Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or absence of selected contaminants. A low pressure sink is provided to ensure proper flow of volatiles rapidly to the surface and to prevent contamination of adjacent soil blocks or cylinders during treatment.

Abstract: In situations where pressurized unsaturated brine or other unwanted liquid seeps through incompetent or soluble rocks, a pair of dams are constructed within a passageway, and the interface between the dams and the host rock is sealed. Thereafter, a hydrophobic liquid is injected under pressure within the passageway between the two dams thus impregnating the microfracture system within the host rock. A monitoring installation is used to sample the area on the flood side of the first barrier. This flood isolation method is also useful in containing other wastes such as in nuclear repositories.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered water sealing article of manufacture including a layer of a flexible sheet material adhered to a layer of a composition comprising a non-hydrated water-swellable clay intimately contacted with a polypropene, polybutene, or mixtures thereof particularly useful as a water barrier. The water swellable clay composition can be adhered to the flexible sheet material in any manner, such as by extruding the composition in sheet form onto a layer of sheet material. The clay composition layer is sufficiently tacky to adhere to the sheet material on one major surface, and is sufficiently tacky for adherence to a wall, conduit, floor, roof, or other structure to be protected from water contact, on an exposed major surface in areas of potential water flow to prevent the seepage of water through the bentonite clay composition layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the mechanical properties of soil. The method uses an aqueous solution of a sulfonated urea melamine formaldehyde resin and a water soluble polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight between 40,000 and 120,000. The aqueous solution is sprayed onto the surface of the soil.A number of water soluble compositions which include a sulfonated urea melamine formaldehyde resin and polyvinyl alcohol and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention involves the selective emplacement of an impermeable polymeric barrier in the semi-permeable substructure, faulted or fractured geologic barriers which underlie leaking waste disposal sites. The emplacement of the barrier requires the creation of a horizontal fracture below the waste disposal site and the injection of a gellable solution containing a synthetic or biologically produced polymer into the fracture. The solution is then allowed or caused to gel in situ within the subterranean formation.A proppant may be dispersed in the gellable solution. The proppant may be a waste active material.

Abstract: Composite mixtures comprise soil and from about 0.1 to 5 percent by weight of additive fiber. A related method for improving the engineering properties of soil includes the steps of adding from about 0.1 to 5 percent by weight of fibers to soil and mixing the fibers and soil together to form a blend.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for consolidating, sealing and stabilizing a predeterminable area in the ground, particularly for making foundations, underpinnings or seals in a building site, by injecting at least one hardening liquid material in a high energy liquid jet into the ground, accompanied by the simultaneous injection of a gaseous material, characterized in that for the injection of the gaseous material, at least one discrete gas jet is formed and injected separately from the liquid jet and is located in the vicinity of the exit port of the liquid jet and guided at a distance from the liquid jet.

Abstract: An apparatus (U) is shown in FIGS. 11-13 that includes a power operated vehicle (V) that supports a vertically movable frame (W) that has a confined space defining shroud (X) on the lower end thereof that may be placed in sealing contact with the upper surface of a hazardous waste impoundment (Y) at a first station to permit the insitu detoxification of a desired portion of the impoundment. At least one power driven blade (Z) is rotated downwardly from within the shroud (X) into the impoundment to form a vertically extending zone (A-1) of particled material that is treated with a detoxifying agent that may be chemical, biological or heat from one or more plasma torches. Gases emitted during the formation of the particled zone (A-1) are subjected to scrub action by a liquid within shroud (X) and the liquid returned to zone (A-1). After the detoxification of a zone has been completed the apparatus (U) is moved to a succession of overlapping second stations where the above described method is repeated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of rendering a soil or another material like a mortar, a binder, or a concrete impervious by injecting it with a silica solution. A finely ground powdered compound containing calcium with a solubility in water of between approximately 0.01 g/l and approximately 2 g/l is mixed into the silica solution, which has a ratio of SiO.sub.2 to Na.sub.2 O of between 1 and 1.3, before injection.

Abstract: Crude oils and other oleaginous substances which have washed onto and soaked thoroughly into coarse bottom sediments such as sand beaches and sediments forming the bottom of certain holding ponds may be released for recovery by mechanical or hydraulic plowing of the relatively loose sediments followed by hydraulic agitation of the sediments to permit the substances to float to the surface of the body of water. Shallow water beach areas may be plowed by a conventional crawler tractor having an array of ripper teeth fitted with hydraulic jet nozzles for severely agitating the sands which are plowed by the ripper teeth. A submersible pump or pump intake is preferably supported spaced from the normal path of the tractor and in the body of water to collect relatively clean water for discharge through the nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for distributing a colloid-free, aqueous solution containing a peroxygen compound in a particulate matter containing clay without causing the clay to swell. It has been found that hydrogen peroxide alone causes swelling of clays. It is well-known that monovalent ions cause clays to disperse and swell. It is unexpected to find that perborate and persulfate anions do not cause clays to swell, even in the presence of sodium ions. The process is useful for enhancing the biodegradation of contaminants in clayey soils or for winning mineral values from clayey ore deposits.

Abstract: Process for disposal of fossil fuel ash by addition thereto of sodium salts, preferably sodium sulfur oxide salt Na.sub.2 SO.sub.x where x is 3 and/or 4, in an amount ranging from 5-85 weight percent (dry basis) and adjusting the water percentage to within the range of 6-35%, preferably 15-28%. The coefficient of permeability of the ash and sodium salt is reduced from 10.sup.2 cm/sec to the "impermeable" standard of 10.sup.-6 and below. The preferred mixes also call for a smectite clay additive present in the range of from 0.1% to 5%. A flocculant in amounts of 0.01% to 1% can be substituted for about 3-5% of the water content. A principal source of the Na.sub.2 SO.sub.x is sodium FGD waste, preferably from the use of Nahcolite (a natural mineral form of sodium bicarbonate) as an SO.sub.x sorbent in the Nahcolite FGD process. The resulting co-disposal process simultaneously renders the highly soluble Na.sub.2 SO.sub.x (10.sup.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the fumigation of soils, enclosed spaces, agricultural products and other commodities, etc., using compositions which decompose to form carbon disulfide and certain other biocidal materials. Such fumigation can be used to control bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes, rodents, and weeds.Fumigant compositions are described herein as "thiocarbonates," including, without limitation, salts of trithiocarbonic acid and tetrathiocarbonic acid, compositions having empirical formulae intermediate to these acid salts (such as MCS.sub.3.7, wherein M is a divalent metal ion), and compositions containing substances in addition to thiocarbonates [such as a stabilized ammonium tetrathiocarbonate which contains ammonium sulfide, i.e., (NH.sub.4).sub.2 CS.sub.4.(NH.sub.4).sub.2 S].The compositions are generally water soluble and can be prepared, stored, and used in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: In conjunction with the face mining of bituminous coal, previously excavated or some portions of the tunnel are collapsed in a manner to form a mass of debris into which a mixture of electrostatic filter ash and water is injected to stabilize the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of strengthening geological formations in underground workings or mines by introducing reaction mixtures containing a polyisocyanate component (a), a polyol component (b) and optionally auxiliary agents and additives (c) into the formation which is required to be strengthened and reacting the mixtures to form polyurethanes, wherein polyol component (b) contains mixtures of (i) organic polyhydroxyl compounds having a hydroxyl number of about 100 to 800 and (ii) monovalent alcohols having a molecular weight of 32 to about 600, component (ii) being present in an amount of about 0.01 to 20% by weight, based on the total quantity of component (b).

Abstract: The invention provides a pile construction method which allows repeated formation of a supplemental base concrete body at the bottom of a cast-in-place pile, wherein before a previously introduced cement mortar consolidates at the bottom of the pile, a soil stabilizing liquid agent is injected through an injection tube which extends to the bottom of a pile so as to penetrate into the earth surrounding the bottom of the pile. After the cement mortar consolidates, the flow passages of the soil stabilizing agent become permanent passages in the pile base for a next injection of cement mortar.

Abstract: Soils are consolidated with formation of a top layer having compressive strength by treating soil particles with cement, alkali silicate and a dialdehyde, at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Methods of preparing and using a clay stabilizing agent are provided. The agent is prepared by polymerizing diallyldimethylammonium chloride with sulfur dioxide in the presence of a polymerization reaction rate retarder to form a solid cationic copolymer having a high sulfur content. When dissolved in an aqueous carrier fluid, the copolymer is particularly effective in preventing clay swelling and/or fines migration.

Abstract: An improvement was provided in the method for forming a water-impermeable layer in a sandy soil by sprinkling an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer, e.g. poly(acrylic acid), over the land so as to infiltrate the soil with the solution, according to which the water-impermeable layer can be formed at a controlled depth as desired from the ground surface by controlling the value of pH of the aqueous polymer solution in the range from 4 to 12.

Abstract: A coating composition for treating solid wastes is described and includes an aqueous silicate solution containing potassium oxide and silicon dioxide, a catalytic amount of an aqueous sodium borate solution and a fixative containing solid calcium oxide. A fumed silica may be added to either the aqueous silicate solution or sodium borate solution.

Abstract: The compressibility of liquid-saturated soils is increased by mixing the soil with gas-filled, compressible bodies thus changing the dynamic property of the soil to mitigate against pressure changes therein.

Abstract: A method is provided for consolidating a geological formation comprising the injection of a liquid organic mixture into the formation then injection of a hot inert gas mixture through said liquid mixture, so as to transform this liquid mixture by a thermal polymerization reaction into a substance binding the non consolidated elements of the formation. The injected liquid organic mixture contains at least one polyethylenic hydrocarbon to which a catalyst may be added.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for consolidating and sealing coal and/or rock, soil and brick formations in mining, tunnelling and construction by reacting polyisocyanates and aqueous alkali silicate solutions in the presence of a catalyst prompting the trimerization of the polyisocyanate. The catalyst is used in an amount of 6.0 to 14.5 mmole per mole of NCO groups in the reaction mixture.When the reaction mixture is introduced into the coal and/or rock, soil and brick formation to be consolidated and is cured, excellent consolidation results are achieved on account of the formation of an "interpermeated network" of inorganic and organic polymer.

Abstract: A soil sealing composition suitable for reducing the permeability of soil to water contaminated with electrolyte comprises an expanding lattice clay and a water soluble or water swellable polymer having a molecular weight of at least 500,000 and that is a copolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulphonic acid, or certain other ethylenically unsaturated sulphonic acids, together with other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, preferably a blend of acrylamide and acrylic acid.

Abstract: A method and device for properly mixing stabilizing chemicals into earthen formations. A helical blade of one or more convolutions is attached to a hollow torque tube and rotated down into the soil. As the device is rotated through the soil to be stabilized, chemicals are pumped down the torque tube, out the device, and then mixed into a soil column by the rotating action of the device.

Abstract: There is provided a process for rendering certain layers impervious to the seepage of water through same. Such layers are of value in preventing water seepage into structures, and also from ponds, from water reservoirs and the like. The water impervious layers are produced from mixtures of sand (about 98.5 to 90 weight percent) and montmorillonite (about 1.5 to 10 weight percent), which are compacted and contacted with salt water having a salt content at least equal to that of sea water, and washing the layer until the wash waters are essentially free of sodium.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving the nature of soil in a salty land not suitable for agriculture by forming a moisture barrier in the soil with formation of a water-impermeable layer of soil underground. The method comprises sprinkling a water-soluble polymer, e.g. a copolymer of acrylic acid, or polymer blend including, for example, polyacrylic acid, capable of being insolubilized by interacting with the salt, preferably, in an aqueous solution over the salty land so that a water-impermeable layer underground is formed by the insolubilized polymer together with the soil particles.

Abstract: An aqueous solution having potassium silicate dissolved therein is injected into a subterranean sandstone formation containing water-sensitive fine particles, including clays. Potassium silicate stabilizes the fine particles for a substantial period of time thereby substantially preventing formation permeability damage caused by encroachment of aqueous solutions having a distinct ionic makeup into the treated formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for minimizing the entry of water into a mined cavity or underground formation which has thereabove a semi-permeable layer of a shaly material or rock directly below a source layer of water-saturated sand. By means of a borehole, a fluid such as air or oil is injected into a semi-permeable layer to displace water from it. The injected fluid acts as a barrier to reduce the downward leakage of water into the cavity.

Abstract: A method of reducing the permeability to water of a subterranean geological formation containing sandstone. The method is carried out by contacting the formation with an aqueous mixture comprising a water-soluble anionic polymer having a molecular weight greater than 100,000 and subsequently contacting the anionic polymer with a polymer stabilizing fluid comprising a water-soluble cationic polymer having a molecular weight greater than 1,000.

Abstract: A method for sealing a mass of stored waste containing cations comprises insulating the waste mass with at least one grout barrier which retains heavy metallic cations. The grout barrier is established by filling the hollows in the soil or fissured rocks with a grout containing specified amounts of cement, clay, siliceous products, sodium carbonate and alkali-metal tartarate.

Abstract: Soft soil stratum is stabilized by jetting powdery agent into the ground and mixing and agitating the same with the soil, wherein a rotary shaft is inserted into the ground and a powdery stabilized agent carried by air is pneumatically transported by way of a transportation tube positioned within the rotary shaft and is jetted out from a nozzle disposed in communication with a blade which is integrally attached to and extended from the bottom end of the shaft, is mixed and is agitated for solidification with the soil by the rotation of the mixing blade, while the carrier air jetted into the ground is induced and discharged to the outside of the ground after separation and filtration. The state of the supply of the powdery stabilized agent is continuously optimally controlled in accordance with a predetermined set condition. The powdery stabilized agent can be transported smoothly and mixed with the soil uniformly to provide satisfactory soil stabilization, without repair and maintenance problems.

Abstract: Sandy soils, e.g., loess-containing desert soils, are treated with an aqueous dispersion of pyrogenically produced silicon dioxide and/or corresponding mixed oxides of silicon to achieve consolidation of the sand.

Abstract: Method and composition for protecting an electrical grounding device having a generally vertically disposed metal tubular electrode buried in the ground. Near the lower end of the tube, slots are provided in the sidewalls through which a special viscous fluid composition is injected into the surrounding soil to fix the tube in place and provide electrical contact with the earth. The composition surrounds and prevents excessive corrosion of buried metallic bodies and particularly those metallic bodies which are intended to provide electrical contact with the earth. The composition surrounding the metallic body contains primarily metallic oxides such as silicon dioxide. The oxidation activity of the metallic component should have a single electrode potential (standard or formal) at 25.degree. C. of from -0.4 to -2.90. The composition may also contain other metallic oxides in admixture with the primary oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-hydrated bentonite intimately contacted with a polypropene, polybutene, or mixtures thereof to provide a formable and shapable non-aqueous bentonite composition particularly useful as a water barrier. The bentonite composition can be extruded in the form of a rope, rod, sheet or the like and is sufficiently tacky for adherence to a wall or conduit, floor or roof in areas of potential water flow to prevent the seepage of water through the bentonite composition. In one embodiment, the bentonite composition includes a polypropene and a polybutene and an elastomer, such as butyl rubber, having sufficient resilience to stretch or expand with the expanding bentonite upon hydration and to aid in maintaining the structural integrity and cohesiveness of the composition. In another embodiment, the composition comprises bentonite, an elastomer, and any plasticizer compatible with the elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonhydrated bentonite intimately contacted with a polypropene, polybutene, or mixtures thereof to provide a formable and shapable non-aqueous bentonite composition particularly useful as a water barrier. The bentonite composition can be extruded in the form of a rope, rod, sheet or the like and is sufficiently tacky for adherence to a wall or conduit, floor or roof in areas of potential water flow to prevent the seepage of water through the bentonite composition. In one embodiment, the bentonite composition includes a polypropene and a polybutene and an elastomer, such as butyl rubber, having sufficient resilience to stretch or expand with the expanding bentonite upon hydration and to aid in maintaining the structural integrity and cohesiveness of the composition. In another embodiment, the composition comprises bentonite, an elastomer, and any plasticizer compatible with the elastomer.

Abstract: Rapidly dissolvable powdered silicates having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali metal oxide in the range of from about 1.5:1 to about 3.3:1 wherein the alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium and mixtures thereof. Methods of using the powdered silicates and resulting solutions in connection with sealing and cementing, especially of well formations, are provided.

Abstract: A method for preventing or greatly reducing damage to building foundations resulting from the swelling of moisture-expansive clay beneath and about such foundations. The method includes the steps of first forming a trench about the foundation, the trench extending well below the basement or on-grade floor slab of that foundation, and then substantially filling the trench with an extrudable plastic mass of hydrated lime and water to help stabilize the moisture-expansive clay and to provide a yieldable buffer capable of being displaced upwardly to accommodate horizontal expansion of the clay beneath and about the foundation, thereby relieving lateral stresses and reducing upward forces against the floor slab.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing fines within a permeable subterranean formation comprising contacting the fines with an effective amount of an organic polycationic polymer which contain two quaternary ammonium moieties in the polymer repeating unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing an aqueous gel-forming system comprising one or more water-soluble acrylic monomer as gellifying agent, methylenebis-acrylamide co-monomer and/or one or more mono- or bivalent aldehyde as cross-linking agent, a redox catalyst system containing an alkali metal and/or ammonium persulfate as oxidizing component along with one or more amine compound as reducing component, furthermore optionally one or more water-soluble polymer for adjusting the viscosity of the solution and/or modifying the gel structure. According to the invention said gel-forming system is stabilized by saturating it with molecular oxygen.The invention relates further to a process for improving the strength and impermeability of particulate materials and/or solid articles.

Abstract: The ammonium ions in a subterranean clay-containing formation may be removed by flushing the formation with a calcium ion containing restoration fluid having substantially the highest pH effective to prevent precipitation of calcium hydroxide from said restoration fluid. The calcium ion concentration in the restoration fluid is maintained between about 10,000 and 100,000 ppm until the ammonia concentration in the produced fluid peaks or is less than about 100 ppm. Thereafter the calcium ion concentration is maintained at about 400 to about 600 ppm until the desired level of ammonia is obtained, usually about 1-3 ppm.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for preparing a substantially uniform, gas-containing cement slurry by directing two pressurized streams of a gas-containing hydraulic cement slurry to a common in-line focal point in a generally opposed fashion so that good mixing is achieved by the contact of the two streams. The process is particularly adapted for use in preparing "foamed" cement slurries for cementing subterranean voids such as well boreholes, groutholes, natural cavities and similar voids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterproofing structure and method, and, in particular, to a flexible water-impervious sheet material, and to a method of using same, for providing an effective barrier against water seepage.

Abstract: A method for removing undesired components from the soil which comprises screening adjacent soil from the contaminated soil having the undesired components therein, supplying an extracting agent, suitable for removing the undesired components, to the soil at a level either above or below the contaminated soil, and removing the extracting agent having the undesired components therein from the soil at a level on the other side of the contaminated soil.

Abstract: Leached formations having residual soluble uranium minerals therein are restored by treating the formation under alkaline conditions with a source of phosphate ion whereby insoluble uranium phosphate compounds are formed thereby lowering the residual soluble uranium levels below that existing prior to restoration and the formation, and preferably to levels below about 5 milligrams per liter.

Abstract: Agitation shafts provided with agitation vanes at lower portions thereof are fastened rotatably to the outer circumferential surface of a support cylinder to form a soft ground hardening machine. Connecting means are provided between upper and lower portions of the support cylinder. The connect-means are adapted to be tensed and slackened for eliminating the inclination of the machine in operation. In a soft ground hardening method using this machine, the inclination thereof can be eliminated as the direction in which the machine is inserted into or withdrawn from the soft ground is measured momentarily.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stabilizing clay soil having a high water content by mixing an effective amount of hydroxy-aluminum and cellulosic polymer with the clay soil to deactivate water and thereby assist in preventing such water from fluidizing the clay soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stabilizing clay soil by mixing an effective amount of dry hydroxy-aluminum and dry base with the clay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stabilizing clay soil by mixing an effective amount of dry hydroxy-aluminum and dry base with the clay.

Abstract: Process for the irreversible treatment of toxic waste by means of a silicate, in the presence of water, in such a way as to form a solid aggregate includes treatment of the silicate in an acid medium, for the purpose of obtaining silicic acid of low molecular weight; mixing the silicic acid with the waste to be treated, in the presence of water and controlling the pH between 0 and 4 in a sufficiently acid medium to cause the waste to undergo at least partial solution; precipitation of a gel of high molecular weight from the resultant aqueous mixture; addition thereto of a mixture which reacts with the gel of high molecular weight to form a silicate, possibly in the presence of a cementation agent, in such a way as to produce a sludge, and the hardening of the sludge into a solid aggregate which can not be changed physically so as to release again the harmful or toxic waste into the environment.