaptability to be used in difficult to access areas.

Claims

1. A system for stabilization of structures, comprising: a non-corrosive rod; the non-corrosive rod extending a length between a proximal end and a distal end with a hollow interior extending through the length of the non-corrosive rod; wherein the non-corrosive rod has a plurality of ports positioned proximate to the distal end; wherein the plurality of openings extend from an exterior surface of the non-corrosive rod to the hollow interior; wherein after the distal end of the non-corrosive rod has been driven into the earth, the hollow interior and the plurality of openings provide fluidic path for transporting a polymer foam out from the plurality of openings and into the earth to form an anchor operably connected to the distal end of the non-corrosive rod.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plug; wherein the plug is configured to operably connect with the distal end of the non-corrosive rod and enclose the hollow interior at the distal end of the non-corrosive rod.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plug; wherein the plug is a bolt configure to thread into the hollow interior at the distal end of the non-corrosive rod.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plug; wherein the plug has a conical shaped tip pointing outward from the distal end of the non-corrosive rod.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod is configured to be driven into the earth using a mechanical hammer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod has a set of features formed on the exterior surface; wherein the set of features are configured to prevent movement between the non-corrosive rod and the anchor after the high-density polymer foam has hardened.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod has a set of features formed on the exterior surface; wherein the set of features are configured to prevent movement between the non-corrosive rod and the anchor after the high-density polymer foam has hardened; wherein the set of features include a plurality or protrusions and/or recesses.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod has a set of features formed on the exterior surface; wherein the set of features are configured to prevent movement between the non-corrosive rod and the anchor after the high-density polymer foam has hardened; wherein the set of features include threads formed on the exterior surface.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod has a set of features formed on the exterior surface; wherein the set of features are configured to prevent movement between the non-corrosive rod and the anchor after the high-density polymer foam has hardened; wherein the set of features include threads formed on the exterior surface; wherein the plurality of openings are positioned between the threads.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod a plurality of ports connected on the exterior surface proximate to the distal end of the non-corrosive rod.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod one or more connection features proximate to the proximal end to facilitate operably connection to a structure.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod includes threads formed on the exterior surface proximate to the proximal end to facilitate operably connection to a structure.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plate configured to operably connect with the proximal end to facilitate connection with and stabilization of a structure.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod is formed of a polycarbonate material.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod is formed of a carbon fiber material.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-corrosive rod is formed of a non-corrosive metal.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the polymer foam is a high-density polymer foam.

18. A method of stabilizing a structure, comprising: providing a non-corrosive rod; the non-corrosive rod extending a length between a proximal end and a distal end with a hollow interior extending through the length of the non-corrosive rod; wherein the non-corrosive rod has a plurality of ports positioned proximate to the distal end; wherein the plurality of openings extend from an exterior surface of the non-corrosive rod to the hollow interior; driving at least a portion of non-corrosive rod into the earth, distal end first; injecting a polymer foam into the hollow interior at the proximal end, through the hollow interior, and out from the plurality of ports into the earth to form an anchor operably connected to the distal end of the non-corrosive rod; operably connecting the non-corrosive rod to the structure to provide stabilization.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the non-corrosive rod is driven through a hole in a wall and into the earth; and wherein the proximal end of the non-corrosive rod is operable connected to the wall to transfer forces from the wall to the anchor.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the non-corrosive rod is driven through a hole in a wall and into the earth; wherein the proximal end of the non-corrosive rod is operable connected to the wall to transfer forces from the wall to the anchor; wherein the extends in downward at an angle from the wall to the anchor.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the non-corrosive rod is driven through a hole in a wall and into the earth; wherein the proximal end of the non-corrosive rod is operable connected to the wall to transfer forces from the wall to the anchor; wherein the extends in downward at a 25-35 degree angle from the wall to the anchor.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the non-corrosive rod is driven downward into the earth; further comprising, placing a tube around an portion of the non-corrosive rod and pouring concrete in the tube to form a pier; wherein the non-corrosive rod operably connects the pier to the anchor provide stabilization of the pier.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the non-corrosive rod is driven downward into the earth; further comprising: placing a tube around a portion of the non-corrosive rod and pouring concrete in the tube to form a pier; and operably connecting the proximal end of the non-corrosive rod to the structure; wherein the non-corrosive rod operably connects the structure with the pier and the anchor provide stabilization of the structure.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the polymer foam is a high density polymer foam.

25. The method of claim 18, wherein the polymer foam is a high density polymer foam; wherein the injecting of the high-density polymer foam injects the high-density polymer foam at a pressure of 300 psi and stops the injecting the high-density polymer foam when pressure reaches 500 PSI.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In the following detailed portion of the present description, the process of the present system will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a system for stabilization of a structure using high-density polymer foam and a non-corrosive hollow rod to create an anchor or support pier according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing use of polymer anchor to provide lateral stability to a footing according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing use of polymer anchors to provide lateral stabilization to a foundational wall according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing use of polymer anchors and piers to provide both lateral and vertical stabilization to a footing for the stabilization of a foundation wall according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing use of polymer anchor to provide lateral stability to a bowing timber retaining wall according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a non-corrosive pier with high-density polymer foam in a vertical configuration with a tube form according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a non-corrosive pier with high-density polymer foam in a poured concrete slab with carbon fiber sheet piling, the non-corrosive rod stabilization system, and Extruded Polystyrene (EPS) for an elevated slab structure according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the system showing use in a vertical configuration to create and/or stabilize a footing for a stoop, deck or similar structure according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0053] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a non-corrosive rod for use in a system for stabilization of a structure, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

[0054] FIG. 11A shows a plug for a non-corrosive rod, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

[0055] FIG. 11B shows a plug for a non-corrosive rod, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the plug having a conical shaped tip.

[0056] FIG. 11C shows a plug for a non-corrosive rod, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the plug having a rounded tip.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing use of polymer anchor to provide lateral stability to a retaining wall cast in place according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in and/or described with reference to certain figures and/or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure and/or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure and/or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown and/or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

[0059] Any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments, and/or implementations thereof. The invention is not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which provide such advantages and/or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure and/or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The invention is not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address such objects of the disclosure and/or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials and/or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

[0060] It is to be understood that the terms such as left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation and/or configuration.

[0061] As used herein, and/or includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that A and/or B includes A but not B, B but not A, and A as well as B, unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of etc. is defined as et cetera and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any and/or combination(s).

[0062] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like a and an introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously introduced and not, while definite articles like the refer to a same previously introduced term; as such, it is understood that a or an modify items that are permitted to be previously introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes, and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, if an embodiment of a system is described as comprising an article, it is understood the system is not limited to a single instance of the article unless expressly indicated otherwise, even if elsewhere another embodiment of the system is described as comprising a plurality of such articles.

[0063] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected, coupled, mated, attached, fixed, etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly connected, directly coupled, directly engaged etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, engaged versus directly engaged, etc.). Similarly, a term such as operatively, such as when used as operatively connected or operatively engaged is to be interpreted as connected and/or engaged, respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which may include being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronically connected, wirelessly connected and/or connected by any other manner, method and/or means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as communicatively connected includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. Similarly, connected or other similar language particularly for electronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, either directly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricity and/or information may be transmitted between the components.

[0064] It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms unless specifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are second or higher ordinals, there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments and/or methods.

[0065] Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently and/or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually, and/or sequentially, to provide looping and/or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment and/or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.

[0066] As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily described in the context of structural stabilization. However, the embodiments are not so limited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use in various other applications, which may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merely shown and described as being used in the context of structural stabilization for ease of description and as one of countless examples.

System 10:

[0067] With reference to the figures, a tie back anchor system 10 for stabilization of structure using high-density polymer foam (or simply system 10) is presented. In the following description the present system 10 will be explained in more detail. In one or more arrangements, system 10 includes a non-corrosive rod 12 extending a length from a proximal end 14 to a distal end 16 with a hollow channel 18 extending the length of the rod 12. In one or more arrangements, as is shown, rod 12 has an elongated generally cylindrical tube shape. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, rod 12 may be formed with various different shaped cross sections including but not limited, for example, cylindrical, square, triangular, hexagonal, or any other shape. Additionally, or alternatively, in some various arrangements, rod 12 may have one or more features extending along its' length to provide additional rigidity, for example, to inhibit bending when rod is driven into earth 32 or other materials. For example, in some arrangements, rod 12 includes flanges (not shown) and/or other structural feature extending along an exterior surface 13 of rod 12. Additionally, or alternatively, in some arrangements rod 12 includes flanges and/or other structural feature positioned within hollow channel 18.

[0068] Distal end 16 of rod 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to facilitate driving of distal end 16 of rod 12 into earth 32 or other materials. In an arrangement shown, as one example, distal end 16 of rod 12 has the shape of a generally conical enclosed tip. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements distal end 16 may be configured with various different shapes including but not limited to, for example, conical, lancet cut, 90 degree cut, beveled, curved, blunt, and/or any other tip shape.

[0069] In one or more arrangement, distal end 16 of rod 12 is enclosed by inserting a plug 38 into the hollow channel 18 at the distal end 16 of rod 12. Plug 38 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to prevent earth and other debris from entering hollow channel 18 as rod 12 is driven into the earth during installation. In one or more arrangements, plug 38 may be implemented by a bolt that is threaded into the hollow channel 18 at the distal end 16 of rod 12. Additionally or alternatively, plug 38 may include a cap that is fitted over distal end 16 of rod 12. Any other method or means for enclosing hollow channel 18 at distal end 16 of rod 12 is also envisioned for implementation of plug 38.

[0070] Depending on the characteristics of earth present at a job site, in some installations it may be difficult to drive rod 12 into the earth if distal end 16 is blunt. Accordingly, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements plug 38 may have a tip 39 shaped to facilitate easier insertion into the earth. In some various arrangements, such a tip 39 of plug 38 may have various different shapes including but not limited to, for example, conical, lancet cut, 90 degree cut, beveled, curved, blunt, and/or any other tip shape.

[0071] In one or more arrangements, distal end 16 of rod 12 is configured with one or more features 36 on the exterior surface 35 of rod 12 to facilitate secure connection of rod 12 with the high-density polymer foam 30 of anchor 20 when hardened. In some arrangements, such features 36 may include a series of protrusions, indentations, and/or other deformation patterns (such as surface pattern on rebar steel used in construction) formed on exterior surface 35 of rod 12. As one more particular example, in one or more arrangements, features 36 may include threads formed on the exterior surface 35 of rod 12. In some arrangements, such threads (or other features 36) may continue along rod 12 from the distal end 16 to the proximal end 14. In one or more arrangements, rod 12 has one or more ports 15 positioned at and/or proximate to the distal end 16. ports 15 formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to provide a passageway from hollow channel 18 to an exterior surface 13 of rod 12. In one or more arrangements, hollow channel 18 and ports 15 are configured to facilitate transportation of a high density polymer foam 30 or other anchor material 30 through hollow channel 18, out through ports 15, and into the surrounding earth 32 or other materials to facilitate formation of an anchor after rod 12 is driven into position. As used herein, a polymer foam is considered to be high density if its density is approximately 4 lbs./cubic ft or greater. In one or more arrangements, as an illustrative, some commercial two-part resinHMI polyol foams provide 4-5 lbs./cubic ft. density with 14-18 expansion.

[0072] In one or more arrangements, ports 15 are positioned in the recessed undercut between the thread features 36. In such position, the threads 36 help prevent earth and/or debris from being pushed into ports 15 as non-corrosive rod 12 is driven into the earth during installation. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, electrical tape or other barrier material may be wrapped around the distal end 16 of the non-corrosive rod 12 prior to driving the non-corrosive rod 12 into the earth to inhibit earth and/or debris from being pushed into ports 15. In one or more arrangements, rod 12 includes ports 15 positioned for dispersal of foam in 4 directions or other features to facilitate engagement and connection between rod 12 and anchor material 30, surrounding earth 32 and/or other materials. In one or more arrangements, as one example, ports 15 extend outward from exterior surface 13 of rod 12 and rearward toward proximal end 14. In one or more arrangements, ports 15 are hollow so that high-density polymer foam or other anchor material 30 is transported through hollow channel 18 to ports 15 and out through ports 15 and into the surrounding earth 32 or other materials. As another example, in some arrangements rod 12 may additionally, or alternatively, include deformations or similar features on exterior surface 13 to facilitate engagement and connection between rod 12 and anchor material 30, surrounding earth 32, and/or other materials.

[0073] In one or more arrangements, proximal end 14 of rod 12 is configured with one or more features 11 to facilitate connection of rod 12 with a structure, for example, to facilitate anchoring of the structure. As one example, in one or more arrangements, proximal end 14 of rod 12 may include threading features 11 for example to facilitate connection with a nut and/or anchor plate. However the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, proximal end 14 of rod 12 may be connected with a structure or other object using and/or means to facilitate connection including but not limited to, for example, threading, screws, bolts, clamps, interlocks, latches, clips, pins, or other coupling devices, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or any other means and/or method for attachment.

[0074] In one or more arrangements, rod 12 and/or other components of system 10 are formed of a high strength non-corrosive material, such as a polycarbonate plastic, to facilitate driving of rod 12 into earth 32 or other material during installation and anchoring of a structure or other object operably connected to proximal end 14 of rod 12 with a long and useful lifespan. Compared to conventional steel tie backs, the lighter weight of polycarbonate plastic may additionally reduce cost for transportation of the system from the manufacturing source to the installation site. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements rod 12 and/or other components of system 10 may be formed of various non-corrosive or corrosion resistant materials including but not limited to, for example: carbon fiber, Galvorn fiberglass, and/or other fiber composites; polycarbonate, nylon, and/or other plastics; aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and/or other non-corrosive/corrosion resistant metals, materials coated with non-corrosive material (e.g., galvanized steel), or any other composite or combination of materials providing a non-corrosive or corrosion resistant exterior surface.

In Operation:

[0075] As one example application, in one or more arrangements system 10 may be used to anchor and reinforce a foundation wall. In one or more arrangements, system 10 is installed by driving non-corrosive rod 12 into earth, for example, using a mechanical hammer (e.g., a concreate breaker). In the application of stabilizing a wall, the non-corrosive rod 12 is driven into the earth at an angle of 30 degrees through the wall and into the surrounding earth.

[0076] In one or more arrangements, non-corrosive rod 12 is approximately 10 feet in length. However the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that non-corrosive rods 12 of any length may be utilized. In some arrangements, system includes hollow extension rods (not shown) that are configured to connect with the proximal end 14 of non-corrosive rods 12 to increase the length and thereby permit the non-corrosive rod 12 a greater distance into the earth for formation of an anchor, which may be needed in some applications. In such applications, a majority of a non-corrosive rod 12 is driven into the earth and then a distal end of a hollow extension rod is attached to the proximal end 14 non-corrosive rod 12. Force is then applied to a proximal end of the hollow extension rods to continue driving the non-corrosive rod 12 to the desired depth.

[0077] After the non-corrosive rod 12 has been driven to a desired depth, high-density polymer foam 30 is then injected in the hollow rod 12, releasing out through ports 15 in the distal 6 feet of the rod 12. The high-density polymer foam 30 fills the void in the soil and pushes out creating a bulb form at the end of the rod 12. As the high-density polymer foam 30 expands soil is compacted, and the foam hardens creating a lightweight yet strong anchor 20. Though experimentation and careful observation, it has been surprisingly discovered that when injection of high-density polymer foam at 300 psi a stable anchor will be formed when pressure reaches 500 psi, at which time injection can be stopped. In one or more arrangements, the proximal end 14 of rod 12 is then secured at the wall, for example, with a non-corrosive C-channel 23, beveled washer 21 and a threaded hex nut 22.

[0078] In various different arrangement and applications, various different types of materials may be injected to form the anchor including but not limited to for example, various single or multiple component foams such as polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, or any other suitable high-density polymer foam or other anchor material.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows an example application using system 10 to provide lateral stability to a footing according to an embodiment of the system described herein. The rod 12 is inserted at an angle of 30 into the stem wall 25 of a footing 26. This process will stabilize the foundation wall.

[0080] This process of installation of the system can also be used to stabilize the foundation wall with a flooring system as shown, for example, in FIG. 3. The footing 26 and concrete slab 27 is determined to be level by measurement or new construction. The concrete slab has a vertical wall system 28 above. The rod 12 is driven into the foundation wall at an angle of 30 degrees and secured with a non-corrosive beveled washer 21 within a C-channel 23. The high-density polymer foam is injected in the hollow rod and pushed out through the last 6 feet of the rod, creating a bulb of polymer 30 to harden and become an anchor 20.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment of a footing that requires both lateral and vertical stabilization, rods 12 of system 10 may be driven both vertically 43 and laterally 44 in the concrete footing 26 as described previously upon installation or re-installation of the footing. non-corrosive rebar is used to create a grid. This rebar is laid in two directions 6 inches on center 42.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows an example use of system 10 to provide lateral stability to a bowing retaining wall. In this illustrative example, the original crib wall 50 is in failure mode indicated by the bowing analysis. The present application of the system 10 begins at a maximum of 2 feet above grade at foundation. The rod 12 is driven at a slope of 2 inches every 12 inch for a distance of approximately 14 feet. The bar is secured on the new wall 52 with a 55 plate and a hillside washer. High-density polymer foam is injected, creating the 6-foot anchor 20 with a 2-foot diameter. This process is repeated every 4 feet on center, leaving a maximum distance of 2 feet from the top and bottom of the new wall.

[0083] As yet another example application in some arrangements, system 10 may be configured to facilitate stabilization of elevated floor structures. Elevated deck structures benefit from being reinforced against both vertical and horizontal movement. The slab on grade and footings can heave or sink with weather and moisture changes. The footings will need to be reinforced or replaced. Additionally, the deck may be enclosed and damage can be visible in the form of cracks in the walls and alignment issues.

[0084] In one or more arrangements, system 10 is used to form carbon pilings supported by creating anchors below the carbon pilings. Although the high-density polymer foam is lightweight, the high-density polymer foam achieves high strengths. By providing a system having all non-corrosive components, the life cycle of the system is not subjective to decomposition due to exposure to water, is adaptable to multiple applications and site environments, and requires minimal excavation.

[0085] FIG. 6 shows use of system 10 in a vertical configuration with a tube form to form a non-corrosive piling and anchor. As shown therein, the high-density polymer vertical anchor is created with rod 12 at its center. In this illustrative example, this hollow rod 12 is at least 10 feet long, made of a non-corrosive material (e.g., polycarbonate plastic), and has holes the distal 8 feet. Next the 2-foot diameter fiber tube 62 is placed approximately 4 feet from the distal end 16 of the rod 12. The rod 12 is centered in the tube 62. High-density polymer foam 30 is injected into the rod 12. The injection is monitored for volume and pressure as it fills the fiber tube 62. It simultaneously extends within the void in the last 4 feet of the rod, creating a high-density polymer foam bulb at the bottom of the anchor. The elevated slab 63 is poured per industry standard.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows use of system 10 in a vertical configuration with high-density polymer foam in a poured concrete slab with sheet piling (e.g., carbon fiber sheet piling), non-corrosive rods system 10 and EPS for an elevated slab structure according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

[0087] As shown therein, the high-density anchor is applied in the elevated slab system. At site, the 2-foot diameter fiber tube 72 is placed just below the depth of the piling 71. The rod 12 is inserted through the center of the tube 72 extending 8 feet below the top of the tube 72. A drainage mat is placed horizontally 73 for the piling components to be laid. The carbon sheet piling 70 links together to form a horizontal structure and has a high-density polymer foam anchor installed every other piling channel. A hole is drilled in the carbon piling for the rod 12 to extend through. The rod 12 is secured to the carbon piling 70 with non-corrosive threaded hex fasteners 74. The high-density polymer foam is injected to create the anchor as described with reference to FIG. 6. In this example, rods 12 are placed 6 inches apart in a grid formation in each channel 77. Next EPS is laid on the carbon sheet piling 76, and concrete is poured in each channel 75 creating the reinforced concrete slab.

[0088] FIGS. 8 and 9 show use of system 10 in a vertical configuration to create and/or stabilize a footing 82 for a stoop 84, deck or similar structure upon installation or re-installation of the footing 82, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 4. As shown therein, rods 12 of system 10 may be driven vertically into the earth 32 proximate to the existing footing. In one or more arrangements, a bracket 86 is operably connected to the top of rods 12 of system 10 and extends under footing 82 to stabilize and support the footing 82. In one or more arrangements, the rod 12 is secured to the bracket 86 and/or footing 82 with non-corrosive threaded hex fasteners. The high-density polymer foam is injected through rods 12 to create the anchor 30/20 as previously described. In this example arrangement, high-density polymer foam 30/80 is injected at a level below the anchor 30/20 to stabilize and secure anchor 30/20. This example arrangement may be useful, for example, to support a footing or other structure in a location where soft soil extends a great depth downward (e.g. 25 ft).

[0089] From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the disclosed system for stabilization of structures improves upon the state of the art. More specifically, and without limitation, it will be appreciated that in one or more arrangements, a system for stabilization of structures is provided: that is not susceptible to corrosion; that can be used to form an anchor without excavation; that can be used to provide stabilization of sloped surfaces, foundations, retaining walls, landslide mitigation and/or footings in swampy environments; that minimizes internal bracing and grade excavation; that requires no internal excavation and minimal external excavation resulting in ease of construction; that is adaptable to site environments and stabilization needs, increasing loads in relatively poor ground; that is less intrusive, permanent and environmentally conscientious of resources; that allows for adaptability and longevity with an ease of construction; that transfers tension forces to the ground using all non-corrosive components, proving stabilization of foundation and retaining walls; that has minimal external excavation resulting in both ease of construction and less disturbance to soils surrounding the structure; that can be used in lieu of traditional anchor systems that is lightweight, durable, and has a high strength; that can be used to create an anchor to transfer tension forces to the ground for an elevated deck; that is less intrusive and versatile in application, especially in areas with difficult access; that is lightweight with substantial strength that minimizes grade excavation for ease of construction; that is durable; and/or that has a long and useful life; among countless other advantages and improvements.

[0090] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.