Abstract: A cement composition which when mixed with water hydrates to form a hardened cement containing ettringite comprises a high alumina cement, beta-anhydrite and calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. The composition may also contain a calcium sulphate which is partially water soluble, an alkali metal sulphate, an accelerator for the high alumina cement such as lithium carbonate, and/or a bentonite clay. The composition is particularly suitable for filling cavities in mines.

Abstract: A substantially dry powder composition which when mixed with water forms a gel comprises a swelling clay, a sodium silicate having a silica to soda weight ratio of about 2.65:1 or below and an inorganic gelling agent for the sodium silicate which gelling agent does not introduce ions which significantly lower the gelling capacity of the clay.The composition is particularly suitable for use in coal mines as an anti-combustion material.

Abstract: A method of making on site a ground anchor having at least double corrosion protection about the anchor element, comprises locating a number of fixed lengths of corrosion proof sleeve about the element, applying a cap to the sleeve at the end of the element, and supplying a self-setting composition into the sleeve via the cap to fill an annular clearance between the sleeve and the element. The cap may be left in place on the end of the anchor to protect the anchor during insertion thereof into a borehole. The sleeve preferably comprises an outer plastics layer, an inner metal layer, and an intermediate layer of set filler.

Abstract: An agent for stabilization of a decorative finish is incorporated in a timber preservative composition comprising a preservative e.g. fungicide, insecticide or fire retardant in an organic solvent e.g. white spirit, chlorinated hydrocarbon such as methylene chloride or a liquified butane or propane for use in a double vacuum treatment of the timber. The agent may be an alkyd resin or colloidal pigment of a defined mean particle size, or both.

Abstract: A soil consolidation composition and method of use involving an aqueous composition of an alkali metal silicate and a gelling agent, the composition having a viscosity sufficiently low (about 1 or 2 cps) so that it can penetrate to a pre-determined depth in a friable sandstone substrate to consolidate the substrate with the concentration of the silicate being sufficient to be gelled by the gelling agent after achievement of the penetration into the substrate.