Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparation of chemically-stabilized emulsions of tall oil in water. Temperature and pH are controlled during preparation of the emulsions so as to prevent saponification and neutralization of acids in the tall oil component. The final emulsions have pHs in the range of from about 3.0 to 5.0 and remain phase stable for extended periods of time. Methods are disclosed for using the emulsions for soil treatment to improve soil stabilization and load bearing capacity for roadbed use, for treatment of reclaimed asphalt pavement for reuse as a stabilized base course for roadway construction and for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides semi-solid and reinforced soil mixtures formed from aqueous soil mixtures such as dredge material, discrete reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers. The reinforced mixtures can include additives for partially solidifying the aqueous soil mixture, such as calcium-containing materials, cementitious materials, silicon-containing materials, aluminum-containing materials and mixtures thereof. The pH of the reinforced soil mixture can be adjusted to control deterioration of the reinforcing fibers, as desired.

Abstract: A method of solidifying a waste or soil composition containing at least one contaminant species which comprises adding to said composition binder and optionally water, mixing the binder into the waste or soil material to form a mixture thereof and simultaneously during formation of the mixture and/or subsequently after formation of the mixture, treating the mixture with sufficient carbon dioxide to achieve setting and subsequent hardening of said mixture so as to produce a solidified waste or soil composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ground surface structure for prevention of weed growing. The structure includes a germination-preventing sheet (2) resistant to penetration of buds of a plant and laid over the surface of a selected ground (1). The structure also includes a surface layer (3) formed by accumulating a water-repellent earth material on the germination-preventing sheet (2). The earth material includes material grains formed with silicone coating. Typically, the germination-preventing sheet (2) is made of a nonwoven fabric material and resistant to penetration of buds of a plant. Further, the sheet blocks the passage of light, but exhibits water permeability and air permeability.

Abstract: A method of thickening solvents involves reacting (A) an .ident.Si--H containing polysiloxane with (B) an alkene such as an alpha, omega-diene; conducting the reaction in the presence of a platinum catalyst and (C) a solvent; continuing the reaction until a gel is formed by crosslinking and addition of .ident.Si--H across double bonds in the alpha, omega-diene; adding additional solvent and a post cure terminating agent to the gel; and subjecting the solvent, the post cure terminating agent, and the gel to shear force until a paste is formed. The post cure terminating agent is an amino acid ester, preferably a sulfur containing amino acid ester, such as methionine methyl ester, methionine ethyl ester, cysteine methyl ester, cysteine ethyl ester, and cystine dimethyl ester.

Abstract: Solid waste contaminated with cationic metals is remediated with a composition that reduces the mobility of the metals. A recycled product is formed having improved structural properties for possible use as engineered fill such as road base material. Said composition comprising an emulsion of asphalt or tall oil pitch in water and a chemical fixing agent.

Abstract: A flowable fill composition is shown which is prepared by mixing together a lime component, a pozzolanic component, aggregate material and water. The composition has a set compressive strength after 28 days of 2000 psi or less and is characterized by the substantial absence of cement or other self-setting adhesive components.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated cationic polymers containing mixtures of certain salts as well as processes for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mineral vegetation substrate for agricultural or forestry use. The problem with prior art soil substrates based on recycled materials is that the usable field capacity is often insufficient or sufficient only with special additives. According to the invention, therefore, a mineral vegetation substrate consists of 45 to 65 wt. % geogenous sand and/or sandy soil with a grain size d.sub.50 of 0.20 to 0.35 mm, 4 to 8 wt. % coarse-grained crushed clay tiles with a grain size d.sub.50 of 25 to 35 mm, 8 to 18 wt. % fine-grained crushed clay tiles with a grain size d.sub.50 of 0.7 to 1.5 mm, 4 to 8 wt. % coarse-grained crushed concrete with a grain size d.sub.50 of 15 to 25 mm, 8 to 18 wt. % fine-grained crushed concrete with a grain size d.sub.50 of 1.5 to 3.5 mm, 8 to 13 wt. % binders like geogenous clay with a grain size d.sub.50 of 0.08 to 0.15 mm or clay in a homogenous mixture.

Abstract: There is provided an additive for and a method of using the additive to treat a clay-containing earthen formation, such as a subterranean formation, to substantially reduce formation damage caused by contact of the formation with an aqueous liquid foreign to the formation. The additive, which is employed in a water solution, is comprised of a chloride-free, quaternary ammonium compound which can be used without adverse affect upon animal, soil and water resources due to the chloride-free and substantial organic nature thereof. It thus biodegrades to environmentally acceptable end products.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated cationic polymers containing mixtures of certain salts as well as processes for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermo-chemical remediation and decontamination of sediments and soils contaminated with organic contaminants as well as inorganic materials with subsequent beneficial reuse. Novel environmentally stable products of commercial value are produced when certain additives such as calcium and metal oxides are mixed with the contaminated materials. In the process, the mixture is heated to 1150.degree. C..about.1500.degree. C. to produce a molten reaction product with at least part of an excess amount of oxygen mixture or air is continuously bubbled through the melt in order to provide mixing and achieve high thermal destruction and removal efficiencies of the organic contaminants. The melt is then quickly quenched in moist air, steam, or water to avoid the transformation of the amorphous material into crystals. The inorganic contaminants such as chromium, nickel, zinc, etc. are incorporated and completely immobilized within the amorphous silicate network.

Abstract: The invention teaches a stone/soil urban tree mix that can safely support pavements yet also provide ample rooting area--a current limitation--for street trees that are planted close to the pavement. By expanding the rooting zone, the mix allows increased tree growth, decreased tree mortality, and decreased sidewalk failure. The mix employs a stone aggregate that is coated with an acrylamide hydrogel slurry, creating matrix pores that suspend the soil that is added to the mix in specific amounts. The criterion for determining the critical stone to soil dry-weight mixing ratios for various stone and soil types are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-foaming composition includes a foaming agent, a bulking material, and a water soluble polymer. The composition, when mixed with an aqueous carrier, forms a foamed sprayable composition suitable for providing a cover layer over a selected material.

Abstract: A method for the surface stabilization of sand and/or soil is provided. The method is comprised of applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to the surface layer of soil. The aqueous polymer dispersion is comprised of triesters of glycerol with lower aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, citric acid triesters with lower aliphatic monohydric alcohols and/or epoxidized triglycerides of at least partly olefinically unsaturated fatty acids as biodegradable plasticizers in aqueous polyvinyl acetate dispersions.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing soil and aggregate for structural purposes including the step of mixing with water: (a) a soil aggregate base material; (b) a stabilization composition comprising: (i) an alkali metal silicate or other suitable gel precursor, and (ii) optionally a cation; and (c) a minimum amount of 1% of cement based on the weight of the resulting mixture, whereby sufficient water is added to the resulting mixture to hydrate the cement and thereby provide a stabilized soil aggregate matrix suitable for use in a structure.

Abstract: A method of strengthening and improving the load-bearing capacity of soft clay-containing subterranean soil comprising advancing a soil processing tool into said subterranean soil to break said soil into discrete particles; while advancing said soil processing tool into said soil, introducing an aqueous composition consisting essentially of water and a clay dispersant in an amount sufficient to disperse said discrete particles and make water from said clay available for hydration of subsequently added cement; when the soil processing tool has reached its desired depth, withdrawing same and simultaneously adding during said withdrawal a cementitious composition comprising water and a cement in a water-to-cement weight ratio of 0.4 to 1:1 and in an amount which provides a weight ratio of the total water of said aqueous dispersant containing composition, said clay soil and said cementitious composition to said cement of about 4 to 6:1; and allowing said mixture to harden.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermo-chemical remediation and decontamination of sediments and soils contaminated with organic contaminants as well as inorganic materials with subsequent beneficial reuse. Novel environmentally stable products of commercial value are produced when certain additives such as calcium and metal oxides are mixed with the contaminated materials. In the process, the mixture is heated to 1150.degree. C..about.1500.degree. C. to produce a molten reaction product with at least part of an excess amount of oxygen mixture or air is continuously bubbled through the melt in order to provide mixing and achieve high thermal destruction and removal efficiencies of the organic contaminants. The melt is then quickly quenched in moist air, steam, or water to avoid the transformation of the amorphous material into crystals. The inorganic contaminants such as chromium, nickel, zinc, etc. are incorporated and completely immobilized within the amorphous silicate network.

Abstract: A waterglass-based material containing an inorganic component A of an alkali metal silicate having a low viscosity and a high silica content and a component B having at least one fast hardening agent, preferably carbonic esters, and a hardening retarder of at least one further hardening agent which acts more slowly, preferably dialkyl carboxylates, in particular dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and/or dimethyl adipate. The material may also contain optional further additives, such as liquefiers, thixotropic agents, lubricants and fillers and the like. Processes for hardening a waterglass-based material and use of such a material for sealing pipelines, sewers and containers, for soil stabilization, coating and impregnation of materials and for the production of shaped articles are also indicated.

Abstract: Underground rock cracks are blocked by using a slurry of blocking agent containing hectorite raw materials in an amount of 1 to 10 wt %, which comprises an acidic precipitate of water glass and magnesium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and lithium hydroxide and water, through the steps of injecting the slurry, allowing the slurry to flow into the cracks produced in rocks, and allowing hectorite synthesized from the raw materials contained in the slurry to gel under high temperature conditions of underground.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated anionic polymers containing mixtures of cationic organic salts and kosmotropic salts as well as processes for making and using the same to condition soil are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide an inorganic porous body which can be ensured with high strength and high porosity and which is applicable to soil conditioners. The inorganic porous body has a pellet-shape, having pores, includes 50% and more silica by weight, and 20% and more alumina by weight. Also, the inorganic porous body has a porosity of 40% and more by volume. The sludge, which discharged from casting foundries as sludge-wastes and which has an ignition loss of 20%, is utilized as a starting material. The starting material is mixed with water to make a mixture, the mixture is formed to become pellets, and the pellets are burned.

Abstract: The invention is a packaged ready mix, having a biodegradable external packaging, an oil-resistant degradable internal liner, and a thickened soil stabilizer surrounded by said internal liner. The external packaging is made from a material which decomposes in water. The thickened soil stabilizer contains a carrier and an organic binder. The packaged ready mix can be applied to soil without the need to remove, or dispose of, any packaging material.

Abstract: Excavated earth from construction sites may be recycled as backfilling material or grout by incorporating it into a hydraulic composite. This is done firstly by blending excavated soil with a solidifying quantity of a hydraulic material and a fluidifying quantity of water and at least one first admixture selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives and saccharides and derivatives thereof, and blending the mixture thus created with a cement-dispersing agent at a time between the addition of the hydraulic material and the commencement of set of the hydraulic material. The hydraulic composites thus created have good fluidity, good final strength and low proneness to cracking.

Abstract: A semifluid mix for environmental reclamation, comprising peat, a hydraulic binder, resins, seeds, lime, and manure, the mix being particularly adapted to restore a covering of vegetation on surfaces that have suffered environmental degradation, such as ski pistes, road slopes, landslide and quarry faces. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for preparing the mix and to a method for applying the semifluid mix on the surfaces that have suffered environmental degradation.

Abstract: A method of remediating soil contaminated with inorganic and organic pollutants as disclosed. A method comprises treating the soil with a complexing agent capable of chelating the pollutants and a matrix-generating agent for authigenically generating within the soil an alumino-silicate colloid matrix. The matrix has a plurality of reactive sites, which are capable of physically and chemically altering the pollutants into innocuous forms. The matrix-generating material comprises a mixture of a cement, blast furnace slag, fly ash, organophilic clay, and a free radical generator.

Abstract: According to the present invention, ceramics which are prepared by calcining a composition comprising raw ceramic materials and a microorganism and/or culture fluid thereof, wherein the microorganisms is capable of producing an antioxidation material. The ceramic of the present invention possesses a variety of activities of, for instance, improving the soil, decomposing sewage or sludge, and deodorizing an unpleasant odor.

Abstract: A dry mixture of (a) powdered or ground smectite and/or a smectite-containing natural rock, wherein the smectite is in an inactive state, (b) 1-10% by weight of a water-soluble polymer and (c) 0.8-6.0% by weight of a powdered activating agent can be combined with soil and water to provide a gel which is a barrier composition. The mixture may additionally contain a diluting agent, so as to form a dry blend, where the blend may likewise be combined with soil and water to provide a gel which is a barrier composition. The blend may be used to provide for water-tight insulation of vasins, damps and other objects exposed to damaging effects of water, and may also be used as a sealing for deponies, as a protecting layer for articles exposed to acidic liquids, and as a filling agent for cavities and cracks on articles exposed to water.

Abstract: A soil top dressing is comprised of a mixture of sand, clay, a plasticizer material, water, and a coloring pigment, if desired. The components of the soil composition are preferably present in the following proportions by weight: sand 50-70%; clay 10-40%; plasticizer 0.5-5.0%; water 5-20%; coloring pigment 1-5%; all coated with kelp meal granules (5-20%). The method of making the invention involves continuously mixing a portion of the sand and the plasticizer in an agitation mixer. The sand becomes coated with the plasticizer, whereupon a quantity of clay is then added, followed by an additional portion of the plasticizing material. It is particularly important that the sand particles become coated with the plasticizing compound and clay. The coloring pigments are added and mixed thereafter. The foregoing particles are thereupon coated with particles of kelp meal. As soon as complete mixing takes place, material can be immediately transferred from the mixer to suitable packaging.

Abstract: A slurry composition for stabilizing the upper layers of the earth comprising a lime and a fly ash having a calcium oxide content of less than 18% and water.

Abstract: A solid composition of matter comprising one or more polysaccharides which has been cross-linked with either titanium or zirconium cross-linking agents is provided. The composition demonstrates absorbent properties and is useful in absorbent articles of manufacture. Also provided is a method for preparing the compositions.

Abstract: Utilizing exhaust materials from various plants and industrial wastes containing CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 as major components, inexpensive ground-strengthening/soil-improving material is obtained by blending thereinto clay minerals and sintering the resultant mixture. A high unconfined compressive strength is conferred upon the ground-strengthening/soil-improving material upon the addition of alumina.

Abstract: A composition useful in preparing a cement composition for setting and hardening of soils, comprising:(1) Slaked Lime;(2) Magnesium Chloride;(3) Montmorillonite;(4) Zirconium; and(5) Sodium Lignin-Sulfonate.

Abstract: A metal shredder residue-based landfill cover material composed of a mixture of moist substantially non-metallic residue of select maximum size and cementitious particles. The material can be formed by processes that efficiently remove large amounts of metal from metal waste items.

Abstract: A suspension-type grouting liquid for injection into a ground having excellent penetration properties, e.g. low viscosity and long gelation time, and having comparatively high strength after consolidation. The suspension-type grouting liquid for injection into a ground consists essentially of slag, or a combination of slag and cement, alkali metal aluminates, and water. The slag is a fine grain having specific surface area of 5000 cm.sup.2 /g or more, and the alkali metal aluminates have a mole ratio of ({Me.sub.2 O}/{Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 }) of 2.8 or more, in which Me means alkali metal, {Me.sub.2 } and {Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 } represent, respectively, molar concentration of Me.sub.2, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A soil substitute material includes from about 2 to about 9 parts by weight of crushed brick; from about 5 to about 25 parts by weight of a filler material; from about 60 to about 90 parts by weight of raw clay; and, from about 0 to about 3 parts by weight of a hydrating material. The material is compacted at from about 3500 to about 5000 pounds per square inch. A method of preparing a soil substitute includes admixing the components with from about 5 to about 18 parts by weight of water and compressing the hydrated mixture at from about 3500 to about 5000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A soil or ground reinforcing material consisting of Al--Fe oxides mixture the main contents of which are iron oxide made from fine iron oxide powder byproduced in steel production and Aluminum oxide made from red mud by-produced in Aluminum smeltering and lime added therein is mixed into a soil containing crushed stones, natural soil, etc., and further Titanium oxide is mixed into the above soil or ground reinforcing material to make Al--Fe--Ti oxides mixture in which lime is added and mix this material into a soil or ground containing crushed stones, natural soil, etc. to enhance the strength and viscoelasticity thereof. The content of the Titanium oxide in the soil or ground reinforcing material is within the range of 0.5-2.0% by weight.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorber is made by separating sludge from exhaust water discharged upon manufacturing fresh mixed concrete or concrete secondary products, then dewatering the separated sludge, and drying and crushing the dewatered sludge into dry fine particles.

Abstract: Inorganic settable slurries well suited for the sealing and/or consolidation of unstable soil/ground formations, or for the sealing/repair of defective building materials, include (a) an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate, (b) a water-soluble calcium compound, e.g., lime, (c) an alkali metal aluminate, and (d) an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing a contaminant comprising mixing the contaminant with a reaction partner that is capable of chemically interacting with the contaminant to form a water-insoluble reaction product, the reaction partner being mixed in the form of a hydrophobic solid preparation, which is either obtained by grinding the reaction partner with an inert material and treating it with a hydrophobing agent or which contains the educt or reaction product of a dispersion by chemical reaction preliminarily treated with a hydrophobing agent, the mixing being conducted to form a soil or soil-like material with cohesive constituents of a clay-like structure.

Abstract: The method of sealing a polluted area containing pollutants to prevent transport of the pollutants from the polluted area includes forming a sealing barrier layer around the polluted area underneath and/or next to it by feeding a liquid sealing material into the liquid permeable ground and fissures under and/or next to the polluted area or into the polluted area by a plurality of injection lances and/or pressure probes from above ground or from the surface of the polluted area. The liquid sealing material is a Montan wax emulsion or a mixture of the emulsion with earth and/or pollutants, the Montan wax emulsion is made from 10 to 20 parts by weight Montan wax, 3 to 5 parts by weight emulsifier, 100 parts by weight of water and from 0 to 10 by weight of a stabilizer.

Abstract: Method of conditioning soils, in which copolymers which are composed of acrylamide and/or methacrylamide, a sulphonyl-containing, substituted acrylamide or methacrylamide, a multi-functional, water-soluble vinyl compound and, if appropriate, carboxyl-containing comonomers are added to the soils as soil conditioners.

Abstract: Abstract A method for stabilizing the upper layers of the earth's surface is claimed that comprises the steps of: mixing an amount of lime with an amount of water, simultaneously or sequentially mixing an amount of fly ash with the lime/water mix to form a slurry, distributing said slurry onto the earth's surface and working said slurry into the upper layers of the earth's surface.

Abstract: A soil substitute material includes from about 2 to about 9 parts by weight of crushed brick; from about 5 to about 25 parts by weight of a filler material; from about 60 to about 90 parts by weight of raw clay; and, from about 0 to about 3 parts by weight of a hydrating material. The material is compacted at from about 3500 to about 5000 pounds per square inch. A method of preparing a soil substitute includes admixing the components with from about 5 to about 18 parts by weight of water and compressing the hydrated mixture at from about 3500 to about 5000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: The method of the invention provides a geopolymeric binder in powder, used for the ultra rapid treatment of materials, soils or mining tailings, containing toxic wastes. The geopolymeric binder has a setting time equal to or greater than 30 minutes at a temperature of 20.degree. C. and a hardening rate such as to provide compression strengths (Sc) equal to or greater than 15 MPa, after only 4 hours at 20.degree. C., when tested in accordance with the standards applied to hydraulic binder mortars having a binder/sand ratio equal to 0.38 and a water/binder ratio between 0.22 and 0.27. The preparation method includes the following three reactive constituents:a) an alumino-silicate oxide (Si.sub.2 O.sub.5,Al.sub.2 O.sub.2) in which the Al cation is in (IV-V) coordination as determined by MAS-NMR analytical spectroscopy for .sup.27 Al;b) a disilicate of sodium and/or potassium (Na.sub.2,K.sub.2)(H.sub.3 SiO.sub.4).sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the decontamination of soil and the like and, in particular, soils which are contaminated with metal as a result of the activities of human beings. The invention provides a physical and a chemical means for treating soil aggregate so as to obtain a product aggregate having a relatively low metal content. The physical means is characterized by the classification of a soil aggregate into portions of differing size and metal content. The chemical means is characterized by contacting a soil aggregate with an aqueous lixiviant comprising an organic acid component to lift metal from the aggregate. The physical and chemical means may be used in a combined process for decontaminating soil aggregate.

Abstract: A method is shown for stabilizing clay bearing soils in which a silica compound is incorporated into the soils in addition to the application of lime. The silica compound can be either an amorphous, silica fume, a crystalline silica, a silica gel, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, finely ground glass or combinations thereof. The silica compound promotes the formation of calcium silicate hydrates over the formation of calcium aluminate hydrates in the resulting pozzolanic reaction occurring in the clay bearing soils. The silica compound and lime can be incorporated into the soils in a single step.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a soil stabilization process in which soil particles comprising the soil surfaces to be stabilized are contacted or treated with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate, such as sodium silicate, and a carbonate reactant or gelling agent selected from the group consisting of an alkylene carbonate, such as ethylene carbonate, a polyester polycarbonate and mixtures thereof. This invention also relates to soil stabilized by admixture with (1) an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate and (2) the carbonate reactant.

Abstract: Scatterable binder in pulverized form, for binding spilled liquids, comprisinga) superabsorbers,b) Kieselguhr, peat, sawdust, wood meal, wood wool, straw, paper fibers, pulp or plastics in fibrous or milled form andc) polyglycol,the content of polyglycol being up to 30% by weight and wherein said scatterable binder is in pulverized form and is a means for binding spilled liquids.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved soil-cement compositions and methods of forming subterranean cementitious masses using the compositions. The soil-cement compositions are basically comprised of hydraulic cement, water present in the compositions in amounts sufficient to form slurries of the solids therein, a dispersant comprised of a mixture of sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer, ferrous lignosulfonate, ferrous sulfate and tannic acid and soil present in an amount whereby the volume ratio of cement, water and dispersant to soil in the compositions is in the range of from about 0.3:1 to about 2.1:1.