Abstract: Agitation shafts provided with agitation vanes at lower portions thereof are fixed rotatably around a support cylinder to form a soft ground hardening machine. A direction control unit is provided at a lower portion of the support cylinder so as to control the direction in which the machine is inserted into and withdrawn from the soft ground. In a method of hardening the soft ground by using this machine, the direction in which the machine is inserted into and withdrawn from the soft ground is controlled as the direction in which the machine is being inserted into or withdrawn from the soft ground is measured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing an extending plate earth anchor using extension plates, a hydraulic jack which works against the side of the wall, and techniques for load stress distribution are shown and described.

Abstract: A composition comprising salts of lignin sulfonate and hydroxy-aluminum and water. The composition stabilizes soil formations from the effects of water and increases the water resistance of paper products.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing clay soil comprising admixing the clay soil with an effective amount of dry hydroxy-aluminum.

Abstract: A hydration-expansive crushing cartridge which is prepared by filling a hydration-expansive crushing agent into a container made of a material which allows the permeation or penetration of water and which can be broken by an external force. The cartridge can be charged into holes bored in a concrete structure, a rock bed or the like to crack it regardless of the positioning or the direction of the bored holes and which has a homogeneous crushing capability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of sealing salt mine headings. Salting out substances, adapted in quantity and quality for properties of effluent from the rift, are introduced into a rift in a rock mass, thus causing crystallization of salts identical or isostructural in relation to the salt forming the rock mass. The substances may be aqueous solutions of inorganic salts or they may be organic solvents. To avoid difficulty in mixing solutions, crevices are liquefied by introducing to their zone effluent and/or saline previously prepared and modified with salting out solutions. As inorganic salts, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride or mixtures thereof are used. As organic solvents, methanol or acetone is used.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing clay soil comprising admixing the clay soil with an effective amount of a dry mixture of chemicals comprising hydroxy-aluminum and a chemical selected from the group consisting of potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A liquid alkali metal silicate composition comprises water, an alkali metal, e.g., sodium silicate, and as curing agent for said alkali metal silicate, a derivative of glyoxal which is 2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-dioxane or glyoxal trimer. The composition optionally contains a Group I-III metal salt, e.g., calcium chloride and hydrogen peroxide. It is easily pumpable and injectable at a temperature of 100.degree. F. or higher.

Abstract: Cured compacted products suitable for use as landfill materials, embankments, roadbase compositions and the like are produced by the described method from fly ash-containing waste materials obtained by a lime based dry scrubbing flue gas desulfurization operation. In this method the dry fly ash-containing waste powder, which also contains calcium sulfite or sulfate reaction products and unreacted lime, is contacted with a predetermined amount of water and mixed under critical mixing conditions to provide a powder/water mixture which is placed at a suitable utilization site, e.g., a landfill disposal site, and compacted under sufficient load to achieve at least about 70% of the laboratory dry density. The resulting products have compressive strengths after curing of at least about 25 psi and permeabilities of less than 1.times.10.sup.-5 cm/sec.

Abstract: An easily pumpable, liquid alkali metal, e.g., sodium silicate composition of controlled gelling characteristics contains water, an alkali metal silicate, glyoxal, optionally a Group I-III metal salt, e.g., calcium chloride, and from 0.005 to 0.10 weight/volume percent of sodium bisulfite/sodium metabisulfite, per liter of composition. This composition is easily applied at elevated temperatures, e.g., 100.degree. F. and higher.

Abstract: According to the present invention we provide a method of controlling the heavy metal content of the water in an aqueous system which comprises incorporating in the system an amount of gamma dicalcium silicate to insolubilize heavy metals present.

Abstract: This specification discloses method and apparatus for treating surface layers of the earth to obtain stabilization, build strength and permeability characteristics; characterized by slaking quicklime (CaO) in a mixing tank to form an elevated temperature, hydrated lime [Ca(OH).sub.2 ] slurry and working the resulting elevated temperature lime slurry into the surface of the earth at the local where the stabilization of the soil is to be achieved. This achieves a cost reduction, has greater reliability in obtaining materials, achieves better results, saves energy and extends the soil-stabilization season into cold weather previously considered prohibitive. Also disclosed are the details of preferred embodiments for admixing the unslaked lime.

Abstract: In apparatus for injecting and mixing a ground stabilization agent into the material of the earth during the operation of an earth drill, a device is provided for generating signals indicative of the upward movement of the earth drill as the drill is withdrawn and while the stabilization agent is being introduced, and a weighing device is provided for constantly weighing the remaining supply of ground stabilization agent and for thereby measuring the weight of stabilization agent delivered to the ground, and a recorder is connected to receive signals from both of the devices for providing a graphic record of the stabilization agent delivered versus the upward travel of the earth drill.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for restoring a clay rich aquifer which has been solution mined with ammonium ions. Calcium carbonate is precipitated from a solution pumped through the aquifer by the addition of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof in quantities sufficient to raise the pH to at least about 9.5. The precipitated calcium carbonate is separated from the solution and the ammonium ion is then removed from the solution by standard techniques. The solution is recycled through the aquifer and these steps are repeated until the bicarbonate ion concentration has been reduced to such an extent that the addition of at least one soluble salt of calcium, magnesium, or potassium to the solution does not result in precipitation of calcite underground, plugging the aquifer. Recycling with the addition of the soluble salt is continued until the ammonium ion concentration is reduced to a desired level. Finally, residual amounts of the salt are removed from the aquifer using standard techniques.

Abstract: An improved method of restoring a subterranean clay-containing formation having ammonium ions absorbed on the clay, wherein the formation is flushed with a halogenated restoration fluid having a halogen therein which reacts with the ammonium ion in the formation to decompose the ammonium ions is disclosed. The barren ammonia-containing restoration fluid, after it passes through the formation, is withdrawn, reconstituted and recycled as fresh restoration fluid back into the formation. The barren fluid is treated with an appropriate base to raise the pH to a highly alkaline level, the treated highly alkaline barren fluid is passed through an airstripping tower to strip substantially all the ammonia from the fluid, chlorine gas is added to the fluid from which the ammonia has been stripped, while controlling the amount of chlorine to produce a reconstituted restoration fluid of a predetermined pH level. Finally, the reconstituted restoration fluid is recycled back into the formation.

Abstract: A process for treating thickened phosphatic clay suspensions produced in the processing of phosphate ore by water beneficiation, and which have a solids content of from about 5% to about 30%. A deflocculating agent is mixed with the suspension to cause deflocculation of the suspension to an extent sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the sludge to a value enabling the deflocculated suspension to be readily pumped from one location to another. The deflocculated suspension is subsequently mixed with an additive compound comprising an alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide in an amount sufficient to cause the formation of large silicate molecules with resultant gelling and setting of the sludge into an inert solid material.

Abstract: Process for the stabilization of formation clays by the use of aluminum in the in-situ leaching of uranium or the restoration of contaminated formations. The aluminum is added to a lixiviant having a pH in the range of 6-10 or to a restoration fluid having a pH of at least 6 in an amount effective for the stabilization of clays.

Abstract: According to this invention, when the area to be treated is accessible, the procedure involves breaking up the soil to be treated by a continuous, forward-moving mixing process down to a chosen depth. A first vertical section of a determined width is followed, with simultaneous forward injection of the reagent. This is continued until the first section has been completed, at which time a second lateral section is begun in the same way. This second section will be exactly adjacent to the first one, which will be in the process of hardening, and the following sections will be completed in the same way until the entire area to be treated has been mixed to the desired depth.

Abstract: This specification discloses method and apparatus for treating subsurface layers of the earth to build strength of the subsurface layers and control movement of the subsurface water characterized by slaking quicklime (CaO) in a mixing tank to form an elevated temperature, hydrated lime [Ca (OH).sub.2 ] slurry and injecting the resulting elevated temperature lime slurry at a predetermined plurality of spaced apart locations and at predetermined depths into the earth subsurface layers. This achieves a cost reduction, has greater reliability in obtaining materials, achieves better results, saves energy and extends the injection-stabilization season into cold weather previously considered prohibitive. Also disclosed are the details of preferred embodiments for admixing the unslaked lime for the various uses.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous sludge comprising a slurry of clay minerals and silica in water includes rapidly dispersing throughout the sludge at least one additive compound selected from the group consisting of mineral acids, acid salts of alkaline earth metals, alkaline earth metal oxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides. The additive is provided in an amount sufficient to cause formation in the sludge of large silicate molecules with resultant solidification of the sludge by gelling and setting into an inert solid material.

Abstract: An injection process for solidifying a soft ground by injecting a blend of water glass type grout thereinto which is a non-alkaline aqueous solution of silicic acid obtained by the mixing water glass into an aqueous solution of acidic reactant so as to remove alkali from the water glass, and an injection apparatus for practicing the injection process which comprises a mixing container for preparing the non-alkaline aqueous solution of silicic acid by adding and mixing the water glass into the aqueous solution of acidic reactant.

Abstract: An injection process for solidifying a soft ground by injecting a blend of water glass type grout thereinto which is a non-alkaline aqueous solution of silicic acid obtained by the mixing water glass into an aqueous solution of acidic reactant so as to remove alkali from the water glass, and an injection apparatus for practicing the injection process which comprises a mixing container for preparing the non-alkaline aqueous solution of silicic acid by adding and mixing the water glass into the aqueous solution of acidic reactant.

Abstract: A method of providing a substantially impermeable lining to the bottom of an earthen pond using native soil. Such soil is classified and formed into a slurry containing fine particles of predominately five or less micron size. The pond bottom is covered with a first layer of the slurry which is allowed to dry to a point where large crack patterns develop. The cracks are filled with a second layer of the slurry. More layers may be applied to form a final lining having the desired permeability for the particular application.

Abstract: A bentonite composition useful for preventing a flow of water through a structure is disclosed. The composition has substantially all of the bentonite in non-hydrated form by dispersing the bentonite throughout a non-aqueous gel formed from a non-aqueous liquid and a suitable gelling agent for the liquid to form a cohesive mass capable of adhering to a structure while maintaining a desired, cohesive form. The composition can be made into sheets, rods, tubes and the like. For example, the composition can be applied to one side of a water permeable cellulosic fiber containing sheet and the composition side of the sheet secured over an area of potential water flow.

Abstract: A first solution of an electrolyte is injected underground into a volume of soil having negative surface charges on its particles. A cationic surfactant suspended in this solution neutralizes these surface charges of the soil particles within the volume. Following the first solution, a cationic asphalt emulsion suspended in a second solution is injected into the volume. The asphalt emulsion diffuses through the volume and electrostatically bonds with additional soil surrounding the volume such that an electrically conductive water repellant shell enclosing the volume is formed. This shell prevents the leaching of electrolyte from the volume into the additional soil. The second solution also contains a dissolved deliquescent salt which draws water into the volume prior to the formation of the shell. When electrically connected to an electrical installation such as a power line tower, the volume constitutes a grounding electrode for the tower.

Abstract: Relatively impermeable earth such as clay is made permeable so as to effectively produce drains or draining layers by injecting into the earth one or more substances chemically reacting with and/or physically cooperating with one or more of the natural constituents of the earth to thereby increase the permeability within the injection zone and to thereby produce a drain or a draining layer.

Abstract: Means for controlling the moisture content and ultimate freeze-thaw cycle parameters of a paved roadbed including, a combination of electrolytic means together with the conventional roadbed, the electrolytic means being utilized to control the moisture migration through the soil in and around the roadbed. The system comprises a combination of a roadbed having a centrally disposed paved zone flanked by lateral shoulder zones, and electrolytic means along the shoulder zone slopes for controlling the moisture migration through the surrounding soil. The electrolytic means includes a plurality of spaced electrodes, including a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes arranged in spaced-apart but electrolytically coupled relationship along the lateral shoulder zone slopes. The anode means includes crushed rock high in certain metallic oxides, with the oxides selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide such as, for example, crushed dolomitic limestone or basalt.

Abstract: A fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector having an extended curved sawtooth-contoured surface covered with a metalized polymeric reflecting material, reflects solar energy to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary. The primary reflector may be constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery.

Abstract: A process for disposing of the residue of exhaust gas washers by utilizing them as a structural material in mines. The sulfur in the exhaust gases is reacted with calcium compounds to form CaSO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O. The CaSO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O is recrystallized to alpha-CaSO.sub.4.1/2H.sub.2 O, conveyed underground, mixed with water, implaced and allowed to harden to form barricades or other structures in the mine.

Abstract: A soil stabilizing method by using an air bubbled solidifying suspension or solution, which is jetted into the ground at a high pressure for the formation of solidified soil having homogeneous strength.