Abstract: A method and apparatus of introducing and joining diaphragms in slotted walls. The slotted inner connecting pipe of one diaphragm is introduced into the slotted outer connecting pipe of another diaphragm. An apparatus for fusing together the two connecting pipes is placed within the interior of the inner pipe and can move through the latter. The apparatus has a heating device for heating and fusing the two connecting pipes together.

Abstract: A multilayer plate for use in covering waste depositories comprises at least one drainage layer and a filter stabilization layer, the drainage layer serving to facilitate or enable the removal of water seeping downwardly from the surface of the depository covering or gases rising from the depository body. The filter stabilization layer comprises a fabric web, while the drainage layer includes a plastic grid. The plate is prefabricated and is of sufficient flexibility to be wound upon a roll for transport to a depository site. In one form, the prefabricated plate also includes a synthetic resin barrier layer which, upon installation of the plate, blocks the passage of water from above and the passage of gases from below.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the subsequent underground sealing of an area, preferably of dumps. With the method, it is possible to seal dumps underground. Working pipes are introduced from a region outside a dump body. The region of soil between the working pipes is loosened, and sealing material is then introduced into this region, which solidifies to become a sheet-like sealing compound. With this method, in particular existing dump bodies can be sealed subsequently underground, without having to drill through the dump body. The apparatus for carrying out the method has a loosening device, and a feed device for the sealing material. The two devices are able to move in the region between two adjacent working pipes.

Abstract: To reduce the shearing resistance at the surfaces of the diaphragm, and to decrease the buoyancy force, both of which greatly hamper the positioning of diaphragms or thin sheets in slotted wall suspensions, air bubbles are introduced at the bottom end of the diaphragm during the positioning process. These air bubbles ascend along the vertical surfaces of the diaphragm.

Abstract: For installing panels consisting of diaphragm portions and reinforcements into recesses in the ground a deflection body is provided which is movable along the opening of the ground recess, the upper surface of the deflection body being curved so that the panels can be inserted into a suspension in the ground recess via the deflection body without discontinuities and without bending the panels over a deflection radius smaller than the smallest possible bending radius of the panels. Welding machines are disposed on the deflection body for joining the panel sections transversely and longitudinally to form a web having a length which corresponds to the depth of the suspension filled recess in the ground.

Abstract: An adsorption layer for retaining liquid or gaseous organic hydrocarbons prior to such matter reaching a sealing sheet of synthetic material. The adsorption layer includes activated carbon that is incorporated loosely or is bonded to the sealing sheet. Retention of the organic hydrocarbons in the adsorption layer prevents possible diffusion of this matter through the plastic sealing sheet.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for vertically sealing off dumps to prevent the seepage of water therefrom. A sealing wall is produced around the dump area which is to be sealed off. The sealing wall has at least one drainage sheet which extends over the length of the sealing wall, and is embedded therein. The drainage sheet produces a hydraulic gradient relative to the surroundings, as a result of which the seepage water collects in the drainage sheet. The occurrence and the quantity of the seepage water accumulated in the drainage sheet is determined in a controlled manner, and is withdrawn from the sealing wall.

Abstract: A method for installing thin-walled sealing elements in the fabrication of slotted walls in the soil. The thin-walled sealing elements are plastic foils with vertical connecting elements at the vertical edges. A connecting slot is flushed out between a newly made slotted-wall section and the interior of the adjacent slotted connecting tube of the previously installed sealing element. The slot and the interior of the connecting tube are filled with a support suspension. Then a new sealing element is threaded through the filled connecting slot into the previously installed connecting tube.

Abstract: A pair of webs each extending over a large area and disposed in a vertical orientation in a suspension are interconnected by a pair of telescoping tubes attached to juxtaposed edges of the respective barrier webs. Material of the suspension is removed from the space within the inner tube to provide a hydraulic trap for liquid entering the connection or coupling between the two tubes. A device is provided for inspecting the level of the liquid collected in the hydraulic trap or for removing the collected liquid. The barrier webs are advantageously made of synthetic resin material such as high-density polyethylene.

Abstract: A method for removing fine-grained sediments from flowing or standing bodies of water. The sediment is dredged from the bottom of the body of water. The dredged sediment is dewatered and classified in a sieve plant. At least a fine-grained admixture material such as fly ash or refined clay is admixed to the dewatered sediment material. The admixture is granulated and the resulting granulate is dried and fired under swelling. The swelled, fired granulate is cooled and further processed. The light weight granulate is admixed to concrete or used in the production of building materials such as sinter blocks and bricks. The noxious materials and heavy metals contained in the sediment are substantially sealed into the granules produced by sintering. The resulting waste waters can be cleared such that they are suitable for feeding back into the bodies of water. The residues of the waste water treatment can also be employed as admixture component in the granulate production.