Cutting Tool Adapter and Method of Underpinning Structures Using Cutting Tool Adapter for Soil Mixing
AssigneeSchnabel Foundation Company
InventorsMatthew J. Niermann, Walter W. Trail, JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cutting tool adapter for creating an underpinning structure and method of creating the underpinning structure are provided. In some examples, the cutting tool adapter may connect a cutting tool to a working machine arm to enable the cutting tool to cut and dislodge soil below an existing foundation or structure. As the soil is cut and dislodged, it is mechanical mixed with an additive, such as a cementitious material, via the cutting tool. The mixed soil and additive may then harden in the area below the existing structure or foundation to create an underpinning structure to provide additional support for the existing structure or foundation.
Claims20
A cutting tool adapter, comprising:
- a base plate;
- a first adapter arm extending outward from the base plate;
- a second adapter arm extending outward from the base plate, the second adapter arm extending parallel to the first adapter arm;
- a first connecting pin extending between the first adapter arm and the second adapter arm;
- and
- a second connecting pin extending between the first adapter arm and the second adapter arm,
- wherein the first connecting pin and the second connecting pin are configured to connect the cutting tool adapter to a cutting tool.
A method of underpinning an existing structure, comprising:
- creating an approach pit in an area adjacent to soil below the existing structure;
- inserting a mechanical cutting tool into the approach pit;
- rotating the mechanical cutting tool to a horizontal position;
- using the mechanical cutting tool, cutting and dislodging soil below the existing structure;
- introducing an additive to the soil below the existing structure;
- using the mechanical cutting tool, mixing the soil and the additive in an area below the existing structure;
- and
- allowing the mixed soil and additive to harden forming an underpinning structure below the existing structure.
A method of underpinning an existing structure, comprising:
- connecting a cutting tool to a working machine via a cutting tool adapter;
- creating an approach pit adjacent to soil below the existing structure;
- inserting the cutting tool into the approach pit;
- advancing the cutting tool forward in a generally horizontal plane into an area of soil below the existing structure;
- while advancing the cutting tool forward in a generally horizontal plane, introducing an additive to soil in the area of soil below the existing structure;
- mixing, using the cutting tool, the additive and the soil in the area of soil below the existing structure to create a soil-additive mixture;
- and
- allowing the soil-additive mixture to harden forming an underpinning structure below the existing structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.