Patent ID: 7832280

Claim:
A method of applying a load to a pile, comprising: locating a top portion below a first section of a pile, wherein the top portion is attached to the first section of the pile; locating a bottom portion proximate the top portion, wherein a separation zone is created such that injection of a pressurized fluid into the separation zone causes a force tending to push the top portion and the bottom portion apart and causes the top portion to push up on the first section of the pile, wherein at least a portion of the cross-section of the top portion and at least a portion of the cross-section of the bottom portion is open so as to allow the passage of materials from above the top portion to below the bottom portion, wherein if separation of the top portion and the bottom portion occurs, the top portion and bottom portion maintain relative lateral position during separation; and injecting fluid into the separation zone in order to apply a load to the pile, wherein the top portion and bottom portion are located before casting of the pile, wherein materials for casting the pile pass through the open portion of the top portion cross-section and the open portion of the bottom portion cross-section.