Abstract: A new and useful concept for reinforcing a mass of material is provided, particularly for reinforcing a mass of material that may be used to form a dam or comparable structure (FIG. 1). A reinforced material mass according to the present invention comprises a mass of material taken from a class that includes earthen material, soil, rock, and combinations thereof, and has a lining forming a part thereof, the lining comprising a woven fabric saturated with a resin that has a flexibility of at least 3-6% elongation at break. The lining forms a substantially impervious lining to a mass of material that forms a dam or comparable structure. Additionally, the lining reinforces the mass of material against the types of hydraulic and other pressures that may be applied to a dam or comparable structure.

Abstract: A method for filling and/or building-up land areas by creating a solid soil base through the deposition of a generally non-reactive composite fill material made by intermixing spent lime and soil such that moisture content of the spent lime is distributed through the material.

Abstract: To provide an ultrafine particle grouting composition which is excellent in dispersibility and dispersion retainability and can be easily injected into minute spaces between particles of grounds, rock cracks, and the like.

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: A method for increasing stiffness of bearing strata formed of soil, rock or other geomaterial includes the steps of injecting non-hardening pre-compression fluids, in the form of viscous non-hardening slurries that are pressurized beneath a foundation tip for extended periods of time, into the bearing strata to cause pre-compression of the bearing strata. This enhances end bearing capacity in poorly draining soils by providing more time to squeeze water from voids in the poorly draining soils. The bearing strata may also be mechanically pre-compressed. The non-hardening pre-compression fluids may be exchanged with grout to fill a void formed by cavity expansion and previously occupied by the non-hardening, pre-compression fluid. This grout is cured without external additional pressure. Grout may be used in lieu of non hardening pre-compression fluids to affect end bearing enhancement provided that external additional pressure is not applied to the grout while it cures.

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 plastic gel grouting material, which comprises a silica type non-hardening powdery material and water or a silica type non-hardening powdery material, a calcium type hardening developing material and water as active ingredients, is statically pressure-injected into a soft, loose or weak ground to thereby form masses derived from the grouting material per se in the ground, and concurrently therewith, to compact the surrounding earth and sand, thereby increasing density of the ground. A plastic gel grouting material is provided which loses its flowability with time or by dewatering to form masses derived from the grouting material per se in a ground and which comprises a silica type non-hardening powdery material and water or a silica type non-hardening powdery material, a calcium type hardening developing material and water as active ingredients.

Abstract: The dual axis grinder includes a support frame with a plate and a mast. The mast is connected to the boom of an excavator and to a hydraulic stick control cylinder. An auger tube is journaled in a bore through the support frame plate for rotation about a vertical axis. Auger flighting may be attached to the auger tube. A central support housing is attached to the bottom of the auger tube. Two cylindrical drums with grinder teeth are journaled on the central support housing for rotation about a horizontal axis that intersects the vertical axis. The auger tube is rotated by a reversible hydraulic motor. The cylindrical drums are driven by one or two reversible hydraulic motors. Hydraulic fluid is provided to drive the two drums cylindrical through a rotary hydraulic manifold. Chemicals to treat environmental contaminates are supplied through a nozzle adjacent to the cylindrical drums.

Abstract: A grouting material which comprises an ultrafine particle material having a maximum particle size of 15 micrometer or less, containing 3 to 40% by mass of cement clinker, 60 to 97% by mass of and blast-furnace slag, 0.5 to 3 parts by mass of gypsum in terms of SO3 based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of cement clinker and blast-furnace slag, and further comprises (i) 0.7 to 7 parts by mass of calcium-aluminate-based rapid-hardening admixture, (ii) 0.01 to 0.13 parts by mass of setting retarder, and (iii) 0.2 to 1.0 parts by mass of high-performance water-reducing agent, based on 100 parts by mass of the ultrafine particle material can maintain high injectability for long, and rapidly starts to set after injected to thereby exhibit a good short-term strength.

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 aim of this invention is to present a method in which holes (1) are drilled into the ground for the injection of highly expansive grouts (5), so that the subsoil is void filled and compacted and thus the liquefaction potential under earthquake and vibration forces are reduced.

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 method for preventing soil fracture and/or monitoring borehole pressure during jet grouting that may include monitoring borehole pressure at one or more points in a jet grouting borehole while the jet grouting is being performed and determining whether the borehole pressure exceeds a predetermined limit. The method may further include providing notification to a jet grouting operator that there is a high risk of soil fracture if the borehole pressure exceeds the predetermined limit. The predetermined limit may be the estimated fracture pressure of the soil in which the jet grouting is being performed.

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: Disulfonate salts of 2,4-pentanedione and methods for making such salts are described. The disulfonate salts are useful as cement dispersants. Cement compositions including such salts, methods for making cement compositions including such salts, and methods for performing cementing operations using such cement compositions are also described.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is to present a method in which holes (1) are drilled into the ground for the injection of highly expansive grouts (5), so that the subsoil is void filled and compacted and thus the liquefaction potential under earthquake and vibration forces are reduced.

Abstract: A method for increasing stiffness of bearing strata formed of soil, rock or other geomaterial includes the steps of injecting non-hardening pre-compression fluids, in the form of viscous non-hardening slurries that are pressurized beneath a foundation tip for extended periods of time, into the bearing strata to cause pre-compression of the bearing strata. This enhances end bearing capacity in poorly draining soils by providing more time to squeeze water from voids in the poorly draining soils. The bearing strata may also be mechanically pre-compressed. The non-hardening pre-compression fluids may be exchanged with grout to fill a void formed by cavity expansion and previously occupied by the non-hardening, pre-compression fluid. This grout is cured without external additional pressure. Grout may be used in lieu of non hardening pre-compression fluids to affect end bearing enhancement provided that external additional pressure is not applied to the grout while it cures.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composition for injection grouting obtainable by mixing an alkali metal silicate or an organic silicate, colloidal silica particles, and at least one gelling agent, wherein the weight ratio of colloidal silica to silicate is from about 2:1 to about 100:1. The invention also relates to a method of sealing a leaking part or cavity, and method of cutting off a liquid flow in a leaking part or cavity. The invention further relates to a composition for injection grouting and a method for preparing such composition.

Abstract: Grout slurries are provided that have high thermal conductivities of greater than about 1.4 Btu/hr-ft-° F. and low hydraulic conductivities ranging from about 5×10?9 cm/s to about 1×10?8 cm/s. Such grout slurries comprise water and a grout composition that is available as a one-sack product. The grout composition includes calcium bentonite present in an amount of from about 15% to about 45%, sodium bentonite present in an amount of from about 15% to about 45%, silica flour present in an amount of from about 10% to about 35%, and flaked graphite present in an amount of from about 10% to about 75%, all by weight of the grout composition. Further, methods of installing a conduit such as a heat transfer loop in a hole in the earth include placing the conduit in the hole, forming the foregoing grout slurry, and placing the grout slurry in the hole adjacent to the conduit.

Abstract: A rapid-set injection system using high-speed jet fluid for forming a pile-shaped solid body in the ground has an injection rod which does not jam in the ground and which has two or three jet nozzles so that the injection rod linearly excavates the target ground. The injection rod has an excavating bit provided at a lower portion of the injection rod to inject downward a fluid to the outside of the injection rod in criss-crossing diagonal directions, with a drill bit coupled to a lower end of the excavating bit, a first agitating unit mounted to an upper end of the excavating bit to inject desired materials to the outside of the injection rod at different levels in different diagonal directions, and a second agitating unit mounted to an upper end of the first agitating unit to horizontally inject air to the outside of the injection rod.

Abstract: A method is provided for centering and guiding a large diameter soil processing tool. A sacrificial guide is formed by using a small diameter soil processing tool to form a soil-cement column having a relatively hard outer section and a relatively soft center section. The relatively hard outer section is utilized to guide the large diameter soil processing tool. In one embodiment, the soft central region of the sacrificial guide is left in place and the pilot of the large tool carries an auger that simply drills through the central portion of the sacrificial guide. In a second embodiment, the sacrificial guide is hollow and the large tool need not have an auger at the tip of its pilot. The large tool advances downwardly through the sacrificial guide and, as it advances downwardly, the large tool breaks up the sacrificial guide and the sacrificial guide particles ultimately form a portion of the soil-cement column formed by the large soil processing tool.

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: The present invention relates to stable and biodegradable foamed cement slurries, additives and methods. A foamed cement slurry of the invention comprises a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry, sufficient gas to form a foam and a biodegradable foaming and stabilizing additive comprising a mixture of a capryl/capramido propyl betaine surfactant and a capryl/capramido propyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foamed cement slurries, additives and methods. A foamed cement slurry of the invention comprises a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry, sufficient gas to form a foam and an environmentally benign foaming and stabilizing additive comprising a mixture of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean operations, and more particularly, to settable fluids comprising vitrified shale and hydrated lime and methods of using such settable fluids in subterranean applications. In an exemplary embodiment, the settable fluids of the present invention may be used as a displacement fluid. In another exemplary embodiment, the settable fluids of the present invention may be used as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving soft ground, in which cement slurry is vigorously discharged from an injection rod by highly pressurized air, thus allowing hardening agent to evenly infiltrate the soft ground, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an injection rod (20) having an injection pipe (10) into which fluid is introduced, and an outer casing (12) disposed around the injection pipe (10) with an air feeding path (14) therebetween, one or more injection holders (40) coupled to an outer surface of the outer casing (12) to be positioned at different levels and to be inclined downward, and a bit (30) coupled to a lower end of the injection rod (20), and having jet holes (60, 60a), which are inclined downward and in which inclined jet nozzles (70, 70a) are inserted, and a cutting water nozzle (74) provided at its center.

Abstract: A common feature of the method and apparatus for multipoint grouting resides in using a multiple injection apparatus having a plurality of unit pumps in one plant, driven independently of each other and controlled by a centralized control device. The plurality of the unit pumps are connected through ducts to a plurality of injection pipes each having an outlet, inserted in a plurality of injection points in ground. By operations of the plurality of the unit pumps, ground improving material is injected from the plurality of the outlets into the plurality of the injection points in the ground.

Abstract: A method for sealing rock or soil comprising inserting a sealing composition obtained by mixing a silica sol and at least one gelling agent, wherein the silica sol has an S-value higher than about 72%, a method for preparing the sealing composition and the composition obtained from the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sealing rock or soil comprising inserting a sealing composition obtained by mixing a silica sol and at least one gelling agent, wherein the silica sol has an S-value higher than about 72%, a method for preparing the sealing composition and the composition obtained from the method.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing gravel, sand, crushed stone, rock and concrete structures which have cracks by injecting a pumpable, low viscous aqueous aerated concrete with a pore volume of at least 20% by volume into the cracks at a low pressure and then increasing the pressure so that the entrained air bubbles escape and sedimentation and hydration occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean operations, and more particularly, to settable fluids comprising vitrified shale and hydrated lime and methods of using such settable fluids in subterranean applications. In an exemplary embodiment, the settable fluids of the present invention may be used as a displacement fluid. In another exemplary embodiment, the settable fluids of the present invention may be used as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a trench wall in the ground, in which at least one cutting wheel located on a trench wall cutter is given a rotary movement by a drive, the trench wall cutter is lowered into the ground and soil material below the cutting wheel is stripped and a cut trench made, which is filled with a settable liquid. The stripped soil material is conveyed from the cutting wheel into a rear area of the cut trench, that the stripped soil material in the cut trench is intermixed with the settable liquid and that the stripped soil material is at least partly left in the cut trench for forming the trench wall. The invention also relates to a trench wall cutter and a trench wall cutting device.

Abstract: The present invention provides light weight high temperature well cement compositions and methods. The compositions are basically comprised of calcium aluminate, ASTM class F fly ash, sodium polyphosphate, a cationic derivatized starch fluid loss control additive and water.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to subterranean drilling while maintaining containment of any contaminants released during the drilling. A thrust block installed over a zone of interest provides an overflow space for retaining any contaminants and excess sealant returns. Negative air pressure may be maintained in the overflow space by a ventilation system. Access ports in the thrust block seal the overflow space from the surrounding environment with a membrane seal. A flexible sack seal in the access port may be connected to a drill shroud prior to drilling, providing containment during drilling after the drill bit penetrates the membrane seal. The drill shroud may be adapted to any industry standard drilling rig and includes a connection conduit for connecting to the flexible sack seal and a flexible enclosure surrounding the drill shaft and of a length to accommodate full extension thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving soft ground, in which cement slurry is vigorously discharged from an injection rod by highly pressurized air, thus allowing hardening agent to evenly infiltrate the soft ground, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an injection rod (20) having an injection pipe (10) into which fluid is introduced, and an outer casing (12) disposed around the injection pipe (10) with an air feeding path (14) therebetween, one or more injection holders (40) coupled to an outer surface of the outer casing (12) to be positioned at different levels and to be inclined downward, and a bit (30) coupled to a lower end of the injection rod (20), and having jet holes (60, 60a), which are inclined downward and in which inclined jet nozzles (70, 70a) are inserted, and a cutting water nozzle (74) provided at its center.

Abstract: A multipoint grouting method for effecting multipoint-injection of a ground improving material into ground to be improved such as weak ground, soft ground, flimsy ground, loose ground or the like, and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. In particular, the multipoint grouting method and the apparatus therefor are not only capable of, with respect to ground having soil layers different from each other in soil condition such as soil texture, concurrently or selectively applying optimum injection to each of the soil layers but also capable of one-, two- or three-dimensionally injecting a ground improving material into ground, and are further capable of flexibly controlling injection from a plurality of injection pipes and capable of carrying out injection concurrently or selectively from the plurality of the injection pipes to thereby increase reliability of permeation grouting into a very fine-grained soil layer and to thereby enable a shortened execution period to be realized by rapid execution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

Abstract: The present invention provides cement compositions comprising an improved fluid loss control additive, and methods for cementing in a subterranean formation using such cement compositions. The cement compositions comprise a hydraulic cement, water, and a fluid loss control additive comprising at least two polymers connected by a pH-sensitive crosslink. Optionally, other ingredients may be included in the compositions.

Abstract: A waterstop, 10 or 11, for restricting or preventing the flow of water across the joints of foundation elements 8, such as between or along individual diaphragm wall panels or between or along individual secant wall piles. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a waterstop at or near the joints between adjacent foundation elements. The waterstop consists of one or more longitudinal strips, 1 or 2, of hydrophilic material, wherein the or each hydrophilic strip extends vertically along the interface between adjacent foundation elements, from a position at or near the top of the foundation elements, to a position at or near the base of the elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to subterranean drilling while maintaining containment of any contaminants released during the drilling. A thrust block installed over a zone of interest provides an overflow space for retaining any contaminants and excess sealant returns. Negative air pressure may be maintained in the overflow space by a ventilation system. Access ports in the thrust block seal the overflow space from the surrounding environment with a membrane seal. A flexible sack seal in the access port may be connected to a drill shroud prior to drilling, providing containment during drilling after the drill bit penetrates the membrane seal. The drill shroud may be adapted to any industry standard drilling rig and includes a connection conduit for connecting to the flexible sack seal and a flexible enclosure surrounding the drill shaft and of a length to accommodate full extension thereof.

Abstract: A method for securing piling segments together to form a single foundation piling using an alignment securing assembly and vibrations sent through the piling as. Piling segments are driven into the ground on top of each other, forming a piling. A single piling passageway is formed when the piling segments are in alignment. An alignment securing assembly is placed in the passageway. Vibrations are sent through the piling so that grout will not gather in the upper portions of the passageway before the lower portions of the passageway are filled with grout. The grout cures and the piling segments are secured so that the segments will not slip. The alignment securing assembly uses an anchoring device that is lowered and set in the passageway so that tension can be applied by a cable. The tension from the cable and anchoring device causing a compressive effect on the piling.

Abstract: A composition including two components is provided. When the two components are admixed in the method of the invention a polymer-modified gypsum composition is provided. The admixture exhibits a useful balance of setting time and stability.

Abstract: A method for filling a void using an aggregate material, such as mine tailings, the fill material being pumped from a site which is located remote from the void. A fluid, aerated material is formed by mixing the particulate solid material with finished foam. The aerated material may also include cement or another binder for applications requiring structural strength. The bubble structure which results from incorporating the foam constituent in the fill material renders this much more fluid and pumpable, thereby allowing the use of much higher solids-to-water ratios than would otherwise be possible while still being able to pump the material over significant distances. This reduces the possibly of fluidic collapse of the material in the void, and produces other advantages as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides lightweight cement compositions, and methods for cementing in a subterranean formation using such cement compositions. The cement compositions comprise hydrated lime, vitrified shale, and sufficient water to form a slurry. Optionally, other ingredients may be included in the compositions.

Abstract: A drilling and anchoring device comprises a drilling pipe (8), a drilling tool (12) mounted at the end of the pipe, and one or several cables (4) and/or other anchoring reinforcements. The cables and/or other anchoring reinforcements are so attached to the drilling tool that the drilling tool remains in a grout body (7) formed by cement injection in the ground surrounding a drilling hole (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing apparatus for pressure type soil-nailing and soil-nailing construction method using the apparatus, can shorten a grouting time through pressure type grouting which seals completely grouting area, and can improve stability of a ground reinforcing body by filling liquid grout to even a gap between a boring hole and the ground and void of the ground.

Abstract: Methods for inducing the precipitation of substantially water insoluble mineral carbonates in pores, spaces and fractures by conveying a carbon-dioxide (ie. CO2) bearing gaseous phase or an oxidised-carbon-bearing aqueous phase into spaces where reaction with an existing or introduced fluid phase of appropriate composition occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces where reaction of the fluid components with a fluid delivery medium occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces under controlled physical conditions such that unassisted reaction of the fluid components occurs.

Abstract: A process for immobilizing impurities present in silt This invention relates to a process for immobilizing, inactivating and/or neutralizing impurities present in silt, the silt layer being covered with a layer of a material in finely distributed state, after which at least part of the silt layer is worked loose, a hardenable additive composition is injected in the silt layer and is mixed with the silt layer for binding, immobilizing, inactivating and/or neutralizing the impurities in the silt.

Abstract: A method for securing piling segments together to form a single foundation piling using an alignment securing assembly and vibrations sent through the piling as. Piling segments are driven into the ground on top of each other, forming a piling. A single piling passageway is formed when the piling segments are in alignment. An alignment securing assembly is placed in the passageway. Vibrations are sent through the piling so that grout will not gather in the upper portions of the passageway before the lower portions of the passageway are filled with grout. The grout cures and the piling segments are secured so that the segments will not slip. The alignment securing assembly uses an anchoring device that is lowered and set in the passageway so that tension can be applied by a cable. The tension from the cable and anchoring device causing a compressive effect on the piling.

Abstract: Construction material from granular material reclaimed from the ash of a municipal waste combustor wherein the ash is subjected to sorting and separating recovered metals, the granular material including particles having a maximum particle diameter of 5 to 40 mm, a U-coefficient of 10 or more, and ignition loss of 10% or less in weight and being subjected to at least one heavy metal immobilization agent, preferably phosphoric acid; and a second heavy metal immobilization agent consisting of ferrous sulfate. The ash is further subjected to drying before subjecting the ash to the at least one heavy metal immobilization agent. The ash is further subjected to mulling the material after subjecting the ash to the at least one heavy metal immobilization agent.