Method and apparatus for providing a segmented ballast base support structure for unstable ground installation

Abstract

Unstable ground is found in many situations in many locations around the world and causes such locations to be unsuitable for building without further support or stabilization. Unstable ground, such as landfills, can be used for beneficial purposes as opposed to laying dormant. A segmented ballast base support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to support free-standing structures, such as solar power collection systems and wind turbines. The segmented ballast base support structure can be deployed at unstable ground sites without digging or expensive filling stabilization techniques. Segments of the base support structure can be precast at an offsite location and transported to a site in segments and sections. The segmented base support structure allows for a cost effective solution to digging, as well as an easier method of shipping and transporting structures that would otherwise have to be built on site.

1 . An apparatus for supporting a free-standing superstructure, the apparatus comprising:
 segments of a base support structure including interconnection features;   linkages configured to couple to the interconnection features in a manner interconnecting the segments which, in an interconnected state, collectively serve as the support structure to support a free-standing superstructure on an unstable ground.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the segments have defined top and bottom surfaces and further comprising a ground treatment including a layer of pliable material spanning the bottom surfaces of the segments. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the ground treatment includes a bottom layer and at least one upper layer, the bottom layer being the layer of pliable material and the at least one upper layer having sufficient adaptability to track topological state changes of the bottom layer due to topological state changes in the unstable ground beneath the bottom layer while maintaining sufficient integrity to serve as a platform upon which the base support structure continuously supports the free-standing superstructure in a substantially stable orientation across topological state changes of the unstable ground. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the segments include multiple grips protruding from the bottom surface configured to interact with the at least one upper layer of the ground treatment in a manner enabling the segments to resist lateral movement. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the pliable material is liquid permeable. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the pliable material has a tensile strength able to withstand movement of the first and second segments relative to each other over a predetermined range. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the base support structure is configured to support the free-standing superstructure in a substantially stable orientation during occurrences of extreme natural forces acting upon the superstructure, including high wind, earthquake, and blizzard conditions. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the segments are configured to change orientation relative to other segments as a function of the linkages and interconnection features. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein forces transmitted into a first subset of segments by the free-standing superstructure are transmitted into a second subset of segments at a reduced level as a function of the linkages and interconnection features. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a first subset of segments are enclosed by a second subset of segments. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the first and second subsets of segments are circular. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the first and second subsets of segments are octagonal. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein multiple segment elements compose each of the segments and wherein the linkages are configured to couple adjacent segment elements of the same size to each other and adjacent segment elements of different sizes from each other. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the multiple segment elements composing the segments of the same size are interchangeable. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the multiple segment elements are each configured to be separable from and reattachable to corresponding segment elements of the base support structure. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a first subset of segments are not enclosed by a second subset of segments, and vice-versa. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the segments of the base support structure are a base tier of segments configured to support an upper tier of segments, the upper tier of segments being configured to reside between the base support structure and the free-standing superstructure, wherein segments of the upper tier of segments are coupled to the base support structure via inter-tier linkages and configured to support coupling of the free-standing superstructure to themselves. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the segments of the base support structure are cementitious. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the segments are rail structures to which an adjustable trolley structure, wherein the trolley structure is configured to support a superstructure or superstructure element. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the interconnection features include at least one of the following: chamfers, sockets, cylinders, or interconnected locks. 
     
     
         21 - 53 . (canceled)