Abstract: To develop a Fenton reaction catalyst that can maintain divalent iron stably for a long period of time, can utilize trivalent iron or metallic iron, which is an inexpensive iron-supplying source, by converting into divalent iron, and is harmless to the human body and the environment, provided is a Fenton reaction catalyst, including, as an active component, a reaction product obtained by mixing a specific reducing organic substance (e.g., ascorbic acid, a polyphenol-containing plant component, or a plant dry distillation liquid component) with an iron-supplying source at a predetermined ratio in the presence of water. Also provided are a sterilization method, a pollutant degradation method, and a luminescence method based on chemiluminescence, which involve using the Fenton reaction catalyst.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns methods and compositions for prevention of soil erosion, soil contamination and increased seed germination for agricultural products. Certain methods relate to coating seeds to withstand drought conditions. Other methods relate to soil compositions containing a biopolymer to withstand drought conditions or to prevent erosion, to control dust or to prevent contaminated soil erosion.

Abstract: A soil adherent pellet is detailed that includes a soluble calcium ion source, a magnesium ion source, or both present in an amount ranging from 15% to 99.9% by weight of a total dry weight of the pellet and a binder present in an amount ranging from 85% to 0.1% by weight of the total dry weight of the pellet. The pellet having a mean pellet domain size and a pellet surface. The soil adherent pellet is well suited for flocculating clay within the soil and delivery of an active ingredient with reduced runoff compared to prior art broadcast particles. A soil adherent pellet is also provided having a soluble calcium and/or magnesium ion source that is polycrystalline and carries therewith an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base seal of a dump, in particular a residual salt dump, said seal comprising two layers disposed on top of one another. The upper layer has a mixture of gravel, sand and bentonite or powered clay with a permeability coefficient of k?10?9 m/s and the lower layer has a mixture of sand and bentonite or powered clay with a permeability coefficient of k?5*10?10 m/s.

Abstract: A method of sealing a leak of fluid from a container comprises introducing a solute to a body of fluid within the container. The solute is selected so as to be soluble in the fluid at the expected conditions prevailing inside the container, and insoluble when the pressure experienced by the fluid is reduced at the site of a leak.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for injecting a material into soil. A material (3) which expands as a consequence of a chemical reaction is injected into the soil (2) through an injection bar (5). During injection, a quantity related to a feed volume flow of the injectable material (3) is monitored. When the quantity indicates that the feed volume flow has dropped below a determined limit value, a reaction regarding a procedure related to the injection follows.

Abstract: A cutting/mixing tool for thin diaphragm walls is mounted at the end of at least one drilling rod (47) moved by a slidable assembly (42, 62) along a tower (41), carried by an operating drilling machine (40). The tool (45) has a body (10), which bears in its central part two digging/mixing wheels (20a, 20b) provided on the periphery with cutters (82) and set alongside one another at a minimum distance (d) and coaxial about an axis (x) substantially perpendicular to the direction of digging (z). The wheels (20a, 20b) project from slits (81) of the body (10), which contains at least partially means (1-4, 50-52) for transmission of motion to the wheels, the devices being positioned externally with respect to the wheels.

Abstract: There is described a method of consolidating foundation soils and/or building sites in general, which comprises injections of expanding chemical products which are projected and carried out by means of monitoring the effects which are progressively measured in the soil in the course of treatment by means of sequential tomographies of the electrical resistivity. Those consolidating injections will be carried out until the percentage variation of the electrical resistivity ??(%), measured in quasi-real time in the soil being treated and always with respect to the initial condition before the injection will not constitute sequential gradients (Nth) which differ from the preceding one (N?1) for variations contained in the range ±5%.

Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.

Abstract: A method for controlling dust on a saline lakebed is disclosed comprising several methods such as a Brine Membrane method, an Interim method and a Springtime Conservation method. A Master method for determining which of the three methods to use under certain circumstances is described. Prospective application of the methods is for dry lakebeds, such as the Owens Lakebed in Calif.

Abstract: A method of remediation of an athletic field playing surface after a rainfall is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a quantity of water absorbing polyacrylate polymer such as potassium polyacrylate, spreading the water absorbing polyacrylate polymer over an area of athletic field playing surface where rainwater has fallen or collected, allowing time for the water absorbing polyacrylate polymer to absorb the rainwater and produce a gel from the combination of the rainwater with the water absorbing polyacrylate polymer, then removing the gel so produced from the athletic field playing surface. The gel or remnants of the gel so produced may also be raked into the dirt of the athletic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for consolidating soil in a space (10) to be consolidated. In the method, the consolidating agent is fed from a feeding container (9b) into the soil by mixing means (7) arranged in the consolidating agent feeding unit (4). The consolidating agent feeding unit (4) is positioned in connection with the transfer means (1) and the consolidating agent mixing means (7) arranged in the consolidating agent feeding unit (4) are moved by the transfer means (1) optionally at any point in the space (10) to be consolidated in the vertical direction (y), horizontal direction (x) and/or in a perpendicular or essentially perpendicular direction to the plane running through the said vertical direction and horizontal direction. The invention also relates to an arrangement for implementing the method.

Abstract: Methods for preventing, reducing, or eliminating construction heave, expansion, distresses, and damage primarily caused by the formation of ettringite are disclosed including introducing fluoride ion releasing agent/salt(s), such as sodium fluoride, calcium fluoride, and potassium fluoride, to expansive soil layers or concrete structural elements and allowing the fluoride ion releasing agent/salt(s) at ambient temperature to react with formed ettringite and to prevent the formation of ettringite of the expansive soil layers or concrete structural elements. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling submerged voids with a foam-fluidized fill material in an efficient and economical manner are disclosed herein. The foam fluidized fill material is a granular solid material fluidized with a foam. The foam-fluidized fill material is pumped or gravity-fed through an insertion tube into the submerged void. The insertion tube terminates at a point lying below a surface of the liquid within the void. Since the foam-fluidized fill material is heavier than the liquid, the foam-fluidized fill material exiting the insertion tube sinks to the bottom of the void and expands laterally at the bottom of the void displacing the liquid. The liquid is forced upward and out of the void where it may be collected. Further, as the fill material fills the void, the foam dissipates and the fill material self compacts, making the filled void sufficiently load bearing.

Abstract: A treatment for soils and road base materials including applying to the soil or road base materials an organosilicon waterproofing agent, and applying to the soil or road base material a soil stabilizer binder including an acrylate ester polymer emulsion.

Abstract: A method for controlling dust on a saline lakebed is disclosed comprising several methods such as a Brine Membrane method, an Interim method and a Springtime Conservation method. A Master method for determining which of the three methods to use under certain circumstances is described. Prospective application of the methods is for dry lakebeds, such as the Owens Lakebed in California.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the strength of a porous or permeable material. The invention particularly relates to a method comprising: contacting at least one type of calcification bacteria with a porous or permeable material; contacting the calcification bacteria with a calcification medium; said method or process further comprising: contact the calcification bacteria with an adhesion agent and the assimilation of the adhesion agent by the calcification bacteria. The invention can be used for reinforcing floors, in particular liquefiable floors, for the stabilization of slopes, for the calcification of non organic or organic substrates, and for the restoration or protection of a frontage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure supporting system which helps increase the bearing capacity of the foundation ground. In addition to an upper structure with adequate resistance, structure foundations must also have adequate bearing capacities in order to satisfy the stability requirements. No matter how safe the super structure is built, if the foundation bearing capacity is not adequate then sinking, tilting of the structure and cracks and damages on the super structure is inevitable. In other words, in addition to the safety of the super structure, the performance of the subsoil must also be satisfied, to be able to carry the foundation loads safely.

Abstract: A method of stabilising a blasthole prior to detonation which comprises the step of coating the inner wall of the blasthole with a stabilising composition. In one embodiment, the invention comprises coating the blast hole by means of a movable spraying application. The invention further relates to the use of a silicate-containing resin but is also suitable for use with a thermoset resin system. The method can be used to apply the stabilising composition to both dry and wet blastholes.

Abstract: A method for treating soils, in particular water-sensitive dry soils, comprising burying a treatment liquid, optionally loaded with a suspended material into trenches and a device for implementing the method. The device comprises a transportable chassis (2), a reservoir and hollow dispensing tines (1). The dispensing tines comprise a vertical supporting portion (3) which connects the dispensing tines (1) to the chassis and a horizontal share portion (4), including a spike (5) prior to penetrating into the soil, and a rear dispenser (6).

Abstract: This invention describes a simple and effective method, through introducing fluoride ion releasing agent/salt(s), such as sodium fluoride, for preventing, reducing or eliminating the undesirable construction heave/expansion/distresses/damage, characterized by loss of dimensional stability and integrity of expansive soil layers or concrete structural elements, primarily caused by the formation of ettringite or similar minerals. We demonstrated the technology that can be easily applied to new construction sites and to the sites where repair/retrofit of the existing or potential distresses in soil subgrade, base, subbase, or construction materials is needed. Experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the technology with applications to stabilization of soils with all range of aluminum and sulfate contents including more than 3000 ppm of sulfate, and to treating cementitious construction materials.

Abstract: A composition and method of use of said composition for soil stabilization is disclosed. The composition comprises a solution of soluble sodium silicate applied at the disclosed application rate to improve the load bearing capacity for a roadway. The method of the invention addresses the application of the disclosed composition to maximize stabilization of road beds.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include systems and methods for the use of brine from salt mined, dissolved and moved from a natural source deposit (an evaporite deposit) to create target deposits within wetting basins originally created and flooded with fresh water for the purpose of dust control. The target deposits can mimic the stable non-dust-emissive source deposit by having horizontal beds of precipitated salts with the most soluble salts retained within a brine solution that bathes and caps the salt deposit beneath to retain the deposit in a non-desiccated state. The method provides for the preparation and management of the lakebed surface using separate steps to prevent the release of windborne dust with a minimum of water used.

Abstract: Method for stabilizing sand and earth by precipitation of struvite, comprising applying an aqueous solution of salts comprising: a) Mg2+ ions of a concentration 10-200 mM, b) NH4+ ions either added in the form of ammonium salt or from decomposition of added urea, of concentration 10-200 mM, c) anions added as part of corresponding cations, d) polyphosphate (Na5P3O10/Na3P3O9) of concentration 10-100 mM, e) a catalyst chosen among acidic and alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract: A hole (6) is provided in soil or a structure, and an injection bar (1) having a fillable expansion element (2) in connection therewith is arranged into the hole. A substance which expands as a consequence of a chemical reaction is injected into the expansion element (2). The expansion element (2) filled with the reacted substance condenses, fills or replaces surrounding soil or lifts as well as stabilizes ground-based structures. A force pressing the expansion element (2) against the soil is generated by the chemical reaction which expands the substance injected into the expansion element (2).

Abstract: Method for stabilizing sand and earth by precipitation of struvite, comprising applying an aqueous solution of salts comprising: a) Mg2+ ions of a concentration 10-200 mM, b) NH4+ ions either added in the form of ammonium salt or from decomposition of added urea, of concentration 10-200 mM, c) anions added as part of corresponding cations, d) polyphosphate (Na5P3O10/Na3P3O9) of concentration 10-100 mM, e) a catalyst chosen among acidic and alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract: A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is added to a solid carrier.

Abstract: A method of improving soft ground, capable of effectively restricting settlement of a peripheral part of ground to be improved involved in improvement of the soft ground. A vertical supply path is formed by placing a vertical drain material in ground in the periphery of ground to be improved, and water containing a water stop material is charged in the vertical supply path to supply the water containing the water stop material to the ground through the vertical supply path. Then the water stop material charged in the vertical supply path follows a water flow and spreads in the periphery of the vertical supply path to form a water stop zone. The water stop zone formed by the water stop material prevents the movement of ground water in the ground and restricts lowering of the ground water in the ground caused by forced drainage from ground to be improved, effectively restricting settlement of the ground involved in improvement of soft ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-place soil stabilization. Specifically, the present invention relates a method and device for measuring the increase in subsurface earth pressure during the injection of a stabilizing agent into the soil. The rise in sensor pressure indicates an increase in soil strength and bearing capacity. Therefore, real-time monitoring of these pressures may serve as a guide during the injection process.

Abstract: The surface of rock or soil, newly-exposed, for example, by tunnelling, and having the tendency to become friable on exposure to the atmosphere, can be protected by forming thereon a film by the process of combining on the surface at least one coagulable material and a coagulating agent therefor. The preferred coagulable material is an aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably one which has some degree of elastomeric properties, and preferably one which additionally is anionically stabilized.

Abstract: The soil improvement agent supply apparatus, includes a storage tank for storing the soil improvement agent, a feeder for adding the soil improvement agent in the storage tank to the soil, an arch breaker for stirring the soil improvement agent in the storage tank, a load detector for detecting the drive load on the feeder, a memory unit for storing the relationship between the drive load on the feeder and the drive speed of the arch breaker, and a computing unit for controlling the drive speed of the arch breaker in accordance with a signal from the load detector and information stored in the memory unit. The soil improvement agent supply apparatus increases a speed command value for the arch breaker when the drive load on the feeder decreases, and decreases the speed command value for the arch breaker when the drive load on the feeder increases.

Abstract: A remote mine seal spray nozzle assembly is provided that includes a rotatable nozzle body attached to a down shaft, multiple string casing. The nozzle body receives interchangeable nozzles coactively seated in a multiport manifold of the nozzle body casing. The nozzle defines a downstream spray outlet that projects a first mix formed of a cementitious grout including a water reducer and a plasticizer. The projected first mix is atomized with a second mix formed of pressurized air and a temperature optimized accelerant. An atomized mine seal mix is thereby created and projected from the downstream spray outlet to form a rapidly hardened mine seal from the accumulated mix projected from the nozzle. The multiport manifold seat establishes an upward directed spray throw axis whereby the projected mine seal mix is projected about a substantially upward arc to optimize the sealing capability of the remote mine seal.

Abstract: An aggregate of mesoporous microparticles that comprises two or more of covalently bound mesoporous microparticles is described. The aggregate of mesoporous microparticles can be used for many applications, including slowing or reversing desertification.

Abstract: A method of soil improvement work drills the ground with a drilling head arranged at a lower end of a rotary shaft and sends the rotary shaft into the ground. The method mixes pressurized water with compressed air on the ground, to prepare a fluid mixture, feeds the fluid mixture through a feed path arranged along the rotary shaft into an ejector arranged on the drilling head, and ejects the fluid mixture from the ejector toward the ground to drill. An envelope defined by a front end of the drilling head has a conical shape.

Abstract: A method for saturating cavities present in a mass of soil or in a body in general, comprising at least one step for at least partial filling of the cavity by introducing into the cavity a filler material in the solid state or in the fluid state and capable of setting. At least one step of saturating the cavity is then performed by introducing into the cavity a fluid synthetic substance which expands and sets by chemical reaction. The synthetic substance is adapted to generate, as a consequence of its expansion, at least the saturation of the cavity and a compaction and/or loading of the filler material introduced into the cavity in the filling step, creating an optional state of permanent tension on the walls that delimit the cavity, to the point of producing, if necessary, a deformation of the walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to repair a leak in a geological structure or a construction comprising a geological material, comprising administering a liquid nutrient composition, comprising an energy source for anaerobic bacteria and a multivalent metal ion upstream of the leak allowing micro-organisms present in the structure or construction to ferment the energy source and to grow, thereby increasing biomass in and/or around the leak releasing mineral particles upstream of the leak allowing the mineral particles to migrate to the leak; and allowing the mineral particles to settle in the biomass.

Abstract: Disclosed are soil conditioning products comprising: (1) one or more of an oil, a polymeric binder, a wax and a gel, or (2) a carrier and one or more of an oil, a polymeric binder, a wax and a gel. The wax is preferably a soy wax and the oil is preferably a soy oil. The invention further includes surface materials comprising a soil and a soil conditioning product according to the invention. Other materials may be added to any of these soil conditioning products or surface materials. If a carrier is used the soil conditioning product may be added to soil as a granular material, rather than as a gel or liquid.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods of making and using a water treatment composition for improved water infiltration during irrigation of agriculture. These methods include combining additives with an aqueous fluid to create a treated irrigation water, wherein the additives comprise a preselected amount of a surfactant and a preselected amount of a displacement ion. The improved infiltration is obtained through a constant, or substantially constant, application of the treated irrigation water to the soil during the irrigation.

Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. Sulfur may be introduced into one or more wellbores located inside a perimeter of a treatment area in the formation having a permeability of at least 0.1 darcy. At least some of the sulfur is allowed to move towards portions of the formation cooler than the melting point of sulfur to solidify the sulfur in the formation to form the barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material composition using mainly yellow soil for molding structures for construction, such as a brick for construction, a heated floor plate, a block for construction, and the like. More particularly, the material composition for construction using mainly yellow soil, includes yellow soil, decomposed granite soil, a small amount of cement serving as a water-curing material, a solidifying agent serving as a material for solidification, acrylic monomers for improving the compactness of tissue to impart waterproofness and strength, and functional powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool comprising: two pairs of rotary drums in axial alignment on parallel axes; motor means for driving rotation of said drums; support means; and a support structure on which said drums are mounted to rotate and serving to connect said drums to the support means; said tool being characterized in that said motor means are mounted inside the drums; and in that said support structure comprises a plate forming bearings at its bottom ends for said drum; and a mounting pad for fastening to the support means, the top edge face of the plate connecting said pad to the bearing-forming means.

Abstract: A hole (6) is provided in soil or a structure, and an injection bar (1) having a fillable expansion element (2) in connection therewith is arranged into the hole. A substance which expands as a consequence of a chemical reaction is injected into the expansion element (2). The expansion element (2) filled with the reacted substance condenses, fills or replaces surrounding soil or lifts as well as stabilizes ground-based structures. A force pressing the expansion element (2) against the soil is generated by the chemical reaction which expands the substance injected into the expansion element (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material composition using mainly yellow soil for molding structures for construction, such as a brick for construction, a heated floor plate, a block for construction, and the like. More particularly, the material composition for construction using mainly yellow soil, includes yellow soil, decomposed granite soil, a small amount of cement serving as a water-curing material, a solidifying agent serving as a material for solidification, acrylic monomers for improving the compactness of tissue to impart waterproofness and strength, and functional powder.

Abstract: A method for repairing and/or waterproofing and/or insulating and/or reinforcing and/or restoring the structural integrity of wall systems, which it consists in providing spaced injection holes within a wall system in a manner suitable to pass through cavities that exist in the wall system, inserting injection tubes in these holes, and then inserting a substance that expands after injection as a consequence of a chemical reaction so that the substance reaches the cavities connected to the injection holes or are proximate thereto, the injection tubes being, preferably gradually retracted along the injection holes in the opposite direction with respect to insertion, to allow the substance diffusing in cavities crossed by the injection holes or proximate thereto.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing chromium in a chromite ore processing residue (COPR) comprises the steps of adding an acid to consume the excess alkalinity of the COPR, resulting in a pH of less than 10; and adding a chemical reductant to the COPR to convert any hexavalent chromium present to trivalent chromium. A source of sulfate may be added to the COPR to reduce heave potential and improve its geotechnical stability. Treated COPR may be encapsulated in a material suitable to prevent contact between the COPR and water, such as an asphalt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier cap material including a blend of: a plurality of aggregate particles, and a plurality of manufactured composite particles including a hydratable sealant material. In a particular embodiment, the segregation of a blend of aggregate particles and composite particles, when dropped through a water column can be controlled by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles. In another embodiment, the permeability of the barrier cap material, when hydrated on a surface, can be controlled from 1×10?3 cm/sec to 1×10?8 cm/sec by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles.

Abstract: A method of treating a solid matrix containing organic contaminants is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) injecting ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the pulse duration; b) interrupting the injection of ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the gap duration; and c) repeating step a) at least one additional time. Gap durations of from about 2 hours to about 48 hours are disclosed. Pulse durations of from about 0.25 hours to about 8 hours are also disclosed. Recalcitrant organic contaminants are treated.

Abstract: A method for saturating cavities present in a mass of soil or in a body in general, comprising at least one step for at least partial filling of the cavity by introducing into the cavity a filler material in the solid state or in the fluid state and capable of setting. At least one step of saturating the cavity is then performed by introducing into the cavity a fluid synthetic substance which expands and sets by chemical reaction. The synthetic substance is adapted to generate, as a consequence of its expansion, at least the saturation of the cavity and a compaction and/or loading of the filler material introduced into the cavity in the filling step, creating an optional state of permanent tension on the walls that delimit the cavity, to the point of producing, if necessary, a deformation of the walls.

Abstract: A compression body is inserted into the contraction joint between two tunnel lining elements, which body deforms in response to a compressive load caused by the tunnel lining elements moving towards each other. The compression body is composed of a material containing voids, and has a compressive strength of at least 1 MPa and a void fraction of between 10% and 90% of its total volume. The compression body may be composed, for example, of steel foam, or of a mixture which contains cement and blown-glass particles or plastic particles. When a predetermined compressive load is exceeded, the voids within the compression body collapse in a stepwise manner, or are compressed in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: The device stores a specific number of sealing cartridges (8) provided to be introduced into drilled holes. It comprises at least one receptacle (5, 6) containing cartridges (8) arranged horizontally one above the other, and being positioned above a loading area (28) in communication with a dispatch area (29) for the cartridges (8). Between each receptacle (5, 6) and the loading area (28) is provided a rotary distributor (15) activated in a controlled manner to remove the cartridges from the receptacle one by one.