Abstract: A method of grouting formations with a cementitious material comprising microfine ground slag is useful for stabilizing and strenghtening soil and rock formations as well as underground structures associated with buildings, tunnels and dams. A composition is provided which comprises water, a dispersant, slag and an accelerator to activate the slag. The method and composition are particularly useful for preventing permeation of water such as for grouting dam curtains and containing and stabilizing hazardous wastes including nuclear waste material.

Abstract: An underground continuous impervious wall is disclosed, which includes an impervious sheet which partitions a gutter and prevents water from passing through the wall. The gutter is formed in the ground such that it has a small width. The impervious sheet is lowered into the gutter to partition the gutter in the width direction. A hardening material is charged against the opposite side surface of the impervious sheet in the gutter and solidified, whereby an impervious wall with the impervious sheet intervening between opposite side wall portions is obtained. The impervious sheet is disposed in the gutter by lowering the sheet in a state of roll or lowering the sheet in a state stretched on posts or lowering the sheet in a state accommodated in a sheet cartridge. Adjacent sheets are connected to each other by female and male hooks.

Abstract: Cement-to-casing sealing in a wellbore is improved through addition of a polyalcohol to the cement.

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: The present invention is directed to a modified multishaft auger apparatus for in situ fixation of soil contaminated with toxic waste. Soil fixation is achieved by augering a plurality of boreholes downwardly into the contaminated soil with a modified multi-shaft auger machine. A chemical hardener is injected into the contaminated soil while the boreholes are being augered. As the shafts rotate, a plurality of soil mixing paddles extending outwardly from each shaft blend the contaminated soil with the chemical hardener in situ. The soil mixing paddles are configured so as to minimize the vertical movement of the contaminated soil out of the boreholes in order to maximize in situ containment of the contaminated soil. Upon hardening, the soil is immobilized such that hazardous chemicals, toxic compounds and other soil constituents are trapped in order to prevent migration from the fixated area.A multi-shaft auger apparatus capable of augering boreholes of different diameter is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the ground of a large section area. A double pipe, having a first nozzle directed in the lateral direction and a second nozzle surrounding the first nozzle, is inserted into a hole dug in the ground. A ground improving agent is injected at high pressure from the first nozzle through one pipe of the double pipe. A reproduced slurry, obtained by reproducing grouted slimes, is injected from the second nozzle through the other pipe of the double pipe at a lower pressure than the pressure of the ground improving agent. While rotating, the double pipe is lifted up from under ground. The ground improving agent, injected at the high pressure, is surrounded by the reproduced slurry injected at the lower pressure. The frictional resistance between the ground improving agent and the sediments is reduced, the arrival distance of the ground improving agent is increased, and the abrasive effect is obtained.

Abstract: Set retarded cement compositions which are substantially non-thinning at high temperatures are provided. The compositions are comprised of hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, a set retarder and a galactomannan gum which has been treated with a hydrophobing agent whereby the hydration rate of the gum is retarded at temperatures below about 120.degree. F. and at pH levels above about 10. The delayed hydration of the treated gum offsets the thinning of the cement compositions at temperatures above about 120.degree. F. Methods of cementing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores utilizing the cement compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Method of sealing a cavity formed in a rock against the passage of fluids without fracturing the rock, by placing wadding in the cavity and adding a supply of expanding chemical grout to effect a seal upon hardening.

Abstract: A method of constructing a vertical barrier wall in the ground (1,3) wherein two spaced apart, deep wells (2) are excavated in the ground. The walls (2) are interconnected near the bottom thereof by a substantially horizontally extending canal (7). Subsequently, there are provided in the wells (2) and the canal (7) a looped, closed chain (11) carrying excavators (12). The two ends of the chain are interconnected above the ground level. The closed chain loop is then driven in a direction of circulation and moved simultaneously upwards. The soil material 1 present between the wells (2) is thus "sawn through", thereby forming a narrow trench (26),which is filled with a supporting fluid (4).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing excavated soil to render it suitable as hardened backfill by mixing with the soil a cementitious substance and ice particles, the ice particles being used in lieu of the water normally required to react with the cementitious substance.

Abstract: The cement slurry of the present invention is gas tight, very low strength retrogression at high temperature, and substantially no tendency to settle or segregate. The cement slurry is made with a hydraulic cement, 5-85% microsilica based on the weight of the cement, 5-250% of a high density filler material based on the weight of the cement, 0-5% of a retarder (dry weight) based on the weight of the cement, 0-12% of a thinner (dry weight) based on the weight of the cement, 0-8% of a fluid loss additive (dry weight) based on the weight of the cement, 0-30% silica flour and/or silica sand based on the weight of the cement and water in such an amount that the cement slurry has a density between 1.95 and 2.40 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A method of grouting fine-grained soil mediums is presented that uses an injection process operating at low constant pressure. The process provides for deep penetration of fine sands by injecting a dilute suspension grout composition comprising water and cementatious particles. The grout composition is characterized by a water to cementatious particles ratio of at least 4:1 by weight.

Abstract: An underground continuous water-impervious wall is disclosed, which includes a water-impervious membrane to partition a trench and to prevent water from passing through the wall. The trench as formed in the ground has a narrow width. The impervious sheet is lowered into the trench to partition the trench longitudinally. A hardening material is charged against the opposite side surfaces of the impervious sheet in the trench and solidified, whereby a water-impervious wall is obtained, with the impervious sheet sandwiched between opposite side wall portions. The impervious sheet is disposed in the trench by lowering the sheet in the form of a roll, lowering the sheet pre-stretched between posts, or lowering a pleated sheet pre-packed in a sheet cartridge. Adjacent sheets are connected to each other by female and male fasteners.

Abstract: A chemical grout for ground injection which is prepared by incorporating from 0.1 to 4.5 parts by weight of sulfamic acid and from 0.2 to 10.0 parts by weight of a water soluble magnesium salt into 100 parts by weight of an aqueous sol having a pH of 8 to 10.5 and containing from 5 to 25% by weight of colloidal silica (as SiO.sub.2) having a particle size of 3 to 7 m.mu., and from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of Na.sub.2 O. This injecting grout has a gelation time not longer than 300 minutes. Soft ground can be consolidated by using the grout.

Abstract: According to the invention, to connect sealing strips overlapping one another which are located in a trench in the ground. A housing is placed at the overlap region which spans this region and seals the region. Next the housing is pumped empty of a filling agent, such as bentonite which is used to stabilize the trench. The overlap region is then cleaned for welding, and can then be welded by means of commercially available welding equipment.

Abstract: Hazardous wastes are identified and treated in situ by forming a downwardly extending zone of particles in the waste. Toxic components in the waste are identified by injection of a pressurized fluid into the zone and capturing a sample of gases rising to the surface of the waste. At least one treatment agent is injected into the zone as appropriate until sampling indicates the particles of waste have been treated to a desired degree.

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: Process for providing foundations and/or reinforcing the ground under buildings and other suitable constructions such as road embankments, by taking out soil and replacing it with a lighter material, which is known as laying compensating foundations. From a number of points over the area where it is intended to reinforce the ground, a plurality of holes is drilled in the soil material or is made by some other expedient soil-removing method, extending in the desired directions, in such a way that soil material is left between the holes. The soil material removed from the holes which have been made is replaced with a plastic material or some other suitable replacement material with a lower density than the removed soil material, whereby the stress diagram which the soil material bears over the actual area is obtained.

Abstract: Process for soil treatment and successive installations of a plurality of equipments at different respective locations and apparatus for implementing said process, comprising the operations of: drilling the soil by driving a tubular stem tool having an axis and a predetermined overall diameter around its axis, introducing one equipment inside the tubular stem tool, removing from the soil said tubular stem tool while leaving the equipment within the soil, modifying the soil compacity around the equipment by mechanical action during at least part of the removal of the tubular stem tool and repeating the above operations with remaining equipments at other locations.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an artificial soil, which has compound effects, and is used in a wide range, and is easy to handle, is obtained by mixing Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, and a construction of a bed soil for a putting green having excellent drainage and water-holding property and fertilizer-holding property is obtained by forming the bed soil of an upper growth layer formed of the artificial soil formed of a mixture comprising Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, sands and soils and a lower drainage-layer formed of sands or mainly comprising sands.

Abstract: Stable, gel-forming aqueous microemulsions, well adopted for the reversible stabilization or plugging of soil/rock formations, e.g., subterranean well formations, are comprised of (i) an aqueous solution of a water-soluble alkali metal silicate, (ii) a gelling reagent therefor, and (iii) at least one surface active agent.

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: Sealing and/or stabilizing and/or binding preparations comprising modified alkali metal silicate solutions having a molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 to Me.sub.2 O of from 2 to 4.5 wherein Me represents sodium or potassium; sodium metaborate and/or potassium metaborate in a molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 to B.sub.2 O.sub.3 of from 5 to 400; and glyoxal, and to the use of these preparations.

Abstract: Dry cementitious compositions and methods for their application. The dry compositions do not have to be mixed with water but instead are poured, sprayed or troweled onto a substrate which contains a substantial excess of water than that necessary for the hydration of the materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for injecting a fluid into a geological formation so as to form a barrier of said fluid along a predetermined surface having an elongate shape, the direction of elongation of this surface, or main direction, being distinct from the vertical. Said method consists in injecting said fluid from at least one injection zone of at least one drain passing through said formation, said injection zone being sloping with respect to the vertical and belonging substantially to the surface of the barrier to be formed.

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: A method of rigidifying semi-solid agglomerations resulting from the drilling of an oil or gas well comprises mixing the agglomerations with a hygroscopic powder and a cementitious binder to produce a rigid, form-stable matrix.

Abstract: A solidification apparatus in the form of a rack and prongs rake structure, the prongs of which are a multiplicity of hollow tubes, each tube containing a serrated augar for providing augar assisted feeding of a gaseous suspension of cementing solids through the hollow tubes into the liquid, the rack supporting each hollow tube tine being pivotally attached to the arm of a backhoe so that the backhoe operator can generate lateral, pivotal and longitudinal movement of the tubes in the liquid while the gaseous suspension is being added to the liquid, a guard ring being provided at the open end of each tube for preventing submersion of the tube ends into the bed underlying the liquid of the encatchment.

Abstract: A boring-injection device comprises a fluid supplying hollow rod, a fluid discharge portion at the lower end of the rod, and a packer element inflatable from the rod to seal a space between the rod and a borehole wall at a desired depth position. The rod is surrounded by a sheath so that the packer element and fluid discharge portion can be protruded out of and retracted within the sheath in a body. They are retracted during the boring operation and protruded during injecting or investigating operation. The device can be used for practising a method of ground improvement or a method of ground investigation.

Abstract: A method of improving, for building purposes, soft ground containing organic material utilizes a fluid composition, for injection into the ground, consisting of cement, water, bentonite and either sand or a lightweight, inert, finely divided, readily available naturally-occurring material such as volcanic ash, or an industrial or agricultural waste such as coal or incinerator ash, wood dust, powdered waste plastics material, cereal hulls or the like. The composition is injected at prescribed locations to effect replacement of portions of the soft ground and solidifies in situ, while because of the resulting pressure created on the surrounding ground soil water is expressed and the surrounding soft ground becomes compacted.

Abstract: A method for improving the ground or foundation by injecting a grouting agent from the tip end of a hollow injection rod inserted into a boring hole formed in the ground at site so as to infiltrate it into the ground to be solidified. The injection is carried out by varying an injection pressure or injection rate depending on the intensity, particularly, the tensile strength, of the ground so that no vein-like coagulation can be formed around the injection rod, and a columnar or spherical coagulation can be formed.

Abstract: Coating of geological formations as well as air- and fire barriers is performed by providing aqueous rubber or rubber-like dispersions and spraying the dispersions via separate conduits simultaneously with a dry hydraulic binding medium, by a pressure air onto an object to be coated. An inert filling material can be added to the hydraulic binding medium, and a tenside can be added to the dispersions.

Abstract: A support system for a railroad track is described specifically adapted for the improvement of railroad subgrade performance. A plurality of vertically disposed piles are positioned below the ties and the rails of the track so that loads imposed on the cross ties will be distributed into the subgrade by the piles. The piles are preferably comprised of cementitious material. Each of the piles is comprised of a cylindrical stem portion having a funnel-shaped head portion at the upper end thereof. In one form of the invention, the cross ties rest upon the upper end of the head portion of the piles. In another form of the invention, a ballast material is positioned between the cross ties and the upper ends of the piles.

Abstract: A composition and method of its use for stabilizing plastic soils which composition comprises from about 25 to about 85 weight percent portland cement, from about 0 to about 75 weight percent of a filter and from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of a retarding agent.

Abstract: In a process of safely disposing of waste materials which are solid or contained in aqueous liquids, wherein the waste material is treated with alkaline substances and a solid product is formed, the waste materials which are solid or dissolved or suspended in aqueous liquids are mixed in accordance with the invention with brown coal ash and, if desired, with water, to obtain a homogeneous mixture having the consistency of a pulp or freely flowable slurry and the proportions of the mixture are so selected that it hardens to a material which is virtually impermeable to water. Such materials can be used to dispose of waste materials, such as waste acids, and to seal underground or surface dumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing rock and coal formations by bonding them to each other or to other geological formations. The bonding material is a reactive organic polyisocyanate-polyol mixture which may contain a catalyst.

Abstract: A method for restructuring a railway roadbed by injecting therein an amount of structural slurry effective to form a substantially continuous structured layer which provides increased load carrying capacity to said roadbed, which substantially blocks the intrusion of water into the subgrade soil through the ballast section of said roadbed, and which limits the upward intrusion of subgrade soil into the ballast section.

Abstract: There is described a process for the consolidation of soil in which the moisture containing soil to be consolidated, rubbish or a soil/rubbish mixture is mixed with cement and then compacted. A fluidizing agent is added to the composition to be consolidated.

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: 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: A finite region of overpressure can be created in solid underground formations by the periodic injection of a fluid that has finite gel strength that subsequently, after each injection, partially sets--i.e., equivalently becomes a very much stronger gel. A region of overpressure is a region in which the static, locked in pressure is larger than what was there before. A region of overpressure can be used to prevent a roof of a tunnel from caving by adding compressive stresses in the roof. A sequence of regions of overpressure can be used to lift an arch or dome underground, squeeze off water or gas flows, stabilize dams, foundations, large underground rooms, etc. In general, the stress or pressure distribution in rock can be altered and engineered in a fashion that is more advantageous than what would have been the case without overstressing.

Abstract: A water-saturated soft soil is efficiently improved in its strength by incorporating therein an additive composed of ingredients A and B; the ingredient A comprises gypsum and the ingredient B comprises a mixture of 40-55% by weight of a Portland cement and 60-45% by weight of a water-granulated iron blast furnace slag having a particle size almost equal to or smaller than that of the Portland cement. The ratio by weight of the ingredient A to the ingredient B ranges from 10/90 to 30/70 and the total amount of the ingredients A and B used for the soft soil is sufficient to strengthen the soft soil.

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: 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 improved method and apparatus for covering a pipeline wherein a fluid-solid fill mixture is continuously deposited over the pipeline and at least a portion of the fluid is continuously removed from the mixture while simultaneously and continuously forming the solid fill in a predetermined contour over the pipeline. In another aspect, an improved method and apparatus is provided in which the tendencies of erosional forces to uncover a pipeline are reduced by forming a consolidated layer over the exposed surface of the said fill.

Abstract: Water is stored in a sub-surface reservoir that has flexible walls of grouted in situ soils. The water is stored in the voids between soil particles within the reservoir. Usable voids within the container vary from about 20% to about 40% of the totally enclosed volume of the reservoir. The bottom of the reservoir is a natural impervious sub-strata. No excavating of soil is required as they are, generally, sand and gravel deposits that overlie impervious aquicludes. A grout pipe is inserted into the ground by any conventional method, and then grout is continuously injected through the pipe under pressure as the grout pipe is being withdrawn, thus forcing the grout into adjacent soils. Selective positioning of successive grout pipes leads to the formation of a wall.

Abstract: A water-saturated soft soil is efficiently improved in its strength by incorporating thereinto an additive composed of ingredients A, B and C; the ingredient A comprises gypsum, the ingredient B comprises a mixture of 40-55% by weight of a Portland cement and 60-45% by weight of a water-granulated iron blast furnace slag having a particle size almost equal to or smaller than that of the Portland cement and the ingredient C comprises a water-soluble ferrous salt. The ratio by weight of the ingredient A to the ingredient B ranges from 10/90 to 30/70 and the total amount of the ingredients A and B used for the soft soil is sufficient to strengthen the soft soil. The ingredient C is used in an amount sufficient to react with hydrogen sulfide contained in the soft soil to be treated.

Abstract: A method for constructing a building utilizes flexible bags. An outer bag is inflated, and structural material poured through the bag's inlet to define the floor. An inner bag, smaller than the outer bag, is inflated inside the outer bag. Structural material is poured into the space between the inner and outer bags, which are preferably supported by water and air pressure. This defines the walls and roof of the building. Once the structural material has set, the inner bag may be removed and used for further construction.

Abstract: A method of injecting grout into soil using a combined injection and boring rod wherein the rod comprises a tip and at least one injection nozzle at the lowermost end thereof. A sleeve packer of an elastomeric material is embedded in a recess in the periphery of the rod along the length thereof. A plurality of passages extend in and along the rod, the passages being defined by at least two parallel inner tubes spaced within an outer tube, and further by the spacing between the outer tube and the inner tubes. The method includes the steps of inflating the sleeve packer by introducing fluid pressure into the recess through a hole in the outer tube communicating with one of the passages, feeding two liquids of curable grout through respective passages and mixing the two liquids within the rod at the tip of the rod, and then injecting the mixed grout into the soil from the injecting nozzle.