Abstract: A process for exactly holding the vertical excavation direction of a diaphragm wall using a hydraulic diaphragm wall grab cooperating with an excavator and having an outer guide body and an inner body for receiving the grab appliance is improved and rendered considerably more efficient by the fact that the vertical position of the inner body and/or the guide body is continuously controlled by means of an inclination detector whose-signals are transferred to a controller which, in case the bodies of the grab deviate from the predetermined vertical position, compensates said deviation by swivelling the inner body relative to the guide body in opposite direction to the deviation.

Abstract: A grouting material which is self-dispersing when brought into contact with a volume of water containing liquor or slurry and is settable to a solid mass after such dispersion, the material being in the form of self-dispersing granules or pellets and comprising a blend of component (A): a cementive constituent forming from 10 per cent to 95 per cent by weight of the composition; component (B): a dispersing constituent forming from 2 per cent to 75 per cent by weight of the composition; optional component (C): a swelling constituent which forms from 0 per cent to 50 per cent by weight of the composition; and component (D): a binder constituent which forms from 0.1 per cent to 10 per cent by weight of the composition; the percentages of components A, B, C and D adding to 100 per cent.

Abstract: A method for placing concrete underwater comprising pumping a flowable cementitious mixture comprising cement, water and one of either BNS or a cellulosic polymer to the underwater point of discharge of the cementitious mixture from a delivery tube and adding into the flowable cementitious mixture at the point of discharge, the other of the BNS or a cellulosic polymer resulting in a cementitious mixture having zero flow characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ treatment of soil, sludge, and the like for purposes of remediation, solidification, stabilization, and/or enhancement thereof involves the use of a machine including a mobile carrier and a mixing apparatus mounted thereon for cutting through and mixing strata of an area which is to be treated. The mixing apparatus includes a boom having disposed thereon an endless cutting assembly which is moveable along a looped path, the cutting assembly including a plurality of teeth which convey material downwardly and mix it with underlying material which is to be treated. The cutting assembly is vertically moveable for positioning at a desired depth in the sludge or other material which is to be treated.

Abstract: Contaminated material such as soil or sludge is remediated by injecting a suitable remediation fluid into the material during excavation of the contaminated material with a trenching tool. The remediation fluid is injected into the contaminated material through an injection means, preferably a plurality of injection nozzles positioned along the length of the trenching tool. The thusly treated material is backfilled or deposited directly into the trench excavated by trenching tool thereby obviating the need for off-site disposal. The constituent remediation agents in the remediation fluid may be adjusted to adapt to varying site conditions and contaminants. The remediation fluid may also be heated to accomplish volatile stripping of the contaminated material or to activate microbial agents in a low temperature environment.

Abstract: Liquid hardeners for soil grouting formulations having an acid content no more than 0.1 mg KOH per gm in the form of dimethyl ester mixtures of dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate at a concentration in the mixtures lying within a bounded area in the graph of the drawing of the specification.

Abstract: A soil decontamination method uses a drilling rod having an outer pipe with a closed lower end and a radially extending outlet nozzle near the lower end. The outer pipe has an outer surface which is free of structures so that the outer pipe moves smoothly in a hole. An inner pipe is co-axially positioned in the outer pipe, the inner pipe having a lower closed end with a radially extending nozzle which is co-axial with, and spaced inwardly from the nozzle of the outer pipe. A drill bit is on an outer surface of a lower end of the outer pipe. A hole is drilled into a layer of soil using the bit.

Abstract: Method of admixing and placing a substantially non-flowable cementitious material into an underground space, such as a mine shaft or the like. In a preferred embodiment, a cement slurry including about 95% Class F fly ash and about 5% hydraulic cement is admixed with an activator using a high intensity mixer to form a substantially non-flowable cementitious material, wherein the substantially non-flowable material is pumped through a conduit and placed into the underground space. The cementitious material does not flow away from the area of placement.

Abstract: The mortar composition for fixing an anchoring element in a drilled hole in a substrate consists of a water component and a mineral mortar paste held separately from the water component in a crushable container. The mineral mortar paste includes a mixture of mineral mortar and a liquid solvent chemically inert towards the mineral mortar and the mineral mortar paste is hardenable with the water component to form a hardened mortar compound. The water component consists of water and a thixotropic agent so that the water component acts like a paste when not subject to shear forces but flows when subject to shear forces such as those created by the anchoring element advancing in the drilled hole. The thixotropic agent is advantageously amorphous pyrogenic silicic acid.

Abstract: Inorganic liquid filler compositions, well suited for the sealing or consolidation of ground formations or construction/building materials by injecting such composition into the fissures, cavities or interstices thereof (void volume) and permitting the composition to harden, comprise a homogeneous solution of (i) an alkali metal silicate, (ii) an alkali metal polyphosphate and (iii) an alkali metal aluminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved cementitious compositions which can include drilling fluid as a component thereof and methods of cementing wells utilizing such compositions. The compositions are basically comprised of a cementitious material, water, a hardenable resinous material and optionally, drilling fluid in an amount up to about 70% by volume of the cementitious material in the composition.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for hydraulically backfilling empty mined salt cavities. The method comprises combining at least one pozzolanically active waste material with an effective amount of a cementing agent and brine to form a pozzolanic mixture, wherein the relative proportions of said pozzolanically active waste material, alkaline earth metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal oxide and saturated brine are sufficient for reaction under conditions in said salt cavity to form a stable, low porosity, load bearing pozzolanic cement; oxidizing said pozzolanic mixture in order to substantially remove aluminum metal from the mixture; and hydraulically depositing said pozzolanic mixture in the empty salt cavity.

Abstract: A solidified waste is formed from a difficult-to-compact hydraulic cement slurry for use in the disposal of hazardous waste. The slurry contains inorganic non-compactible hydraulic cement particles, a concrete superplasticizer compound, water, and filler particles containing radionuclide and/or toxic contaminants. The slurry is then transferred to a storage vessel, such as a subterranean formation, to cast a stronger, denser solidified waste than a comparable solidified waste containing no superplasticizer.

Abstract: A non-shrink grout including Portland cement, sand and an additive which is a polymer incorporating at least one of a calcium compound and aluminum metal so as to be reactive with the cement. The grout when fresh expands during curing by gas formation and by hydration and expands when hardened. The grout is useful in construction.

Abstract: A slurry composition for stabilizing the upper layers of the earth comprising a lime and a fly ash having a calcium oxide content of less than 18% and water.

Abstract: The present invention provides set retarding additives, set retarded hydraulic cement compositions including such additives and methods of using the cement compositions for cementing zones in wells. The set retarding additives are copolymers or terpolymers containing monomer units formed from one of maleic acid, itaconic acid, fumaric acid, citraconic acid and mesaconic acid along with other monomer units.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for bulk material piles and loads in transit may be formed from a mixture of liquid, binder, and fibers. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a waste pile. The cover will harden to minimize water infiltration, wind blown dust, odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water; the binder may include portland cement, portland cement with flyash, cement kiln dust with or without bentonite, or stone dust. The fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood or plastic fibers.

Abstract: A grouting composition for sealing boreholes or other cavities comprising 90.0-99.99% water swellable clay and 0.01-10.0% gelling agent. The grouting composition is mixed with fresh water to provide an easily placed, low cost, low permeability sealing composition. A preferred grouting composition contains 98-99% sodium bentonite and 1-2% cement. In use 50 pounds of the preferred grouting composition is mixed with 27-38 gallons of fresh water to produce a grouting composition containing 13.7-18.2% solids and having a fluid density equal to or greater than 9.0 lbs/gallon with a Marsh funnel viscosity equal to or greater than 50 seconds.

Abstract: A weather resistant soil cement with an open pore structure for resisting freeze-thaw damage is formed of cement, fly ash, Free aggregates, water, and an aqueous foamed surfactant, and other application specific additives. The material is uniquely suited for using indigenous soils, mill tailings, or granular waste products as the aggregate component of the mixture, although commercially produced aggregates may be used depending on economics and availability. Due to its low density and flowable nature, it can be pumped or placed by gravity and without compaction. The resulting product is a low density material with construction and mining applications, that is suited for use as a fill or mad base. Specific product formulations are easily designed to permit removal at local sites with conventional excavating equipment.

Abstract: A composition useful in preparing a cement composition for setting and hardening of soils, comprising:(1) Slaked Lime;(2) Magnesium Chloride;(3) Montmorillonite;(4) Zirconium; and(5) Sodium Lignin-Sulfonate.

Abstract: For providing an in-ground system for treating contaminated groundwater, of the funnel-and-gate type, a cylindrical caisson is driven into the ground. The native soil is augered out of the caisson, and porous treatment material substituted. The caisson is then withdrawn, leaving a prism of porous treatment material in the ground. A sheet metal barrier element is inserted into the ground, one portion of the element extending into the prism and the other portion into the surrounding soil. More prisms are provided as further treatment gates, and more barrier elements are arranged to funnel the groundwater through the gates.

Abstract: A high alumina wellbore cementing composition is provided, the composition comprising:a) high alumina cement; andb) a polyacrylic acid phosphinate having a molecular weight of about 3800 in an amount effective to prevent gelation of the cementing composition for a time period of at least three hours.This composition can remain pumpable for a time period sufficiently long to place the cement in a wellbore using conventional wellbore cementing procedures, and, after the composition is cured, is capable of withstanding elevated wellbore temperatures.

Abstract: Set retarded cement compositions and methods of using the compositions for cementing zones in wells at temperatures in the range of from about 200.degree. F. to about 450.degree. F. are provided.

Abstract: A suspension-type grouting liquid for injection into a ground having excellent penetration properties, e.g. low viscosity and long gelation time, and having comparatively high strength after consolidation. The suspension-type grouting liquid for injection into a ground consists essentially of slag, or a combination of slag and cement, alkali metal aluminates, and water. The slag is a fine grain having specific surface area of 5000 cm.sup.2 /g or more, and the alkali metal aluminates have a mole ratio of ({Me.sub.2 O}/{Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 }) of 2.8 or more, in which Me means alkali metal, {Me.sub.2 } and {Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 } represent, respectively, molar concentration of Me.sub.2, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A dry, agglomerated cement material, a method of preparing the dry, agglomerated cement material, a method of cementing, and an apparatus for agglomerating particulate materials. The dry, agglomerated cement material comprises a plurality of particles of a cement bonded together by a water-soluble binder material. The dry, agglomerated cement material is prepared by depositing the water-soluble binder material on the particles such that the binder material bonds the particles together. The inventive agglomerated cement material can be conveniently transported by both pneumatic and non-pneumatic means. The method of cementing comprises the step of mixing the agglomerated cement material with water to form a cement slurry.

Abstract: There is provided a cement soil apparatus of underground borer capable of improving the efficiency of operation such as pile driving in civil engineering foundation work. A screw shaft 3 and a rotary machine 4 for rotating it are disposed on a guide stilt 2 of a vehicle body 1, a down hammer 6 formed with a screw blade 5 is connected to a lower end of the screw shaft, supply conduits 10, 10' and 11, 11' for cement milk or the like are formed in the screw shaft and the down hammer, respectively, such that the supply conduits in the screw shaft are in communication with those in the down hammer, and valves 12, 12' openable by pressure are disposed in lower end portions of the supply conduits, whereby cement or the like can be supplied from the outside to the inside of a bored hole. When boring operation ends and the down hammer is pulled up, cement milk is grouted.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing subterranean structures, soil-chemicals mixture or soil-agents mixture by using a multi-shaft auger machine to mix soil with a chemical hardener in situ in a borehole. As the auger shafts of the multi-shaft auger machine penetrate the soil, a plurality of lateral support structures shear soil and provide additional lateral support. The plurality of lateral support structures are spaced vertically by a length no greater than thirty feet. Additionally, soil fragmentation members attached to the lateral support structures fragment soil reconsolidations to aid in mixing of soil. The soil fragmentation members have a length no greater than the difference between the radius of at least one auger blade and the radius of the shaft and no less than one-third the difference between the radius of at least one auger blade and the radius of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of treating mineral tailings such as those derived from mining operations includes the steps of separating the slimes, forming alternate layers of slimes and a coarse material between peripheral berms and intermediate berms, the berms being of a coarse material, and allowing water to pass therethrough and away from the berms. The water moves through the berms by virtue of the pressure exerted on the lower layers by the mass of the layers above. The coarse material may be the coarse fraction of the mineral tailings.

Abstract: Abstract A method for stabilizing the upper layers of the earth's surface is claimed that comprises the steps of: mixing an amount of lime with an amount of water, simultaneously or sequentially mixing an amount of fly ash with the lime/water mix to form a slurry, distributing said slurry onto the earth's surface and working said slurry into the upper layers of the earth's surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pile produces a predetermined pile diameter in a cast-in-place pile. The apparatus includes an agitating arrangement which includes a pipe extending longitudinally into the ground, a plurality of agitating blades supported by the pipe for agitating a settable mixture, and a plurality of nozzles respectively disposed on and supported by respective ones of the agitating blades. Each of the plurality of nozzles produces a directional jet flow of liquid. Also, an arrangement is provided for supplying liquid under pressure to each of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: There are provided compositions and processes for enhancing the initial and long term shear strength and initial tip stability of process wastes. The process wastes are aqueous dispersions such as the slurry tailings from mining operations. The compositions are comprised of the process waste, cement and a water absorbent polymer which is a mixture of Mannich acrylamide polymers and dimethyldiallyammonium halide polymers.

Abstract: A grouting composition comprised of (a) 84-95 % by weight of granular water-swellable sodium-based bentonite, (b) 1-8 % by weight of finely divided salt-water hydratable sepiolite, and (c) 4-8% by weight of a clay stabilizer. The grout composition which contains no organic polymeric substances is mixed with fresh water to provide a pumpable, rehydratable, and easily applied grouting slurry. The slurry admixture will form a solid seal with low hydraulic conductivity and high structural stability. The grouting composition is useful for sealing the annular space around a well casing and plugging abandoned wells in practically all types of formations. A preferred grouting compostion comprises 88-90% by weight of granular sodium bentonite, 6-7% by weight of sepiolite, and 4-5% by weight of granular ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for waste piles may be formed from a mixture of liquid, binder, and fibers. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a waste pile. The cover will harden to minimize odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water; the binder may include cement kiln dust with or without bentonite, or portland cement with flyash or stone dust. The fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood.

Abstract: The present invention provides fly ash cementing compositions and methods which are useful in any cementing application, and are particularly suitable for cementing in subterranean zones penetrated by well bores. The cementing compositions can include a portion of the drilling fluid used to drill a well bore as a component thereof. Also, drilling fluid can be disposed of by combining it with the fly ash cementing composition whereby it solidifies in a disposal location.

Abstract: A ground reforming method comprises a first step for inserting an injection rod into ground to be reformed, which injection rod includes a first conduit and a second conduit surrounding the first conduit, and a first injection nozzle communicated with the first conduit and a second injection nozzle surrounding the first nozzle and communicated with the second conduit; a second step for feeding first component of an instantaneous hardening type hardening material or a slow hardening type hardening material into the first conduit of the injection rod and a second component of the hardening material or compressed gas into the second conduit; and a third step for injecting the first component of the instantaneous hardening type hardening material or the slow hardening type hardening material and the second component or compressed gas at a super high pressure through the first and second nozzles to mix each other with moving back the injection rod from the inserted portion with revolving.

Abstract: A cement composition for temporary, environmentally sound structures, including berms for erosion and flood control, comprising portland cement, flyash, sodium silicate, water and aggregate in predetermined amounts to obtain a pumpable cement composition having less than 2 inches of slump and a 28 day compressive strength of between about 100 and about 400 psi.

Abstract: A sand consolidating method is provided for use in a borehole within an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated oil or gas reservoir which is likely to introduce substantial amounts of sand into the borehole and cause caving. After perforating the borehole's casing at an interval of the formation where sand will be produced, an aqueous silicate solution is injected into said interval. Next, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible hydrocarbonaceous liquid is introduced into the interval. Thereafter, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate and inorganic salt or chelated calcium is injected into the interval. A permeability retentive silicate cement is formed in the interval. Injection of the aqueous silicate and organic solvent is continued until the interval has been consolidated by the silicate cement to an extent sufficient to prevent sand migration and thereby prevent caving.

Abstract: A method for controlling the profile of a formation where temperatures higher than 200.degree. F. are encountered. Initially, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide or organoammonium hydroxide is injected into a zone of greater permeability in a formation. Thereafter, a spacer volume of a water-miscible organic solvent is injected into said zone. Afterwards, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate is injected into the greater permeability zone. A silica cement is formed in-situ thereby substantially closing off the higher permeability zone to fluid flow. Thereafter, a steam-flooding, water-flooding, carbon dioxide stimulation or fire-flooding EOR operation is commenced in a lower permeability zone.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling the profile of a formation where temperatures higher than 200.degree. F. are encountered. An aqueous solution of an organoammonium silicate, alkali metal or ammonium silicate is injected into a zone of higher permeability in a formation. Subsequently, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible organic solvent is directed into said zone. Afterwards, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate is injected into the higher permeability zone. A silica cement is formed in-situ thereby substantially closing the higher permeability zone to fluid flow. Thereafter, a steam-flooding, water-flooding, carbon dioxide-flooding, or fire-flooding EOR operation is commenced in a lower permeability zone.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling the profile of a formation where temperatures higher than 400.degree. F. are encountered. An aqueous solution of an organoammonium silicate, alkali metal or ammonium silicate is injected into a zone of higher permeability in a formation. Subsequently, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible organic solvent is directed into said zone. Afterwards, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate and an inorganic salt or a chelated calcium compound are injected into the higher permeability zone. A silicate cement is formed in-situ thereby substantially closing the higher permeability zone to fluid flow. Thereafter, a steam-flooding, water-flooding, carbon dioxide-flooding, or fire-flooding EOR operation is commenced in a lower permeability zone.

Abstract: A foundation comprising (1) a cylindrical shell made of a cast-in-place concrete placed into a ring-like groove which is formed by excavation of the soil at the place of installation of the foundation, leaving a columnar soil located radially inward with respect to the ring-like groove without discharging the soil, and (2) an internal solidified soil formed by solidifying the columnar soil surrounded by the cylindrical shell with a chemical hardener, and a construction method therefor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dry, fine particle size hydraulic cement composition, which is directly dispersable in both water and a hydrocarbon liquid and to the use of said composition in oil well cementing operations and methods of terminating water flow in subterranean hydrocarbon producing formations.

Abstract: Improved hydraulic cement compositions and methods for cementing wells drilled through low temperature earth formations wherein the cement is subjected to freeze-thaw cycling are provided. The compositions are comprised of a hydraulic cement, gypsum cement, fly ash, an alkali metal halide, water, and an alcohol freezing point depressant.

Abstract: A toxic waste fixant for detoxification of a contaminated soil, sediment, and or sludge material includes a mixture of: ferric and/or ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, and/or aluminium sulfate and/or Portland cement, and/or gypsum (calcium sulfate), and/or blast furnace slag, and/or lime (calcium oxide). Fixants made from mixtures of the above compounds are designed to prevent leaching in excess of regulatory standards for specified inorganic and organic toxic compounds and elements. These fixants will also reduce the concentration of most organic toxic compounds through various chemical reactions and bonding as determined by solvent extractions and analysis by GC/MS. The ferric and/or ferrous sulfate may be partially or completely replaced by cobalt sulfate, whereas instead of the respective sulfates the corresponding chlorides may be used as well.

Abstract: Set retarded ultra fine cement compositions which remain pumpable for a predictable period of time at temperatures up to about 240.degree. F. are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of an ultra fine hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry and a set retarder comprised of a methylenephosphonic acid derivative.

Abstract: A method is shown for stabilizing clay bearing soils in which a silica compound is incorporated into the soils in addition to the application of lime. The silica compound can be either an amorphous, silica fume, a crystalline silica, a silica gel, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, finely ground glass or combinations thereof. The silica compound promotes the formation of calcium silicate hydrates over the formation of calcium aluminate hydrates in the resulting pozzolanic reaction occurring in the clay bearing soils. The silica compound and lime can be incorporated into the soils in a single step.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for waste disposal by hydraulic embedment in a subterranean formation. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of drilling into stable geologic formations thousands of feet below ground, fracturing those formations, pumping a mixture of hazardous waste in solid, liquid, or sludge form and a selected transport medium into the fractured formations, and preventing migration of the waste. Although a suitable transport medium can be selected based on a number of factors, transport media selected in accordance with one aspect of the present invention prevent migration of the waste by reacting chemically or to either heat or pressure or both to become highly viscous or solid.

Abstract: Liquid is pumped through a specially designed wand to create a hole in the ground. The wand is pushed downward into the hole to a selected depth. The wand is then pivoted about a vertical axis through 90.degree. during a period of five seconds. The wand is then pushed downward an additional one foot during a ten second period. The steps of the method are repeated until the wand has reached a selected maximum depth. The wand has a body with a vertical nozzle exiting through the bottom, and four horizontal nozzles exiting through side surfaces. Intermediate surfaces are interspersed between the side surfaces, giving the body of the wand a hexagonal cross section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing agent, for fixing organic and inorganic impurities containing material, which comprises an organophilic clay material and a clay-growth agent. The clay-growth agent comprises at least one magnesium compound and/or at least one aluminium compound, and an initiator for clay formation. This initiator is a silicon-containing material, such as a glass or a silicon-containing rock, such as pumice, basalt or andasite. The magnesium compound preferably originates from granulated blast furnace slags, or is magnesium oxide, whereas the aluminium compound is expediently aluminium oxide or an alumina containing material. An oxidising agent can also be present. A method for fixing organic and inorganic impurities containing material to an at least partially organophilic clay material in an aqueous medium, and, if desired, hardening the resulting material using an inorganic reagent and, where appropriate, a hardening activator, is also described.

Abstract: A method for treating chromium ore waste contaminated soils by detoxification, fixation, immobilization and stabilization comprising the steps of soil grinding, pre-activating, reducing chromium valiancy, forming insoluble metal hydroxides, and incapsulating the chromium compounds containing agglomerates to prevent potential chromium leaching from the soil according with the standard toxicity characteristic leaching procedure requirements. Additive agents such as an acidic solution, a bivalent iron sulfur containing salt, e.g. ferrous sulfate, an alkalifying agent, e.g. calcium lime slurry or lime kiln dust or caustic, a stabilizing agent, e.g. cement, cement kiln dust, silicates, polyelectrolytes, and the like are also disclosed as assisting in the chromium immobilization reactions by reacting with certain constituents in the soil.