Abstract: A tunnel reinforcement system having a plurality of structural supports positioned at spaced intervals along the length of a tunnel. Each structural support has a plurality of structural segments connected in an end to end relationship. Each structural segment has a plurality of bars connected to a first end and a second end, in which the first end comprises a first butt plate having one or more apertures, and the second end comprises a second butt plate having one or more apertures. The one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment are coaxially aligned with the one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. The first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment is attachable to the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. Each structural support defines a geometric supporting framework.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcement of tubular structures via composite internal dowels are provided herein. The hardening of a curable fill inside a flexible sleeve provides conformal contact between the resulting dowel and the surrounding tubular structure. Permeation of the fill through the sleeve may improve the bond. Attachment of the sleeve to a narrower tube may allow for precise positioning of the sleeve as well as a reduction in the amount of fill required. Ultimately, the internal dowels may extend past a degraded section of the tubular structure from a selected lower limit below the degraded section to a selected upper limit above the degraded section.

Abstract: A self-supporting reinforcement system for the concrete lining of the inner shell of a tunnel construction. At least one object is that of supporting the outer shell or rock wall of a tunnel construction. According to an embodiment of the invention, this is achieved by tension brackets or tension rings, formed from one or more bracket segments made of individual reinforcing steel bars. M-shaped tensioning support bodies having a connecting region to the tension brackets, and support arms for the supporting bracing, establishing the spacing with respect to an outer shell or rock wall, of the bracket and spacers on the tensioning support bodies and between the outer layer and an inner layer of the reinforcement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for coating the inner surface of a tunnel section with sprayed concrete, comprising a spray lance b) (4) and a spray nozzle a) (7) which can each be moved in all directions by means of joints, a first control device k) for the operation of the spray lance b) (4) and a second control device l) for the operation of the spray nozzle a) (7) being provided.

Abstract: A planetary gear retrieval system for pulling a sled at a constant velocity along an interior of a pipe, and a sled for applying a coating material to the interior of the large-diameter pipe. The planetary gear retrieval system is connected to the sled via a chain, and has a network of gears controlled by a first variable speed microcontroller. A spinner on a linear oscillating plate provided on the sled is controlled by a second variable speed microcontroller. The first and second microcontrollers are programmable to be synchronized with one another so as to pull the sled at a desired constant rate and achieve a desired number of passes of the spinner along a given length of pipe while the sled is pulled at the desired rate.

Abstract: A multi-layer liner system is provided, which may be applied using a spray process, where the initial layer facilitates adhesion to the earthen surface (e.g., rock wall surface) and a subsequent layer provides strength and elongation needed to maintain support system integrity even in the case of some rock movement at the wall surface. In one implementation, the initial layer is a structural foam primer layer and the subsequent layer is a fire-resistant top coat layer.

Abstract: In a heading or extraction machine (1) including extraction tools that are movable over the working face, and track walling devices such as anchor drilling and setting devices (9), the machine (1) comprises a platform (6) that is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the machine and carries at least two track walling devices each mounted to be separately displaceable relative to the platform (6).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for reinforcing irregular rock or irregular concrete surfaces such as rock structures in mines as well as other rock and concrete structures. The method includes applying a curable foam composition to at least a portion of a surface, at least partially curing the curable foam composition to form a foam layer adhered to the surface, applying a curable reinforcing composition onto at least a portion of the foam layer, and at least partially curing the curable reinforcing composition to form a reinforcing layer, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing layer is adhered to the foam layer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and means for repairing the wall of a manhole wherein a material capable of curing and hardening is adhered to the wall. An expandable bladder engages the curable and hardenable material and presses against and smoothes the material. The bladder may be chemically bonded to the curable and hardenable material or it may be mechanically bonded.

Abstract: A method for designing and fabricating a mine seal includes determining an initial thickness for a mine seal based on a predetermined underground opening, developing and solving a numerical model for response of the mine seal upon application of a blasting pressure, and determining whether the mine seal meets predetermined design criteria. A mine seal having a minimum seal thickness may be fabricated after determining the mine seal meets the predetermined design criteria.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume having substantially permeable side walls and a substantially impermeable cap. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom without contamination or substantial leaching of materials outside of the impoundment. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a stationary permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom within a temperature range which is sufficient to substantially avoid formation of carbon dioxide or non-hydrocarbon leachates. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A flexible inflatable packer for use in installation of a sealant such as grout in joints and defects in a conduit such as a sewer pipe, and a method for sealing defects in a conduit by use of such a packer. The packer can collapse to a slender configuration for movement through a small conduit to a location along the length of the conduit where repair is needed. The packer can be inflated to place a sealing portion adjacent each end of the packer into sealing contact with the interior of the conduit, while a centrally located portion of the packer defines space into which a fluid sealant can be installed to repair cracks or holes in the conduit. The centrally located portion of the packer supports the sealant material during a process of curing.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: Described is a method for the trenchless underground laying of pipes. According to said method, a shield tunnel boring machine and then subsequently pipes are driven through the ground starting from a starting shaft. The shield tunnel boring machine produces a borehole whose diameter is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the pipes. The annular space between the borehole wall and the pipes thereby obtained is filled with a supporting and lubricating agent. During advance, a continuous and periodical examination of the composition of the ground is carried out in the area of the shield tunnel boring machine or the first pipe following the shield tunnel boring machine or the first lubricating point. Depending on the result of the examination, the ground in the examined area is sealed off and/or solidified by a sealing and/or solidifying agent and/or the composition of the supporting and lubricating agent is adjusted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for replacing pipes, and an apparatus therefor. The method utilises a cable which is passed along an existing pipe. The cable is connected to a component at the end of the pipe, the component also being connected to a length of replacement pipe. The cable is pulled whereby the existing pipe is removed and the replacement pipe inserted in its place. The invention is expected to achieve its greatest utility as a method and apparatus for replacing pipes carrying water or gas to domestic and commercial properties.

Abstract: A liner is the product of reaction of (a) a hydrophilic prepolymer bearing isocyanate groups; and (b) a water-borne polymer dispersion, the polymer bearing groups that are reactive to isocyanate groups; wherein the dispersion has a sufficiently high solids content, and the polymer has a sufficiently high modulus and glass transition or crystalline melting temperature, that the product of reaction exhibits a 24-hour Tensile Strength of at least about 2.5 MPa.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for installing a liner to repair a pipeline. The method involves placing a flexible lining hose that is coated with a thermosetting resin into the pipeline. A quick setting resin is also applied to the interior walls of the pipeline wherein the resin has a high contrast pigment agent therein in order to facilitate identification of and reopening of the various service laterals. A calibration hose is introduced into the lining hose and pressurized fluid is injected therein. The fluid presses the lining hose against the interior surface of the pipeline and cures the first and second thermosetting resins. The curing of the resins bonds the lining hose to the pipeline to form a rigid monolithic composite structure having high mechanical strength.

Abstract: A method for providing a protective coating in a mine comprising spraying onto the rock surfaces of the mine a hot melt adhesive in an amount to form a coating at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm in thickness and allowing the coating to solidify. The hot melt adhesive preferably has a melting point on the range from 70 to 250 degrees Centigrade and may include a filler such as an inert material in finely divided form such as ground limestone, mica, sand and silica, the filler comprising between 1 and 40% by weight of the combined weight of adhesive and filler.

Abstract: A method for repairing in-ground tunnel structure involves applying a first curable resin over a cementitious liner which lines the interior wall surfaces of the tunnel, drilling drainage holes in the cementitious liner, and filling the drainage holes with a second curable resin. The resins are allowed to cure and harden. The cured resins seal the wall surfaces and drainage holes to provide a composite tunnel structure having high mechanical strength and resistance to fluid leaks.

Abstract: A polyurethane applicator (10) for spraying at high-pressures a liner on the inner circumferential wall of an existing conduit (C) to be rehabilitated. The applicator (10) includes a carriage (12) coaxially guided in the conduit (C) and an atomizer (16) rotatably mounted to the carriage (12) for rotation about the central axis thereof. The atomizer (16) is provided with a nozzle (62) through which the lining mixture is forced out while the atomizer (16) rotates and travels in conduit with the carriage (12).

Abstract: Present in a tail shield (1) for a shield tunneling apparatus are a number of grouting lines (3) that are open to a tail shield end (4) and that can be supplied with filling material for grouting a ring gap (7) with the filling material, such as mortar, for example. In addition, additive material lines (8) that can be supplied with additive material are present, which empty into the grouting lines (3) in an end segment (12) of said grouting lines (3). As a result, an additive material, such as a solidification accelerator, for example, can be added immediately before the mixture is discharged into the ring gap (7), so that the risk of a blockage in the grouting lines (3), which are not accessible in the region of the tail shield end (4), is relatively low.

Abstract: Continuous method of realization of underground tunnels, including the steps of making a plurality of guided perforations of small cross-section around a periphery of an underground tunnel to be realized and extending at least a majority of length of the underground tunnel to be realized, by perforation equipment with a movable perforation head, filling each guided perforation through at least one of reinforcements and aggregating materials to consolidate the tunnel with a resistant arrangement according to precise static conditions, and excavating the tunnel within the filled perforations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conduit repairing material, repairing structure, and repairing method thereof, and particularly provides a repairing method for an existing conduit characterized by comprising using a plurality of reinforcing members capable of being carried in the existing conduit, assembling said reinforcing members into a hollow skeleton-like reinforcing body extending substantially along the inner surface of the existing conduit, attaching a plurality of inner face bars to the inside of the reinforcing body to assemble them into a tubular form along the lengthwise direction of the conduit, and injecting a curable infilling into the gap between the inner face bars and the inner surface of the existing conduit.

Abstract: A tunnel waterproofing method comprises spraying a primary coating of concrete onto the excavation surface of a tunnel, installing thereon a waterproofing sheet having an adhesive layer operative to bond with concrete, and spraying a secondary coating of concrete against the adhesive side of the waterproofing sheet. Preferably, a buffer water conducting sheet is established between the primary concrete coating sprayed onto the excavation surface and the waterproofing sheet.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for concretizing vertical shafts having a depth of e.g. 500 m or more. The concrete is conveyed to a low-lying application site (20) in the shaft by a concrete column that is situated in a downpipe (30). Delivery of concrete is guaranteed without separation (demixing) or clogging of concrete. The concrete is removed in portions of from the succeeding concrete column at the output end of the downpipe (30), is separated from the concrete column, is depressurized and it subsequently conveyed to the application site.

Abstract: A tunnel waterproofing construction method that avoids dripping and fogging during spray application, organic solvents, unpleasant odors, and cracking, while providing workability, superior tunnel waterproofing characteristics, and economic advantage. A primary spray cement concrete is sprayed onto the excavated tunnel surface, and an ambient-temperature vulcanization-type rubber emulsion is sprayed onto the primary concrete, thereby forming a rubber film, and a secondary concrete coating is then established on the rubber surface. The primary spray cement concrete may be used to even out the irregular earthen excavation surface, and a drainage layer may be used along with the primary spray cement concrete surface.

Abstract: A cladding for a partially-overhanging substrate, such as a tunnel wall which comprises in sequence, from the tunnel wall, a drainage means, a sprayed polymeric membrane and a final layer of concrete. The cladding gives an effective cladding in conditions where the tunnel walls suffer from running water at the time of cladding, is easier to apply and requires less material.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one aspect, a method and corresponding system in which the production costs may be reduced by virtue of the fact that the laying of the pipe conduit on the one hand and the encasing of the pipe conduit with backfill concrete on the other hand may be carried out in parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel form comprising: two vertical forming walls (2) joined by a horizontal wall (3) in two parts (3A), and at the base of the form, means for adjusting the height of the position of the top edge (5) of the tunnel form relative to the reference surface (6), and means of support (7) at least indirectly with the reference surface so that it can be extracted from the tunnel after production. This tunnel form is characterized in that the aforementioned height adjusting means (4) are supported by props (9), each slide-mounted in a sleeve (10) attached to the base of the tunnel form.

Abstract: A surface of a canal, ditch or pipe is lined with a polyurethane/geofabric composite. A non-sagging polyurethane composition is applied to the canal, ditch or pipe surface, a geofabric is contacted with that surface in a manner such that the geofabric becomes impregnated with the non-sagging polyurethane composition which cures to form a polyurethane/geofabric composite. The non-sagging polyurethane is a reaction product of a polyisocyanate, a high molecular weight polyhydroxyl compound and a compound having at least 2 amino groups. A low molecular weight diol or triol, filler and catalyst are optional components. These composites are particularly useful in lining cracked or broken concave or angled surfaces.

Abstract: A tunnel waterproofing construction method that avoids dripping and fogging during spray application, organic solvents, unpleasant odors, and cracking, while providing workability, superior tunnel waterproofing characteristics, and economic advantage. A primary spray cement concrete is sprayed onto the excavated tunnel surface, and an ambient-temperature vulcanization-type rubber emulsion is sprayed onto the primary concrete, thereby forming a rubber film, and a secondary concrete coating is then established on the rubber surface. The primary spray cement concrete may be used to even out the irregular earthen excavation surface, and a drainage layer may be used along with the primary spray cement concrete surface.

Abstract: A method for providing a protective coating in a mine comprises spraying onto the rock surfaces of the mine a hot melt adhesive in an amount to form a coating at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm in thickness and allowing to coating to solidify. The hot melt adhesive preferably has a melting point on the range from 70 to 250 degrees Centigrade and may include a filler such as an inert material in finely divided form such as ground limestone, mica, sand and silica, the filler comprising between 1 and 40% by weight of the combined weight of adhesive and filler.

Abstract: A method and kit for installing a stopping in a mine opening includes securely fixing in the mine opening a screen of a size of about 2 to 24 mesh, preferably about 10 to 20 mesh, most preferably about 12 to 16 mesh, and applying a mortar to the screen to form a coating on the screen; and continuing the application of the mortar until the stopping is airtight. Preferably the screen is composed of steel wire of a diameter from about 0.010 to 0.030 inches (about 0.025 to 0.075 cms). Preferably the mortar is ready-to-use-mortar. The kit comprises as a first component, a screen of mesh size of about 2 to 24 suitable for installation in an opening in the mine and receiving a mortar and supporting the mortar (having a tensile strength of at least 150 lbs/inch) and, as a second component, a mortar, preferably a ready-to-use mortar, for application to the screen to provide a stopping.

Abstract: A method of sealing off a mine passageway. The method involves installing a plurality of vertical panels side by side across the passageway to form a stopping. The stopping has gaps between adjacent panels and gaps between the panels and adjacent mine surfaces defining the mine passageway. The method further comprises holding an injector in or closely adjacent the gaps, and injecting a fluent sealing material under pressure into the gaps to form a seal.

Abstract: The lining (1) of a tunnel is reinforced without reducing the tunnel bore. Grooves (6, 9) are cut into the tunnel lining (1) following the maximum curvature or skew to that, sometimes with one set of grooves crossing another set of different depth. Each groove (6, 9) is of generally T section and one or more rods (11) encased in a fabric sleeve (12) are inserted through the narrow mouth (6) of each groove (the stem of the T) to be within the enlarged part (9) ( the cross-bar of the T). Grout (13) injected into the sleeve expands it against the groove, and some seeps through to bond to the lining (1). Further anchoring may be achieved by drilling through the lining at the ends of the grooves into surrounding rock (15) to receive expansion bolts which are secured to the ends of the rods (11) or further grouted reinforced sleeves (17) which may be extensions of the main sleeves.

Abstract: A construction method for widening road, superhighway or railway tunnels, without interrupting the traffic flow includes a first stage of excavation; in steps, of the ground between the theoretical profile of the future widened tunnel and that of the original tunnel, after having reinforced the ground between the theoretical profile of the future widened tunnel and that of the original tunnel by reinforcement operations on the face, and a second stage in which the final lining, comprising one or more arches of prefabricated segments is placed close to the face.

Abstract: A wall is built in the ground by pulling a wall building device having cross-sectional dimensions which are substantially equal to the dimensions of at least a part of the cross-section of the wall through the ground, at least a part of the wall being formed by injecting a hardenable material behind the wall building device. A tunnel is made by first making a tunnel wall, leaving the ground inside the tunnel wall substantially intact, followed by excavating the ground inside the tunnel wall.

Abstract: A construction for a partially-anchoring substrate, particularly a tunnel, comprises a sealing front layer applied to the substrate or an initial concrete layer applied thereto, and a non-deformable second layer applied to the first layer, the surface of the first layer (and, if present, the initial concrete layer) being profiled so that the various layers are locked together and behave as a single layer. The result is better performance with essential less material and work.