Abstract: A water barrier sheet that is a composite of a membrane of impervious material, such as high density polyethylene, a layer of particles which are capable of swelling in presence of a liquid, such as sodium montmorillonite, or modified sodium montmorillonite that is organophilic held on the membrane, and an overlying sheet of water permeable material that is caused to adhere to the particulate layer. The water permeable material layer is a cloth sheet that tends to keep the layer of particulate material together and protects the particles from mechanical abrasion, and yet permits liquids to penetrate into the layer of particulates for waterproofing action.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve arrangement and method for joining or interconnecting water structure sections into a dam or other water or liquid containing barrier where each water structure section consists of at least two closed water filled inner sleeves or bags that are contained within an outer sleeve. A coupling sleeve of the invention is for joining the water structure sections together and is an open outer sleeve that contains a water filled plug. The coupling sleeve, in one configuration and prior to water filling, receives ends of water structure sections that are fitted therein, abutting the connecting sleeve plug, which inner sleeves and plug are then filled with water through filler spouts that are then closed.

Abstract: A water and/or oil-impermeable sealing mat is provided in form of a bentonite non-woven fabric combination with the possibility of transmitting thrust from one batt layer to the other, i.e. on a slope thrust forces can be transmitted by the covering batt material through the layer of swellable clay into the supporting batt material. Such a sealing mat is a fiber-reinforced mineral seal permitting the transmission of thrust forces on slopes, without the risk of the layer of swellable clay itself becoming the preferred sliding plane. The sealing mat consists of a non-woven textile material as substrate layer, a layer of swellable clay, preferably sodium bentonite, and a cover layer consisting preferably also of a non-woven textile material, all three layers having been needled together in the conventional manner in a needle loom. When moistened, the clay swells and forms the water and/or oil-impermeable layer.

Abstract: A damming and barrier-forming device which includes a porous, biodegradable elongated fabric tube closable at one or both ends, and having a diameter of from four inches to two feet and a length of at least four feet. The elongated fabric tube, which can typically be constructed of burlap, is filled with earth after one end has been closed, and the earth-filled tube is then laid in a desired configuration adjacent or around a shrub or plant which is to be nourished and sustained by water impounded behind, or within, the damming and barrier-forming device. A method is described for using the damming and barrier-forming device.

Abstract: The side of a hydraulic structure in contact with the water is covered with an impermeable membrane consisting of series of plastics so-called GEOSELLS which feature scales. These are interlocked with each other and then welded together edge to edge, and fixed to the structure by vertical fixings allowing movement of the GEOSELLS. This also favors drainage and initiation of microfissures regularly distributed in the structure. A granular coating is applied to the external surface at a raised temperature. This method is particularly suited to sealing granular rubble structures with or without binder. In rigid structures the binder may be a cement or a cement derivative, possibly a resin ("roller compacted concrete"). In flexible structures the binder may be a resin or a textile with or without reinforcing elements.

Abstract: A damage-protecting flexible rubber sheet dam uses a wear-resistant, cut-resistant member having a corrosion resistance embedded in at least a part of an outer surface portion of a rubber dam body. The member mitigates and prevents damage of the outer surface portion due to wear and other various external injuries to prolong the durable life thereof.

Abstract: A flexible wall dam assembly, or the like, comprising two opposite elongated flexible walls with balanced inclination towards each other, water filling the space between them and counterbalancing ties joining the upper edge of the walls. Balanced cable beams support the flexible walls and transfer their loads to each other or to the waterbed through equally balanced anchoring ties.

Abstract: An immersed dam foundation and a dam structure are formed in a body of moving water by forming a plurality of spaced piers having temporary support posts thereon. A current deflector is secured to the upstream support posts and sheet piling walls are driven to form upstream and downstream walls between the piers forming a base therebetween. The base is covered with a tremie seal and the walls cut off so that a prefabricated dam structure can be floated to a location above the tremie seal and lowered onto anchor points on the adjacent piers and secured to the piers and tremie seal. An exposed face of a pier is protected from the currents by barriers that serve as a portion of the next upstream and downstream walls, with gravel covered by precast concrete pads. The access galleries of adjacent prefabricated dam structures are closely aligned and seals provided therebetween.

Abstract: A method of processing the water in a large water region such as a river, dam, lake and marsh is in which a local water processing area is provided for water cleaning, aerating and other purposes, the local water processing area being delimited by a produced water flow produced specific depth and width of the large water region and separating the local water processing area from the remainder of the large water region.The local water processing area may be delimited and separated by a water flow wall or barrier produced by a jet of water or a jet of air, thereby eliminating the need for any physical barrier such as sheet piles or other permanent structure and yet maintaining the continuity between the local water processing area and the rest of the large water region. In addition, the method allows the produced water flow to be localized, providing several advantages over the conventional methods in terms of the obstacleless navigation and less costly implementation.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for continuous mixing, transporting and placing of large quantities of concrete in which aggregate transported on a belt conveyor is mixed with metered quantities of cement and water adjacent a place of pouring. Alternatively, mixed concrete is transported to a place of pouring protected from the elements on a belt conveyor covered by a tunnel that confines cooled air.

Abstract: Watertight wall for a dam or a dyke, composed of a plurality of horizontal layers of compacted earth-fillings, the wall comprising a rear wall which is composed of prefabricated panels of height equal to the height of several layers, each panel being equipped with buttresses situated at the back of the panels, which buttresses are embedded in the embankment of earth-fillings and are equipped wiht draining pipes, the wall further comprising a continuous sealing layer which is cast against the front face of the prefabricated panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered water sealing article of manufacture including a layer of a flexible sheet material adhered to a layer of a composition comprising a non-hydrated water-swellable clay intimately contacted with a polypropene, polybutene, or mixtures thereof particularly useful as a water barrier. The water swellable clay composition can be adhered to the flexible sheet material in any manner, such as by extruding the composition in sheet form onto a layer of sheet material. The clay composition layer is sufficiently tacky to adhere to the sheet material on one major surface, and is sufficiently tacky for adherence to a wall, conduit, floor, roof, or other structure to be protected from water contact, on an exposed major surface in areas of potential water flow to prevent the seepage of water through the bentonite clay composition layer.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for protecting a shoreline from erosion, damage, flooding and the like from fluctuations in the water level in various bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, oceans and the like and for quickly and efficiently closing a breach in a levee, dam or other water containment barrier and includes a series of watertight, hollow fabricated structures that can be quickly filled with various materials for retaining the hollow structures in a desired position. The hollow structures are relatively lightweight and can be easily transported to a use site by various transportation modes. The system and apparatus also includes a mat closure device to close gaps between adjacent ends of the hollow structures to provide a continuous barrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quieting flowing waters in which a wall supported by a barge crosswise of water flow with structural members of the wall engaging an underwater obstruction to prevent the wall and barge from moving with the flow of water whereby the wall is adapted to divert water flow around the wall to provide a quiet water working area ahead of the wall. The wall comprises a plurality of gates supported by the structural members for movement relative thereto so that the wall may be raised under adverse conditions to allow the floating platform to rise with high waters with the structural members of the wall being maintained in engagement with the obstruction to prevent or aid in preventing the floating platform from moving with the flow. Under normal conditions, the floating platform will rise and fall with the wall in its water quieting position and the structural members of the wall maintaining engagement with the underwater obstructon.

Abstract: A wheeled trailer for installing a perforated film erosion barrier from a perforated foil supply roll into the earth and along an elongated furrow path. The wheeled trailer includes frame means for supporting the system for movement along the path, with a plow shoe being disposed forwardly of the frame to create a open furrow to receive one edge of an elongated perforated film, and with a pivotal boom being provided at the rear portion of the frame for supporting a furrow-covering disc. A hydraulic ram and cylinder are provided for arranging the path of the furrow-covering disc, with the furrow-covering disc depositing soil into the furrow for covering and burying one edge of the elongated perforated film.

Abstract: A foundation for a retaining wall-type of structure acted upon by a principal force tending to slide same in a predetermined direction is anchored by a plurality of slide resisting walls. The slide resisting walls extend parallel to the predetermined direction in which the foundation tends to slide. The upper portions of the slide resisting walls are embedded in a concrete mass. The lower portions of the slide resisting walls project downwardly from the concrete mass into the earth, and are solely in engagement with the earth and not with concrete.

Abstract: A dam structure for retaining water in a reservoir includes precast concrete panel assembly forming the face or upstream side. A bonded impervious liner means, such as polyvinylchloride sheet, is provided on the downstream face of the precast concrete panels assembly. The liner means includes individual membranes bonded to adjacent panels, and heat welded impervious strips are provided along the joints between the panels. A poured concrete curtain wall is provided adjacent the liner means of the precast concrete panel assembly. Roller compacted concrete (RCC) is then provided in layers on the downstream side of the poured concrete curtain wall. An elongated, substantially horizontal blocking sheet of polyvinylchloride membrane is also provided at least adjacent the base of the dam to prevent water migrating upward through the dam between the precast concrete panels and the poured concrete curtain wall.

Abstract: A tubular member is arranged to be inserted in a hole drilled in adjacent monoliths astraddle a joint between the monoliths. The tubular member comprises an outer layer of material saturated with a resin capable of bonding to defining walls of the hole. An inner layer of fluid impermeable material is bonded to the outer layer of the tubular member. When installed in a drilled hole, the tube is placed with the resin saturated layer against and in bonding relation with the wall of the hole. A core portion may be placed in the tube to hold it in tight bonded engagement with the hole, such core portion comprising a flexible filler such as grout having an elasticity which when cured flexes with differential movements of adjacent monoliths. The tubular member has two or more barriers therein which prevent the saturating resin from washing away during installation.

Abstract: A flood water containment bag constructed of lightweight, inexpensive porous material with a quantity of water absorbent material therein which increases substantially in volume and weight when it absorbs water entering into the interior of the bag. The bag can be easily and quickly transported to a point of use and arranged in a plurality of superimposed courses when in a flattened lightweight condition and will expand to form a water barrier or wall. Fastener strips are attached to top and bottom surfaces of the horizontally arranged bags to enable them to be interconnected to stabilize the formed barrier.

Abstract: A tubular member is arranged to be inserted in a hole drilled in adjacent monoliths astraddle a joint between the monoliths. A tubular member comprises an outer layer of material saturated with a resin capable of bonding to defining walls of the hole. An inner layer of fluid impermeable material is bonded to the outer layer of tubular member. Prior to installation, the tubular member is non-inverted, having the resin saturated layer on the inside whereby upon being inverted into the hole by an inverting gas or fluid, the resin saturated layer turns outwardly for bonding to the walls of the hole. A core portion is placed in the tube to hold it in tight bonded engagement with the hole, such core portion comprising a grout having an elasticity which when cured flexes with differential movements of adjacent monoliths.

Abstract: A method and a product providing for waterproofing soil utilizing a flexible non-biodegradable support capable of venting gas coated with water swellable bentonite and covering the soil to be waterproofed with the coated support.

Abstract: A stanchion is constructed and designed so as to be emplaced near a body of water, with its upper pivotally mounted portion in a lowered position, and with the rising of the water, the pivotal section self-actuates and rises with the water level to form a water containment barrier which will redirect the waterflow and protect property disposed on the other side of the barrier. With the receding of the water level, the upper section of the stanchion is self-lowered, thus providing an aesthetically acceptable appearance. A plurality of such stanchions with interconnected flexible sheeting provides a continuous barrier which can contour a land mass adjacent to a body of water.

Abstract: A weighted water bag for forming levees or dikes, in order to hold back rising flood water, the bag being woven of fiber and including a waterproof or sand inner liner; rings and clips at corners allowing bags to be locked together, a water filler opening at one end, and fiber handles for each side of the opening for easy handling, including forms having portions of the bag filled with sand.

Abstract: A collapsible rubber dam is disclosed. The collapsible rubber dam comprises a flexible plate body composed of a rubbery elastomeric material and provided with at least one split part at a predetermined position in a thickness direction and along a lengthwise direction thereof. The flexible plate body is airtightly secured to riverbed and riverbank by means of fitting members to serve the split part as an inflatable chamber during the supply of a fluid.

Abstract: A bentonite composition useful for preventing a flow of water through a structure is disclosed. The composition has substantially all of the bentonite in non-hydrated form by dispersing the bentonite throughout a non-aqueous gel formed from a non-aqueous liquid and a suitable gelling agent for the liquid to form a cohesive mass capable of adhering to a structure while maintaining a desired, cohesive form. The composition can be made into sheets, rods, tubes and the like. For example, the composition can be applied to one side of a water permeable cellulosic fiber containing sheet and the composition side of the sheet secured over an area of potential water flow.

Abstract: This invention relates to system for and method of moving sea water by utilizing tidal flow and ebb. This is achieved by the provision of at least one reservoir in the vicinity of the seashore and at least one tidewater channel connecting the reservoir and the seashore and also the provision of a plurality of floodgates on both reservoir and tidewater channel, the floodgates being adapted to be opened and shut in accordance with the tides of the sea for producing uni-directional current of tidewater through the tidewater channel.