Abstract: A spacer plate for use in making a hollow floor has a plurality of truncated cone-shaped spacer elements extending from one side of the plate, and distributed in a row wise and column wise arrangement, for supporting the spacer plate from an underfloor, and also formed in the spacer plate are grooves formed in the same side of the plate as the spacer elements for holding a pipe conducting a heating or cooling medium, with the grooves surrounding at least a half of the circumference of the pipe to securely hold the pipe in place on the plate, so that the heating or cooling medium conducted through the pipe can come into heat exchange relationship not only with an upper floor laid on top of the spacer plate but also with air conducted through space existing between the spacer plate and the underfloor.

Abstract: A method for treating golf course sand traps to reduce contamination of the sand and to reduce erosion. The bottom of the trap, which is substantially devoid of playing sand is roughened. An initial amount of hydrophobic liquid polyurethane is applied to the roughened soil on the bottom of the trap. The trap is raked and an additional amount of hydrophobic liquid polyurethane is applied to the bottom of the trap. A thin layer of sand is applied to the bottom of the trap and a further additional amount of hydrophobic liquid polyurethane is applied to the sand and the sand is raked. The thin layer of sand is sprayed with water and the trap is permitted to cure for approximately 24 hours. A sufficient amount of playing sand is then added to the trap so the trap is playable.

Abstract: A spill containment system for storage tanks, flow devices, and the like, and a containment system for spilled light non-aqueous phase liquid are provided. The spill containment system comprises a liner for receiving and containing liquid that spills, as well as a withdrawal tube that sealingly extends into the liner at a high point thereof. An alternative spill containment system comprises two liner portions, one about a storage tank and another about a flow device leading, for example, to a furnace. A withdrawal tube extends to a low point of the first liner portion. The containment system comprises a trench, filled for example with low capillarity medium, for at least partially surrounding an area where light non-aqueous phase liquid is stored or may migrate to. A liner is disposed over the top of the trench and along at least a portion of one side thereof. At least one withdrawal tube sealingly extends through the liner at a high point thereof and into the trench.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base layer for a combined synthetic and natural turf comprising a fabric of which at least a part of the weft and/or warp threads is manufactured from a biodegradable material and/or is wholly absent so that the fabric contains apertures, and synthetic turf fibers which are least partially cowoven with the fabric and of which one or both ends form synthetic grass blades. These ends only protrude from the fabric at those locations where the non-degradable warp and weft threads intersect. The base layer is used in combined synthetic and natural turfs comprising a foundation, optionally a first layer of growth substrate and a base layer according to the invention which is provided with a second layer of growth substrate in which grass plants grow. The invention further relates to a method for laying a combined turf using the base layer of the invention.

Abstract: A manhole for a storm sewage system comprising a structure having at least two outwardly extending substantially vertical flat panels projecting outwardly from the exterior surface a predetermined distance on opposite sides of the base portion of the manhole.

Abstract: A layered foundation for a play surface includes an upper layer formed of wood mulch or another landscaping loose-fill material, a support layer composed of multiple fragments of a resilient material such as vulcanized rubber, and a landscaping fabric sheet disposed between the upper layer and the support layer. The support layer, preferably 3-4 inches in depth, contributes considerably to the shock-absorbing capability of the foundation, to provide a foundation that meets or exceeds recommended levels of impact attenuation, yet has a total depth less than that considered necessary in conventional foundations or support systems. The support layer also effectively drains water from the upper layer, due to multiple, interconnected passages between fragments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base layer for a combined synthetic and natural turf comprising a fabric of which at least a part of the weft and/or warp threads is manufactured from a biodegradable material and/or is wholly absent so that the fabric contains apertures, and synthetic turf fibers which are least partially cowoven with the fabric and of which one or both ends form synthetic grass blades. These ends only protrude from the fabric at those locations where the non-degradable warp and weft threads intersect. The base layer is used in combined synthetic and natural turfs comprising a foundation, optionally a first layer of growth substrate and a base layer according to the invention which is provided with a second layer of growth substrate in which grass plants grow. The invention further relates to a method for laying a combined turf using the base layer of the invention.

Abstract: A spill containment system for storage tanks, flow devices, and the like, and a containment system for spilled light non-aqueous phase liquid are provided. The spill containment system comprises a liner for receiving and containing liquid that spills, as well as a withdrawal tube that sealingly extends into the liner at a high point thereof. The containment system comprises a trench, filled for example with low capillarity medium, for at least partially surrounding an area where light non-aqueous phase liquid is stored or may migrate to. A liner is disposed over the top of the trench and along at least a portion of one side thereof. At least one withdrawal tube sealingly extends through the liner at a high point thereof and into the trench.

Abstract: A waterway and system of waterways are disclosed in which the waterway includes a sheet of material having an upper face which defines a central channel straddled by a pair of skirts, and a pair of spaced walls between the channel and skirts to define the channel. When positioned in the system, the skirts of the waterway are anchored to the soil and covered with soil, and surface water from the soil is collected and drained through the channel. The ribs have walls which extend upwardly from the upper surface of the waterway, are spaced from each other and have juncture lines extending their length to permit the ribs and sheet of material to flex and rebound without damage when exposed to substantial loads.

Abstract: An artificial turf is disclosed which comprises an outer artificial grass layer having a generally uniform exterior playing surface. A deflection layer is disposed below the artificial grass layer. The deflection layer has a prescribed height to provide resiliency for absorbing impact shocks from foot traffic and playing on the artificial grass layer. The deflection layer has a plurality of interstices providing open passages for water drainage; and loose particles are dispersed into the interstices of the deflection layer up to a prescribed level to provide stability and enhance shock absorption so that the deflection layer deflects when the artificial grass is impacted to assist in absorbing the impact and maintain normal playing action of the playing surface of the artificial grass layer.

Abstract: The paving system has a perforated pavement covering a deep substrate of mainly hard nodules or shells, the whole being surrounded by impervious walls to provide temporary storage in the interstices for chemical spillage or flood water, wherein liquids may be chemically treated or biologically decomposed, and from whence the rate of outflow may be regulated, the pavement consisting of preformed pavings of brick, concrete or other material, laid edge to edge without mortar or cement, and these pavings can be perforated or notched to allow liquids to run down into the substrate. The pavings are laid on a screen which filters out solid particles to reduce clogging. The system allows biological substances to grow, or be introduced, with or without additional nutrients, and allows chemical treatments to be introduced, from above, when needed. The whole pavement system can be lifted out for cleaning or, substitution, and relaid as new.

Abstract: A subsurface irrigation apparatus and method, the apparatus including an underlayment of water resistant material which also serves as a mounting surface for the remaining elements of the subsurface irrigation apparatus. Water is supplied to the subsurface irrigation apparatus through a water supply conduit and distributed through a plurality of water distribution conduits. Each water distribution conduit includes a plurality of spaced holes through which the irrigation water distributed by the water distribution conduits. A diffuser is mounted across each hole to diffuse the water into the surrounding soil. Each diffuser includes a layer of fibrous material partially covered by a water resistant overlayment. The fibrous layer diffuses the water outwardly from the hole while simultaneously inhibiting root encroachment into the hole.

Abstract: A device for slicing through soil and simultaneously inserting silt fence into the soil. Silt fence is a synthetic material installed in and above the ground to impede silt erosion from areas disturbed by construction. The device comprises a soil disrupter for slicing thinly through the soil 8 inches to 12 inches deep, and an apparatus, operating at the same depth, for converting silt fence, manufactured on a roll, into a vertical position in and above the ground. The apparatus includes a vertical wheel operating between two parallel panels, acting as a moving pivot point where the horizontal silt fence is converted to a vertical position between the panels. The panels hold the soil open while the vertical wheel simultaneously inserts silt fence into the opening. As the machine progresses, soil collapses against the silt fence, thus securing the silt fence in the desired position.

Abstract: A high shear strength clay liner comprising two synthetic geotextiles (1a, 1b) and a semihydrated layer (1c) of swellable clay therebetween with fastening means (5) arranged in such a pattern of connecting threads to form pockets (7) through the clay layer. The pattern comprises rows of independent fasteners arranged according two intersecting directions. The fasteners have knots (8) at their ends protruding from the surface of the liner. The invention also comprises a method and a machine for forming the independent fasteners by means of two parallel needle bars (104a, b) each carrying a row of needles (105) reciprocating in opposed directions and cooperating with a reciprocating needle plate (109) having a plurality of parallel fingers (110) and a looper bar (117) with a plurality of parallel looper plates (118) rocking on its axis to form loops (5a, 5b) which can be melted into protruding knots (8).

Abstract: A system and method for preventing the accumulation of water below and about a building and soil surrounding the building, the building having a foundation built on disturbed soil, which is in turn surrounded by undisturbed soil and the foundation extending to a depth. The system includes at least one trench section about the foundation, the trench being at least as deep as the disturbed soil about foundation and having sides and a bottom. At least one side of the trench being bounded by undisturbed soil. The trench section also includes a first end and a second end, the trench bottom having a slope between the first end and the second end, the second end terminating in a sump pit. An impermeable liner over the sides and bottom of the trench and extending into the sump pit.

Abstract: A drainage system for a natural turf athletic field includes a buried drainage network located above a water impermeable membrane which conforms to the topography of a compacted subsoil, the drainage network including a plurality of water impermeable pipe rows partially recessed in depressions in the subsoil and a plurality of water permeable conduit rows oriented perpendicular to and intersecting the pipe rows. At each intersection, a low profile coupling interconnects the respective pipe row to the respective conduit row, the coupling having a vertical dimension less than the combined vertical dimension of the pipe rows and the conduit rows. A fill layer covers the membrane and supports natural turf thereabove. The drainage network connects to a a gravity drain and a water supply. The design of the drainage network results in reduced excavation and simplified construction, thereby lowering the installation cost for the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized fluid barrier member and to methods of forming the same. The fluid barrier comprises a first outer sheet member having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a stabilizer element overlying at least part of the first sheet member top surface and abutting the top surface along at least a portion thereof. The stabilizer element contains a plurality of interstitial apertures adapted to contain a quantity of a selectively fluid-impervient barrier material and for substantially preventing displacement of the barrier material from the apertures, notwithstanding the angular inclination at which the fluid barrier member is oriented during manufacture, transport, installation and/or use. The barrier material is chosen for its ability to prevent passage of one or more particular fluids, in liquid or gas form, depending upon the application for which the barrier member is intended.

Abstract: A clay liner is provided for use in constructing low permeability barriers in the bottom of landfills and man-made bodies of water. The liner is provided in the form of a layer of bentonite preferably disposed between a primary carrier sheet and a cover sheet. At least one outer edge of either the cover sheet or the primary carrier sheet is made from a material that allows substantial bentonite migration through or includes a slit that enables bentonite to migrate through while the remaining areas of the cover sheet or primary carrier sheet are fabricated from a fabric that does not permit substantial bentonite migration. When two liners are disposed adjacent to each other in the bottom of the landfill or pond, the two liners are overlapped so that the more open portion of one liner engages the adjacent liner. Upon activation, the bentonite migrates through the more open fabric to create a seal between the two adjacent liners. The result is a self-sealing geosynthetic clay liner system.

Abstract: A building component in the form of a board-like distance plate having a lattice of horizontal and vertical ribs. Frusto-pyramid projections (3) extend from the intersections of the ribs on one side of the board and domes (4) extend from the other side of the board between the ribs and cover a larger surface area than the projections (3). The domes form cavities which are interconnected by virtue of the projections spacing the plate from a wall or other surface.

Abstract: A separation layer (12) for laying grass surfaces (10; 16) on a sand or gravel base (13), which layer is in the form of a rigid plastic sheeting with parallel side edges. The surface of the sheeting is embossed by thermo-forming so that it presents a uniform pattern of deep embossings (14). These form rows which extend perpendicular to said side edges. The parallel rows are each connected to adjacent embossings in the same row via bridges (15) so that each row of embossings in cooperation with adjacent rows creates a stiffening of the sheeting.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installation in a manhole assembly. The mold apparatus is filled with a sealing material to establish a solid bond that blocks inflow of fluids at the joint between abutting components of the manhole assembly. The apparatus includes an open ring, a retaining band for urging the open ring into contact with the manhole so that the open ring defines an annular channel at the joint, and a sealing material dispenser for conveying sealing material into the annular channel. The sealing material hardens in the annular channel to provide the solid bond at the joint between the two manhole components. The manhole components may be an abutting manhole frame and manhole, or two abutting sections of manhole.

Abstract: An improved surface covering for use in tennis courts or other fields on which games are played and which require a hard surface. The surface covering includes layers of materials applied on an old existing covering which is inferior for one or more reasons. The new covering includes a drain rock layer beneath a flexible fabric panel which is beneath a new base rock layer. A layer of asphalt is applied to the base rock layer, following which a thin layer, such as of bitumen or the like, can be applied to the top of the asphalt layer. The new covering will "float" on top of the old covering to allow the old covering to expand or contract due to ground movement while also eliminating moisture problems.

Abstract: A method is provided for the continuous production of sealing sheeting impervious to water and/or oil, in the case of which between a substrate layer and a non-woven material covering layer a swellable clay is needle punched in position, a swellable clay additionally strewn on the top side of the covering layer being at the same time incorporated in the covering layer. After this the swellable clay present in the covering is moistened and dried again. In accordance with a modified form of the invention use is only made of a substrate consisting of a non-woven material, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric and/or a film, the film being a synthetic resin film, a synthetic resin film reinforced with fabric or paper, and a large pored non-woven material or a non-consolidated intersecting fiber crimped non-woven material or a random fiber non-woven material on which the pulverulent swellable clay is strewn, incorporated by needle punching, moistened and dried.

Abstract: A subsurface irrigation system includes one or more water distributing branches comprising a water emitting conduit and a water deflector member. The water emitting conduit extends through the area to be watered buried at an emitting depth below the surface of the area and is capable of receiving water at one end and emitting the water at a low overall flow rate along its length. The deflector member extends the entire length of the water emitting conduit generally below the level of the conduit and defines a deflecting area. The water deflector member comprises a layer of substantially water impermeable material and its position generally below the water emitting conduit allows it to block the downward flow of water in the water deflecting area. Deflecting the water below the water emitting conduit forces the emitted water laterally with respect to the conduit and capillary action in the soil draws the deflected water further laterally to saturate a significant area only to the depth of the root zone.

Abstract: A waste disposal landfill has at least one subsurface impermeable sheet for containing and directing fluid runoff from the site. This impermeable sheet can be remotely monitored with respect to its impermeability to verify that there are no breaks in the sheet and that no waste is passing therethrough.

Abstract: A hazardous waste site remediation process for decontamination of petrochemical and other toxic waste containing sites comprises in situ conversion of the site to a self contained process reactor which is then selectively operated by feeding a variety of treatment reagents thereto through a network of feed conduits and removing contaminants through removal conduits which collectively bring the contaminated materials to a collection area in the reactor where they can then be further treated or removed. A mobile trenching machine converts the site to a reactor by simultaneously placing contaminant impermeable walls while processing excavated materials such as by adding reactor reagents thereto and then immediately returning the processed materials to the location from which they were excavated in the site. Hydrocarbons or other useful by-products such as precious metals may be recovered from the soil.

Abstract: This invention relates to the draining of foundations by using an elongate subterranean drainage structure located approximately horizontally and parallel to the foundation in combination with a plurality of elongate upwardly extending hollow drain structures extending from the structure toward the surface of the earth. Hydrostatic pressure of water in the soil forces water through holes in the upwardly extending drain structures. The water then passes rapidly to the bottom of the upwardly extending drain structures by the force of gravity and thereupon into the horizontal drain structure wherein it is carried away from the foundation.

Abstract: A subsoil structure for sodded ground comprising a water-retaining layer filling a pan-like cavity, a sand layer covering the water-retaining layer, and a soil-improving layer covering the sand layer and incorporating a soil-improving material which is of a porous structure.Since the soil-improving layer has a good water-retentivity and the water-retaining layer is provided for retaining or storing water, the number of watering times can be extremely reduced, thereby saving time and labor for watering.

Abstract: A composite drywell, a drywell system and method employing the composite drywell, which composite drywell comprises a cylindrical drywell having a removable top and bottom section, the drywell composed of a plurality of separate, edge-interlocked, arcuate sections which together form the cylindrical wall of the drywell, each arcuate section having a one side edge with a opening extending substantially the length of the side edge and the other side edge having a beaded side edge extending substantially the length of the arcuate section, the beaded edge of the arcuate section adapted to fit in an interlocking, receiving relationship into the other side edge opening of the adjacent arcuate section so as to have all arcuate sections interlocked to form a cylindrical drywell wall.

Abstract: A method and device for diverting water away from a building foundation and insulating the soil surrounding the foundation. The method includes excavating a trench in the soil at least about a portion of the perimeter of a new or existing building foundation, the trench having a predetermined depth, a first side wall defined by the building foundation, a bottom surface defined by the soil having a predetermined slope extending away from the building foundation a predetermined distance and a second side wall opposite the first side wall and defined by the soil. A first insulated waterproof diverter member is placed within a portion of trench for diverting water away from the foundation and reducing the frost penetration depth within the soil surrounding the foundation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material.

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 shear from one batt layer to the other, i.e. on a slope shearing 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 shearing 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 needlepunched 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 multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: An underground system for supplying water to and removing water from an athletic facility having a surface which is susceptible to excessive moisture and dryness. The system includes an array of pipes which are positioned within rectangularly cross sectioned trenches having substantially level bottoms. Water is supplied to and removed from the array of pipes by a water control system at ambient pressures. The system may be installed into existing athletic facilities without excessive damage or disruption to their surfaces.

Abstract: A landfill site is adapted to collect leachate seeping from landfill. A liner impedes passage of liquids between the landfill and a subjacent stratum. A leachate collection layer formed of drainage material is located between the liner and the landfill. Apertured conduits embedded within the drainage material convey the leachate to a pair of subsurface gallery extending along opposite sides of the site and accessible from the surface. Each collection conduit has a discharge end extending through the gallery sidewall where leachate flows can be inspected and obstructions in the conduit can be removed. A groundwater gallery is constructed below the liner in the subjacent stratum and is also accessible from the surface. Blind-ended slots in the upper surface of the stratum are filled with drainage material. Apertured groundwater collection conduits in the slots convey groundwater into the interior of the gallery.

Abstract: Fluid leakage through soil in a region thereof is controlled by sequentially passing over the region to dig a plurality of parallel, laterally displaced grooves in the surface. Soil dug from each groove is temporarily stored, and a strip of sheet material is laid over a groove as it is created during each pass, the width of the strip being greater than the width of the groove. Thereafter, the temporarily stored soil is deposited on the strip such that it is covered with soil except along one edge, the other edge of the strip overlying the uncovered edge of an adjacent strip laid down during a previous pass over the region. As a consequence, a first layer of overlapping strips of sheet material covered with soil is installed over the region.

Abstract: A cavity is excavated in the earth with preferably sloping sidewalls and a first impervious barrier or layer is placed on the surface of the excavation, such as a layer of plastic film or sheet. One or more self-starting pumps are placed at intervals along the slope and embedded in a pervious layer, such as sand, of from one to three feet in thickness. An inner impervious layer which, in a preferred embodiment, is substantially thicker than the outer or first impervious layer is layed over the sand and then a final layer or cap of clay is applied over the inner impervious plastic layer. Any seepage or leakage through the inner impervious layer caused by a tear or imperfection in the plastic, flows down to the self-starting monitoring pumps which, upon sensing the flow, turns itself on. The invention includes sensing the time of operation of the self-monitoring pump to determine the degree of seepage.

Abstract: A recreational area construction comprising a base having depressions and rises thereon; a plurality of borders forming a perimeter around said base; strips of water pervious material on the base and lining the depressions, and having their ends overlapping whereby water flows laterally across the strips toward the borders; an end of one of said strips extends beneath and beyond said border whereby water is conveyed away from the said area; and a top layer of cushioning material supported on the base and water pervious material.

Abstract: The tennis court has water impervious bays which contain water distribution piping and particulate material that conducts water from the bottom of the bays upwardly by capillary action to the playing surface of the court. The water distribution piping includes a substantially rigid outer pipe having relatively large openings extending through its lower portion, and at least one inner pipe that is located within the outer pipe and that has a plurality of water discharge orifices at spaced locations along its length. Water from a supply source is introduced into the inner pipe, at a desired low pressure and flow rate, at those times when a moisture sensor determines that the sensed moisture content within the particulate material adjacent the playing surface of the court is less than a preselected desired magnitude. Valving associated with the water distribution piping permits purging and/or draining of the piping.

Abstract: A panel, and method of making the panel, useful as a water barrier including an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of sheet material, such as paperboard, wherein at least one of the sheet material layers has a plurality of spaced apertures, or water channels, extending from the exterior of the panel to the intermediate water-swellable clay layer. The sheet material layer containing water channels includes a coating of a removablel material completely across the water channels in the facing sheet having controlled, predetermined water-solubility so that the intermediate water-swellable clay layer is quickly hydrated after solubilization and removal of the coating material, and to prevent clay hydration during installation, prior to removal of the coating material.

Abstract: A flexible or rigid panel, and method of making the panel, useful as a water barrier including an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as pentonite, sandwiched between two layers of sheet material, such as woven or non-woven fabric, or paperboard, wherein at least one one of the sheet material layers has a water-soluble coating material covering substantially the entire outer surface of the sheet material layer. The water-soluble coating is a material that dissolves upon a predetermined water contact period, having a controlled, predetermined water-solubility so that the intermediate water-swellable clay layer is protected against hydration during installation.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming an extended length of a unitary structure includes the following steps. A supply of a porous flexible blanket is provided. A high viscosity flowable solidifiable mixture is continuously flowed simultaneously into an entire continuously moving width of the porous flexible blanket. Pressure is applied against the treated blanket to form a uniform matrix therewith. The rate of advance of the blanket is monitored. The rate of advance is coordinated with the flow rate of the mixture into the blanket and with the pressure applied thereto. A substantially flat non-porous flexible envelope is positioned along the length of the treated blanket. The envelope/blanket combination is positioned along a desired path. A pressurized gas is introduced into the envelope. The envelope is inflated to move the treated blanket into a final configuration. The non-porous envelope is maintained in an inflated state until the treated blanket is set in the final configuration.

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 recreational area construction comprising a base with a plurality of borders forming a perimeter on the base; a layer of water pervious material on the base between the borders, and a top layer of cushioning material supported on the base and layer of water pervious material.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a built-up granular structure having a stable moisture content controlled upper layer. The preferred granular structure includes an improved fine aggregate upper surface layer, a coarse aggregate reservoir layer having a topmost application of perforate adhesive material, and a dry moisture barrier layer having a topmost impervious layer. The entire layered structure is supported by any firm base including compacted soil or an existing playing court structure. A containment wall having screened drainage inlets/outlets surrounds the periphery of the structure.

Abstract: A flexible sealing sheet for controllably leakproof separation of the regions present on both sides thereof, especially for the sealing of rubbish dumps, which exhibits, in at least one plane, hollow channels extending essentially in the longitudinal extension of the sheet and separated from one another by channel walls. The hollow channels permit, with the sealing sheet already installed, an inspection with respect to possible leakage. It is furthermore possible, by selective injection of appropriate sealing media into the hollow channels to subsequently repair defective portions of the sealing sheets.

Abstract: A system for constructing golf course traps which would include the steps of forming a cutout area in the fairway in the desired shape of the trap, the cutout area including a continuous substantially vertical sidewall and a substantially flat floor portion; and forming a plurality of channels for housing the "turf drain" composite drainage line within the channels for undertaking drainage of the traps; prior to the placement of the turf drain lines within the channels, placing a continuous sheet of material such as plastic liner along the floor of the trap and the continuous sheet forming within the plurality of channels; positioning the "turf drain" composite drainage line within the channels so that the plastic liner is positioned between the soil and the turf drainage line; and filling the trap with sufficient sand for allowing the upper most portion space of the sand within the trap to be substantially flush with the surrounding fairway, so that as water drains into the trap, the water would essentially

Abstract: A continuous structural laminate includes a plurality of continuous generally parallel spaced integrally bonded porous blankets with a continuous polymeric matrix extending through each porous blanket. The polymeric matrices include solidified polymeric mixtures with each mixture including a polymer forming material, a gas foaming agent, a catalyst and a major portion of a particulate reinforcement. The polymeric matrices include compatible polymer forming materials. At least two of the blankets include polymeric matrices with differing particulate reinforcements. The continuous structural laminate is formed and applied with mobile apparatus including a support portion, a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a matrix forming portion and a control portion. The support portion includes at least two base sections with carriages depending from a first base section including a plurality of spaced transverse axle assemblies and wheels mounted on free ends of each axle assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for lining a canal is described as well as the method for lining the canal. The apparatus comprises an elongated frame which extends transversely across the canal and which is propelled the length thereof. A concrete paver is supported on the frame and is designed to lay concrete on one of the sides of the canal and at least a portion of the bottom of the canal as the frame is moved along the length of the canal. A flexible sheet material is positioned on the canal sides and bottom just prior to the concrete being positioned thereon. The PVC is positioned on the canal in a substantially wrinkle-free and untensioned condition. The method of lining the canal is also described.

Abstract: A combination drainage and waterproofing system for subterranean walls includes panels which have drain passages on the side thereof adjacent the soil. The front surface of each panel screens against soil entering the passages and the opposite surface of each panel is waterproof and is disposed in waterproof engagement with the waterproof surfaces of adjacent panels. A variety of panel constructions are disclosed. Several modes for providing the screening surfaces and the waterproof surfaces are also disclosed.