System, method and apparatus for servicing support poles

Abstract

Methods of reinforcing a functional component, which may include a support pole or an well casing. The methods include excavating a treatment section around the perimeter of the functional component. The methods may further comprise compacting a fill material up to a fill elevation. The methods further comprise casting a mortar mixture, including with UHPC up to an upper elevation above the ground surface. A forming structure may be implemented comprising a length that corresponds to the intended length of the UHPC pour. Another embodiment of the methods comprises installing a sealant component substantially around the perimeter of the functional component. The sealant component is structured to reciprocally move with the functional component during expansion and contraction thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An annulus excavation tool, comprising:
 a cylindrical sidewall dimensioned to surround an functional component;   a jetting manifold configured to receive a pressurized fluid source;   a plurality of fluid jets disposed in a spaced apart relation to one another, each one of the plurality of fluid jets disposed in fluid communication with the jetting manifold and oriented to eject the pressurized fluid source in a downward direction adjacent to the functional component;   a vacuum/tremie manifold disposed in fluid communication with a vacuum source;   a plurality of vacuum/tremie ports, each one disposed in communication with the vacuum/tremie manifold;   each one of the plurality of vacuum/tremie ports disposed in a spaced apart relation to one another on an inside of the cylindrical sidewall; and   each one of the plurality of vacuum/tremie ports oriented to remove a material surrounding the functional component.   
     
     
         2 . The annulus excavation tool as recited in  claim 1  wherein the functional component comprises a support pole. 
     
     
         3 . The annulus excavation tool as recited in  claim 1  wherein the functional component comprises a well casing. 
     
     
         4 . A method of reinforcing a functional component installed in the ground, the method comprising:
 excavating a treatment section substantially around a perimeter of the functional component; the treatment section comprising a predetermined thickness,   introducing a fill material on the treatment section from a bottom elevation to a fill elevation,   compacting the fill material, and   placing a mortar mixture comprising UHPC at least on a portion of the treatment section.   
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 4  wherein the predetermined thickness comprises at least 4 inches 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 4  wherein placing a mortar mixture at least on a portion of the treatment section comprises placing a mortar mixture substantially between the fill elevation and an upper elevation. 
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 4  wherein the bottom elevation is at least 5 feet below grade elevation. 
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 4  wherein the fill elevation is between 1 feet and 3 feet below grade elevation. 
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 4  wherein the upper elevation is between 1 feet and 3 feet above grade elevation. 
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 4  further comprising installing a forming structure around the functional component. 
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10  wherein the forming structure comprises a length that is at least equal to a length of the treatment section. 
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 10  wherein the forming structure comprises a sonotube. 
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 4  wherein the treatment section comprises a thickness of at least 8 inches. 
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 13  further comprising installing a forming structure around the functional component. 
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 14  wherein the forming structure extends vertically from at least three feet below grade elevation to at least grade elevation. 
     
     
         16 . A method of reinforcing a support pole at a production facility, the method comprising:
 providing a concrete mixing plant at the production facility,   cutting the support pole to a desired length,   drying the support pole to an intended moisture content,   installing a forming structure substantially around the support pole; the forming structure comprising a length substantially defined as the span between a bottom elevation and an upper elevation,   placing a mortar mixture around the support pole substantially along the length of the forming structure, and   removing the forming structure from the support pole after a period of time that is sufficient for the mortar mixture to gain a desired strength.   
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 16  wherein the mortar mixture comprises UHPC. 
     
     
         18 . A method of protecting a functional component, the method comprising:
 excavating a treatment section substantially defined around a circumference of the functional component; the treatment section comprising a predetermined thickness,   placing a forming structure around the functional component,   installing a sealant component on at least a portion of the functional component; the sealant component configured conform to the geometry of the functional component during expansion and contraction thereof,   installing a retaining structure around a bottom face of the sealant component, and   placing a mortar mixture comprising UHPC on the treatment section from a bottom elevation to an upper elevation; the upper elevation being substantially coincident with a top portion of the reinforcement structure.   
     
     
         19 . The method as recited in  claim 18  further comprising installing a reinforcement structure around a top portion of the reinforcement structure. 
     
     
         20 . The method as recited in  claim 19  wherein installing the reinforcement structure around a top portion of the functional component comprises installing the reinforcement structure around a top portion of the functional component in a spaced apart relation to the sealant component.