Abstract: A settable fluid cementitious composition which is fluid for sufficient time to be suitable for use in a flexible container to provide support in a mine said composition comprises (i) Portland cement in an amount from at least about 8% preferably 10% (ii) a water soluble silicate in an amount from at least about 2% and (iii) water in an amount to provide a water to solids weight ratio of at least about 1.2:1 preferably at least about 1.5:1 and where the % are by weight based on the combined weights of (i), (ii) and (iii). The viscosity immediately after mixing the components together is sufficiently low that additional water can be incorporated. The composition may include (iv) a pozzolan in an amount from 2 to 35% by weight based on the combined weight of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).

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: Polyamide hot-melt adhesives based on the reaction products of polymeric fatty acids, C14-C18 monocarboxylic acids, C6-C12 dicarboxylic acids and diamines which do not contain any water-extractable, environmentally toxic constituents, which are suitable for sealing cavities in soils, in rock formations, building structures and/or walls, in particular for sealing tunnels, galleries, shafts, channels or caverns, to protect against the penetration of water or the penetration of liquids or gases which contain hazardous substances.

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 hydraulic barrier for particular use in sealing the perimeter of landfill sites, the barrier comprising a geosynthetic clay liner, preferably containing prehydrated sodium bentonite, which geosynthetic clay liner is supported in a substantially vertical orientation by a support frame comprising a pair of spaced apart support frame members between whose substantially parallel inner surfaces the geosynthetic clay liner is located and maintained.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of introducing a sealing composition into the subterranean zone comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and a rapidly acting thixotropy providing gelling agent, and allowing the sealing composition to remain at rest in the zone whereby the sealing composition rapidly gels and then sets into a hard impermeable mass therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for supporting construction of an underground continuous wall wherein a control server connected to each excavator through a network comprises a ground strength evaluating unit for obtaining the ground strength distribution of the ground to be excavated in a depth direction on the basis of imparted ground property; a necessary excavating ability operating unit for obtaining the accumulated ground strength from said ground strength distribution, and obtaining necessary excavating ability of said cutter post balanced with the excavation resistant force obtained from said accumulated ground strength; a comparing unit for comparing the obtained said necessary excavating ability with the excavating ability of the excavator carried into a work site; an excavating efficiency evaluating unit for evaluating excavating efficiency on the basis of the comparison result of the comparing unit; and a transmit-receive unit for receiving a request from said excavator and transmitting th

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of post preparation of an injection compound which is useable for injection in for instance existing rock cracks or cracks arisen in connection with blasting away rock during for instance tunnel driving, the injection compound having been subject to a preparation, leading to that the injection compound has been given qualities with regard to shape of the crack formations of the rock. According to the invention, the method is characterized in that the injection compound is subjected to a post preparation in the form of a passage through a wire netting, the size of the mesh and the wire dimension of which being determined from a judgement of the following points: the size of the cracks and the cavities in the rock; the tendency of the injection compound to build up filter cakes; desired rheological qualities of the injection compound. The invention also relates to a device for making the method possible.

Abstract: A method for building a continuous water seal, creep line increasing cutoff includes the steps of forming spaced borings into the soil in the presence of slurry; developing narrow slots between the formed borings by driving foil boards with cutting edges secured to the bottom therof between adjacent formed borings; and connecting adjacent foil board, which extend between and are recessed into a side of the borings, by means of compensating joint-pins. The steps of developing narrow slots and connecting adjacent foil boards are repeated so that the last boring is connected to the connected, recessecd foil boards forming the cutoff. A prefered embodiment of the invention may include armoring the borings by injecting concrete in the place of the slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for grouting heat exchange pipe in a hole or trench in the ground. The grouting compositions of the invention have quick set and high thermal conductivity properties and are basically comprised of an amorphous silica material, an alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide, a water swellable clay and water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry. The compositions optionally also include a set retarder and a thermal conductivity increasing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing subterranean zones using cement compositions comprising calcium aluminate, fly ash, sodium polyphosphate and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of limiting the release of organic materials into the environment during the making of foundations, according to which a concrete is used which is based on blast furnace slag ground to a fineness of between about 2,500 and 5,000 Blaine. The invention also relates to a concrete which can be used in said method.

Abstract: Backfill for a mine contains a main component of conventional backfill material and a flow enhancing superfine material component mixed with the main component. The superfine material component may be a clay, for example, and has a particle size of less than 1 micron. The superfine component is present in an amount of about 0.5 to 1% by weight to best achieve improved flow without plugging in a pipeline.

Abstract: A wall system, comprising a plurality of pile members. The pile members are driven next to each other using a conventional pile driving system. An interlock system locks adjacent pile members together. A flowable hardenable material may be introduced into the pile members to reinforce the wall system. A reinforcing assembly may be inserted into the pile members to provide additional strength to the wall system.

Abstract: A draining wall includes a plurality of panels filled with a granular filtering material and separated from each other by intermediate elements cast in the ground, a member, embedded in the lower part of each intermediate element, enabling communication to be established between the panels of each pair of adjacent panels, and auxiliary devices applied into contact with the end faces of the intermediate elements so as to cover the mouth of the communication-enabling members. Each auxiliary device is open on the side applied against the intermediate element, has a height greater than the diameter of the mouth, delimits a volume around the mouth, and has either perforations over at least a part of its surface whose size is smaller than that of the granules constituting the filtering material or an opening to which a perforated pipe acting as a receiver is connected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work control system for a trencher type excavator for soil cement wall, wherein in controlling the work of forming a soil cement wall carried out in the procedure such that a cutter post provided on a trencher type excavator for soil cement wall and having a chain cutter wound endlessly is inserted into the object ground, the cutter post is rotated while discharging a ground filler out of a discharge opening provided in the cutter post, and the cutter post is moved in a lateral direction of the ground, execution width of the soil cement wall based on a fixed work load, and filling quantity of the ground filler at each position of the soil cement wall forming work are displayed on a two-dimensional coordinate in a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis, respectively.

Abstract: A method for constructing an underground wall in a soil formation includes arranging a plurality of drilling pipes in a predetermined pattern adjacent to one another. Each of the drilling pipes has an open distal end, a plurality of teeth radially extending therefrom and at least one channel shaped profile extending along the length thereof. The drilling pipes are rotatably driven into the soil while a hardening liquid is injected into soil loosened by the plurality of teeth. The hardening liquid is agitated and mixed with the loosened soil as each of the drilling pipes is driven into the soil. The mixture of the loosened soil and the hardening liquid is solidified in situ in each of the drilling pipes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: To construct an underground structure having smooth wall surfaces in a simple, safe and reliable way, plates (11,12) are buried in parallel, and soil and sand (G1) between the plates is removed. If the places where the plates are to be buried are loosened in advance, they can be buried more easily. A strut member (14) is interposed between the plates, which are used as both forms and sheathing. A hollow body, together with steel plates arranged on both sides of the hollow body, is buried into the ground, the bottom of the hollow body is closed with a shutter, the hollow body is drawn up together with soil in it, leaving the steel plates in the ground, and the remaining steel plates are used as both forms and sheathing. Reinforcement bars are disposed in the groove space thereby formed, and concrete is poured to build an underground structure.

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: A method for filling an underground void, such as a mine stope, without danger of causing mud slides therein, with the material being pumped from a site which is located remote from the void. A fluid, cementitious material is formed by mixing hydraulic cement, water, particulate solid material, and foam material. 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. In the case of stopes, the particulate solid component is ordinarily provided using the tailings from the mine operation.

Abstract: A waterbar for use between adjacent panels (22, 24) in a diaphragm wall, the waterbar comprising a first member (5) in the form of an elongate strip (6) provided along a first longitudinal edge (8) with a hydrophilic material (7) and along the opposite longitudinal edge (9) with a retaining channel (10), and a second member (12) in the form of an elongate strip (13) provided along a first longitudinal edge (15) with a hydrophilic material (14) and along the opposite longitudinal edge (16) with a keying projection (17). The retaining channel (10) of the first member (5) is shaped so as to slidably retain the keying projection (17) of the second member (12), and either the retaining channel (10) or the keying projection (17) is provided along its length with a hydrophilic material (18), which serves to seal the joint between the first and second members (5,12).

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for grouting heat exchange pipe in a hole or trench in the ground. The grouting compositions of the invention have quick set and high thermal conductivity properties and are basically comprised of an amorphous silica material, an alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide, a water swellable clay and water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry. The compositions optionally also include a set retarder and a thermal conductivity increasing agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in creating boreholes, tunnels and other excavations in unstable soils and earth formations, especially those composed partially or wholly of sand, gravel or other granular or permeable material are disclosed. The fluids include a polymer, and a soluble silicate ion source. The fluids of the invention, when used according to the methods of the invention, have unique dual functionality as excavating fluids and as earth-grouting or soil-hardening compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground to form a series of voids therein. The beam includes a hollow interior portion which receives a supply of granular material. The beam also has a plurality of outwardly projecting spurs on the outer faces thereof for scarfing the sidewalls of the void as the beam is extracted. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam to prevent earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. An actuating mechanism detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an interconnected underground structure which avoids settling of adjacent soil structure. A plurality of underground support columns is initially formed, with the support columns being spaced apart in a predetermined pattern. Interconnecting holes are thereafter formed between the underground support columns, wherein the interconnecting holes are formed by mechanically cutting the soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the mechanically cut soil with slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or higher while maintaining a positive hydrostatic head in the hole relative to adjacent soil. As the interconnecting holes are being formed, the diameter of each interconnecting hole is extended by positioning a second high velocity slurry nozzle near the outer diameter of the interconnecting hole which injects high velocity into the adjacent soil to hydraulically cut the adjacent soil and mix it with the slurry.

Abstract: A constructing method for underground continuous double-row walls and a structure of continuous double-row walls includes a plurality of steps. The steps are used to prepare guide walls, to dig ditches, to check verticality, to remove dirt and mud on the bottom of the ditches and to wash end plates, to prefabricate wall units of continuous double-row walls, and to place wall units in the ditches until the continuous wall is finished. The structure of a wall unit includes two base plates, two frameworks having plural auxiliary frames vertically between the two base plates, plural lateral bars fixed laterally with each auxiliary frame, plural net members fixed between two auxiliary frames, plural steel bars fixed between every two auxiliary frames, outer mold plates fixed on the outer sides of the framework, and concrete poured in the space between the mold plates and the net members.

Abstract: A stop-end pipe is used for formation of joining surfaces between adjacent wall elements made from a concrete casting, of the type consisting of a substantially trapezium-shaped profiled section divided up into at least two wings these wings are resiliently approachable to one another and also have a double internal reinforcing partition able to prevent collapsing as a result of compression. Preferably, the double partition is partially widened out so as to form a guide channel in which a guiding pawl for a working tool is able to slide.

Abstract: An underground continuous wall building method and apparatus in which a chain cutter 2 provided with excavation blades is obliquely mounted on a running carriage 1. Slanting continuous trenches G1, G2 are excavated by moving the running carriage 1 in a transverse direction while rotating the cutter 2 with the cutter 2 obliquely placed in the ground, and a water cutoff material is poured into the excavated continuous trenches G1, G2 and solidified therein to build slanting continuous walls R1, R2 in the ground.

Abstract: An excavation pit lining consisting of a slit wall of a hardening single-phase slit wall material with an exposed surface on the pit side, and also of vertical support elements placed at a distance in the single-phase slit wall material, whereby the slit wall forms a panel wall between the support elements and where the single-phase slit wall material has at least one water-retentive, lightweight aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soil pile and method for constructing same that uses a stirred mixture that includes excess stirred mixture resulting from a prior construction, e.g., a prior soil pile construction. The stirred mixture is composed of consolidation agents and earth/sand. Water can be added to the stirred mixture so that it is easier to pump. Additional amounts of consolidation agents can be added to the stirred mixture to increase the strength of the soil pile. The stirred mixture is pumped into a borehole either as the hole is bored or after the hole is bored and earth/sand is removed. The stirred mixture can also be dried and pulverized before being used for the soil pile of the present invention.

Abstract: A draining wall comprises a plurality of elementary panels (P) filled with a filtering material (10), wherein the panels are separated from one another by intermediate elements (J) and in that an element (2) connecting each pair of adjacent panels is embedded in the lower part of each intermediate element. The application also discloses a method and an element for its implementation. The invention is particularly useful for landslide areas.

Abstract: On a slurry wall device having a cable mounting, on which is attached a supporting cable for guiding the slurry wall device, is provided an adjusting device, with which a supporting cable contact point can be laterally displaced, so that the slurry wall device can be controlled with respect to its deflection in the trench. This permits the orientation of the slurry wall device and consequently its contact angle ofthe bore hole bottom to be controlled by a particularly simple device. It is also easily possible to retrofit a slurry wall device with such an adjusting device.

Abstract: A method of lining a side face (11) of a landfill site comprising the steps of erecting a framework (10) including laterally spaced substantially vertically extending members (12) adjacent the surface of the side face (11), covering the framework (10) with a wire mesh (15), filling the space between the mesh (15) and the side face (11) with pieces of substantially inert material (16), laying an impermeable liner (17) over the wire mesh (15) and constructing a retaining wall (20) over the liner (9), wherein the vertically extending members (12) are tubular and have spaced apertures thereto along their lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast wall constituted by a succession of panels touching via their end edges and made by casting a binder in contiguous lengths of trench dug in the ground in line with one another, each panel including reinforcement, said wall further including link means between the reinforcements in two contiguous panels. The link means (24, 44) are separate from the reinforcement (22, 42) and comprise an anchor element (24) having a first end fitted with at least one vertical first locking element (28, 30) and a second end engaged in one of said panels (22), and a link element (44) having a first end provided with at least a second locking element (46, 48) suitable for co-operating with the first locking element, and a second end engaged in the other one of said panels (42).

Abstract: A silt fence fabric with an enlarged edge fits into a slotted blade edge, and is paid out through the slot into the ground as the blade cuts a slit in the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground. The beam includes a top portion, an open bottom portion, and a hollow interior portion therebetween which receives a supply of granular material. In usage, the beam is inserted into the ground to form a void therein. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam. In usage, the shoe prevents earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. The apparatus further includes an actuating mechanism which detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing an underground containment barrier for containing an in-situ portion of earth. The apparatus includes an excavating device for simultaneously (i) excavating earthen material from beside the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming an open side trench defined by opposing earthen sidewalls, and (ii) excavating earthen material from beneath the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming a generally horizontal underground trench beneath the in-situ portion defined by opposing earthen sidewalls. The apparatus further includes a barrier-forming device attached to the excavating device for simultaneously forming a side barrier within the open trench and a generally horizontal, multi-layer barrier within the generally horizontal trench. The multi-layer barrier includes at least a first layer and a second layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing a subsurface containment barrier under a waste site disposed in soil is provided. The apparatus uses a reciprocating cutting and barrier forming device which forms a continuous elongate panel through the soil having a defined width. The reciprocating cutting and barrier forming device has multiple jets which eject a high pressure slurry mixture through an arcuate path or transversely across the panel being formed. A horizontal barrier can be formed by overlapping a plurality of such panels. The cutting device and barrier forming device is pulled through the soil by two substantially parallel pulling pipes which are directionally drilled under the waste site. A tractor or other pulling device is attached to the pulling pipes at one end and the cutting and barrier forming device is attached at the other. The tractor pulls the cutting and barrier forming device through the soil under the waste site without intersecting the waste site.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form which can be constructed as a channel within a generally elongate mound of a naturally occurring material and thereafter permitting a top surface of the concrete mixture to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture.

Abstract: A flowable fill composition is shown which is prepared by mixing together a lime component, a pozzolanic component, aggregate material and water. The composition has a set compressive strength after 28 days of 2000 psi or less and is characterized by the substantial absence of cement or other self-setting adhesive components.

Abstract: A process is provided for constructing a fluid impermeable subterranean barrier wall in a permeable earthen material at an earthen surface. The process is initiated by excavating an earthen pit in the permeable earthen material. A gelable slurry is prepared including unconsolidated solids, an aqueous solvent, a crosslinkable polymer, and a polymer crosslinking agent. The unconsolidated solids have a bulk component consisting of a soil or a clay. The unconsolidated solids can also include a number of additive agents which enhance the performance of the gelable slurry, such as density control agents, mixing agents, permeability reduction agents, filtration control agents and strength loss reduction agents. The gelable slurry is placed in the earthen pit and gelled to substantial maturity. The resulting gel binds the unconsolidated solids present in the earthen pit to convert the gelable slurry to a gelled continuum of consolidated solids, which forms the fluid impermeable barrier wall in the earthen pit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench wall cutter with a cutting frame and a gear shield attached thereto. There is at least one cutting wheel positioned to turn on the opposite shield sides, and on it roller-shaped excavation tools distributed over the periphery are pivotally mounted. When the cutting wheel is rotating the tools form a cutting wheel cutting surface which runs essentially axially parallel to the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel. To accommodate horizontal forces, at least one additional roller is pivotally mounted on each cutting wheel, the axis of the additional roller being directed substantially radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel. One jacket surface of the roller on the radial face side of the cutting wheel away from the gear shield projects in the direction of the axis of rotation of the-cutting wheel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides light weight high temperature well cement compositions and methods. The compositions are basically comprised of calcium phosphate cement, water, a foaming agent, a foam stabilizer and a gas present in an amount sufficient to form a foam having a density in the range from about 11.5 to about 15 pounds per gallon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved foamed well cement compositions, additives and methods. The additives, which foam and stabilize a cement slurry containing freshwater or saltwater, are basically comprised of an aqueous solution of an alpha-olefinic sulfonate surfactant and a betaine surfactant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing soil in a subterranean situs is provided wherein a pressurized slurry is introduced through a soil processing tool and mixed with the soil. A single engine drives first and second pumps and a programmable, computerized process control system allocates driving power from the single engine to the first and second pumps to optimize the mixing of the slurry and soil while maximizing the amount of soil being processed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides set retarding additives, set retarded hydraulic cement compositions and methods of using the set retarded cement compositions for cementing subterranean zones in wells. A preferred set retarding additive comprises an alkanolamine salt produced by the reaction of a hydroxy carboxy acid, such as tartaric acid, gluconic acid or glucoheptonic acid, with an alkanolamine, such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine.