A method for forming a pile by driving a thin-walled pipe is disclosed. A closed-end thin-walled pipe is driven partially into the earth until firm bearing is reached. The partially driven pipe is partially filled with a concrete and the concrete is hardened. A mandrel is inserted into the partially-driven pipe to contact the hardened concrete, and the pipe is driven downwardly further by driving with the mandrel against the concrete until driving is complete. The completely-driven pipe is then cut off and further filled with concrete to the cut-off level. Excess pipe which has been cut off is used to make up further piles.

A socket and method for anchoring a sign post in the ground securely without requiring the sign post to be drivingly impacted. The socket has a hollow cavity having a cross sectional configuration substantially the same as that of the post, the cavity terminating at a ledge. The ledge is an edge of a portion of a leader inserted into one end of the socket and having the remainder of the leader extending from that one end. The socket is driven into the ground by inserting a driving rod into the cavity and impacting the driving rod against the ledge formed by the leader until the socket is driven to the desired depth in the ground. The driving rod is then withdrawn and the sign post is inserted into the socket and secured to it.

A well casing of an elastic metal material is placed in concentric relationship with a casing of an inert material such as a suitable plastic. A penetrating cap piece is placed on the bottom end of the metallic casing. The two concentric casings are then driven into the earth in an area to be monitored for contamination, such driving action being achieved by a sonic oscillator which is attached to the top end of the metallic casing. Preferably, the sonic energy is provided at a frequency such as to effect resonant standing wave vibration of the metallic casing. Further, water may be injected down the casing so as to lubricate the earthen structure immediately below the cap to accelerate the penetration of the casing. When the casings have been driven to the desired depth, the metallic casing is withdrawn by lifting up thereon while continuing to apply sonic energy, leaving the casing of inert material in place such that earth samples can be periodically withdrawn from the well thus formed. A core sampling for analysis can also be withdrawn within one of the casings.

A method for increasing the end-bearing capacity of an open-ended pile is disclosed. The method comprises first determining the quantity of granular material necessary to insure full mobilization of the available capacity of the soil at the tip of the pile. The granular material is then inserted within the pile on top of the soil column, thereby causing the column of granular material to plug or lock-up within the pile during transient loading and thus mobilize the available capacity.

A method for driving a drive pipe into a subsea formation, the method being comprised of the following steps: suspending the drive pipe from a drill string; moving at least one mass in a direction having an upward component and within the drive pipe; accelerating at least one mass relative to the drive pipe, wherein the at least one mass is accelerated within the drive pipe; transferring energy from the accelerated at least one mass to the drive pipe; isolating the drill string from energy from the accelerated at least one mass; and removing a core of formation from within the drive pipe after the transferring. A system for driving a drive pipe into a subsea formation, the system having: a drill string suspendable from a marine vessel; a running tool attachable to the drill string, wherein a top of the drive pipe is connected to the running tool; at least one mass adapted to fit within the drive pipe; an accelerator of the at least one mass, wherein the accelerator is in mechanical communication with the running tool and the at least one mass; and a transferror of energy from the at least one mass to the drive pipe, wherein the transferror transfers energy after the at least one mass is accelerated by the accelerator.