Abstract: A flowable material to isolate or treat a surface consists of a plurality of manufactured composite particles. Each composite particle includes a core, and a sealant layer at least partially encapsulating the core. The core is relatively dense compared to the sealant layer, and the composite particle has a specific gravity greater than one. The sealant layer includes a clay mineral, a pozzolanic material and/or activated carbon. A sealant layer formed of a pozzolanic material creates a hardened underwater barrier layer. The sealant layer can also include natural fibers such as cellulose or man-made fibers such as glass, carbon or plastics to mechanically improve the geotechnical properties of the layer when hydrated. The composite particles can also include a material to treat the contaminants or otherwise improve the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparation of chemically-stabilized emulsions of tall oil in water. Temperature and pH are controlled during preparation of the emulsions so as to prevent saponification and neutralization of acids in the tall oil component. The final emulsions have pHs in the range of from about 3.0 to 5.0 and remain phase stable for extended periods of time. Methods are disclosed for using the emulsions for soil treatment to improve soil stabilization and load bearing capacity for roadbed use, for treatment of reclaimed asphalt pavement for reuse as a stabilized base course for roadway construction and for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil.

Abstract: The present invention is a soil remediation system which uses naturally occurring barometric pressure oscillations to remediate volatile contamination in the vadose zone. By applying a surface seal, a collection plenum and a unidirectional gas relief valve to the soil surface above the contaminant plume, the present invention induces a net upward soil gas velocity in the contaminated soil. The sinusoidal velocity of the soil gas is rectified by the present invention to eliminate or minimize its downward velocity component and allow a normal upward velocity component. The resulting net upward velocity sweeps contaminant vapors from the source, releasing them up to the atmosphere through the gas relief valve in small concentrations. This process is regular and steady, and is accomplished without the use of ground bore holes, off-gas treatment or onsite power.

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: Landfill sites or other refuse deposits are temporarily covered by sheet material between successive filling or dumping operations. The sheet material may be left in place and more refuse deposited on top, or removed and re-used. The material is preferably woven, biodegradable and permeable, such as hessian. A number of sheets of the material may be placed together side-by-side and joined together such as by stitching, stapling or staking.

Abstract: A high shear strength clay liner comprising two synthetic geotextiles (1a, 1b) and a semihydrated layer (1c) of swellable clay therebetween with fastening means (5) arranged in such a pattern of connecting threads to form pockets (7) through the clay layer. The pattern comprises rows of independent fasteners arranged according two intersecting directions. The fasteners have knots (8) at their ends protruding from the surface of the liner. The invention also comprises a method and a machine for forming the independent fasteners by means of two parallel needle bars (104a, b) each carrying a row of needles (105) reciprocating in opposed directions and cooperating with a reciprocating needle plate (109) having a plurality of parallel fingers (110) and a looper bar (117) with a plurality of parallel looper plates (118) rocking on its axis to form loops (5a, 5b) which can be melted into protruding knots (8).

Abstract: A landfill system having a waste pit with a base portion. The base portion is covered with a liquid impermeable sheet and there is disposed at least one filtration zone below the base portion. Waste water is prevented from entering the natural substrate and the water table before it is directed through the filtration zone wherein the waste water is treated to remove contaminants prior to entering the natural substrate. Also included is a method for constructing a landfill system wherein a waste pit is cleared of debris and a liquid impermeable sheet is disposed on the base portion. In the base portion a filtration system is installed to capture waste water prior to entry into the natural substrate.

Abstract: A system used to insulate soil, most practically in waste sites and the like, including a plurality of geoinsulation blankets and an anchoring means. Each blanket has a flexible plastic casing sealed around its perimeter with at least one air vent through it, a resilient insulation batt contained within the casing, and attachment means of the hook and loop type positioned along its perimeter to adjoin overlapping edges of blankets in the system.

Abstract: A seamless landfill sump including a bottom and a plurality of walls defining an open reservoir and including a welding ledge integral to the reservoir opening. The seamless landfill sump may also include side support ribs integral to the sump bottom and sides.

Abstract: A method of plugging holes, in particular the plugging of drill holes in the earth. The method utilizes a tubular capsule filled with coarse ground sodium bentonite. The capsule, when inserted into the hole, sinks through any mud or slurry material within the hole to rest at the bottom of the hole. If the hole is filled with overly dense material, a rod may be used to force the capsules to the bottom of the hole. The capsule is constructed of a water soluble material and includes a plurality of slots cut along its exterior wall to facilitate expansion and to allow liquid to easily permeate the container. A plastic cap on its upper end allows rods to be forced thereagainst to push the capsule downward without puncturing the capsule. Alternatively, layers of sand may be interspersed with layers of bentonite nodules.

Abstract: A waterproofing system and method for hydraulic structures which includes rigid sheets of synthetic material connected with flexible hinges made of sheets of synthetic material. Mechanical anchoring hold the rigid sheets in place.

Abstract: A water and oil impermeable geosynthetic clay liner is formed by supporting a layer of bentonite on an impermeable plastic layer. Integrally formed protrusions extend from one surface of the plastic layer to support a permeable plastic cover layer. The cover layer confines the bentonite clay layer and is heat sealed to the protrusions.

Abstract: A hollow in the ground is filled in by positioning a base facing unit (10) adjacent a side of the hollow (29), positioning a plurality of further facing units (1) extending upwardly from the first facing unit (1), filling in the gap between the facing (20) and the side of the hollow (29), and filling in the remainder of the hollow in the ground. The facing (20) has a smooth face to prevent damage to a liner (26) of impervious material that is laid over the facing (20) to prevent transfer of pollutants from the material in the hollow. Adjacent facing units (1) are held in interlocking engagement by tongues (21) which are anchored by tethers (30) to the material in the gap between the facing (20) and the side of the hollow (29).

Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquid/solid mixtures into porous pulse media, such as earth, is disclosed. A two-tank arrangement where liquid only is stored and run through a main pump, while a liquid/solid slurry is stored and moved to join the liquid under pressure by a chemical injector pump is shown. Finally, a displacement wheel commands solenoid valves, for pulsing the pressured liquid, through a distance measuring device such as a laser interacting with a laser target operatively coupled to a ground traveling wheel.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: A bulkhead for manufacturing underground structures such as earth cavities in a closed construction method, formed of sealing walls arranged as an enclosure and sealing earth masses to be removed against ground water, wherein the sealing walls are formed of a hardened mixture of bentonite-cement injected under pressure into the ground, characterized in that the sealing walls inserted into fine sand or silts are arranged in the form of a roof and are formed as a substantially elastically deformable bulkhead envelope by adding filler to the mixture of bentonite-cement. Preferably, the bulkhead sealing walls of the bulkhead envelope extend from a central ridge line on the earth surface or below it downwardly in an obliquely diverging direction into water-impermeable soil. The bulkhead can be made airtight so that a vacuum can be applied to the earth mass enclosed by the bulkhead envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering liner material into a trench prevents sidewall collapse in a subsurface water saturated zone, provides for inspection of vertical joints, avoids the necessity for dewatering of an area to be trenched, and provides continuous rolls of liner material which are joined by vertical and horizontal seams to accommodate any length or configuration of placement. To initiate unrolling of a length of liner material, a roll of material is dropped into the installation apparatus which trenches into the subsurface. One end of the liner material is held in place by restraints and hydraulic presses. The roll is then unrolled by trenching backwards, cutting a trench and unfurling the roll in the formed trench.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized fluid barrier member and to methods of forming the same. The fluid barrier comprises a first outer sheet member having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a stabilizer element overlying at least part of the first sheet member top surface and abutting the top surface along at least a portion thereof. The stabilizer element contains a plurality of interstitial apertures adapted to contain a quantity of a selectively fluid-impervient barrier material and for substantially preventing displacement of the barrier material from the apertures, notwithstanding the angular inclination at which the fluid barrier member is oriented during manufacture, transport, installation and/or use. The barrier material is chosen for its ability to prevent passage of one or more particular fluids, in liquid or gas form, depending upon the application for which the barrier member is intended.

Abstract: A method of plugging holes, in particular the plugging of drill holes in the earth. The method utilizes a tubular capsule filled with coarse ground sodium bentonite. The capsule, when inserted into the hole, sinks through any mud or slurry material within the hole to rest at the bottom of the hole. If the hole is filled with overly dense material, a rod may be used to force the capsules to the bottom of the hole. The capsule is constructed of a water soluble material and includes a plurality of slots cut along its exterior wall to facilitate expansion and to allow liquid to easily permeate the container. A plastic cap on its upper end allows rods to be forced thereagainst to push the capsule downward without puncturing the capsule. Alternatively, layers of sand may be interspersed with layers of bentonite nodules.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: Enhanced gel properties (e.g., faster gel time, higher attainable gel strengths) are achieved by reducing the pH and/or increasing the salt of a monovalent and/or divalent cation concentration of an aqueous reaction medium in which a polymer is reacted with an organic crosslinking agent. In addition, the gelation time of an aqueous composition comprising a polymer and an organic crosslinking agent is reduced by heating the composition above about 48.9.degree. C. (120.degree. F.) prior to injecting the composition into a subterranean formation. Alternatively, the gelation time of the aqueous composition is increased by incorporating a pH increasing agent into the composition.

Abstract: In a management system for a water-barrier sheet having a double layer structure with an upper sheet and a lower sheet, the interior space of the water-barrier sheet is hermetically sealed and divided into a plurality of enclosed divisions. A vacuum source introduces vacuum into each enclosed division. Pressure sensors monitor the vacuum condition in the inside of the respective enclosed divisions and a faulty division among them is identified by variation of the vacuum pressure when failure is caused. In response to detection and identification of the faulty division, a repair operation is performed. In case that penetration of water into the ground is not detected, temporary treatment for preventing the water penetration may be made by introducing pressurized air into the faulty division. For permanent repair of the division, water stop material is injected into the faulty division.

Abstract: A geosynthetic clay liner with a low permeability or controlled permeability intermediate sheet is provided. The liner includes two outer sheets with two layers of bentonite and an intermediate sheet disposed therebetween. The intermediate sheet may be rippled or deformed to enhance the structural stability of the liner. The intermediate sheet may be chosen from a material with low or ultra-low permeability characteristics or may be chosen from a material with controlled or directional permeability characteristics.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leach when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing geosynthetic clay liners is provided. The method of manufacture enables the construction of a structurally sound liner without the use of glue or adhesive and further without the use of needle punching or quilting. The method of manufacture also eliminates the need for any subsequent drying step. Water in combination with compression is used to adhere the granular bentonite layer to the inside surfaces of the cover sheet and the primary carrier sheet and further to provide structural stability to the bentonite layer itself.

Abstract: A process for production of cut-off walls, characterized by the fact that a geotextile-smectite mat that contains a water-swellable smectite is introduced to a not yet hydraulically set cut-off wall composition.A further object of the invention is a geotextile-smectite mat in web form, characterized by the fact that it contains a sealing layer of water-swellable smectite between two geotextile layers and has a locking mechanism on each side edge for tight joining of the web to another web that has a complementary locking mechanism on each side edge.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating porous media such as subsurface storage tanks or excavations therefore to form primary or secondary permeability barriers. A treatment fluid comprising a polymerizable monomer, a diluent therefor, and a strong acid catalyst mixed with steam is injected into a volume to be treated and contacted with the interior surface thereof. Contact is maintained for a duration sufficient to cause polymerization to occur forming an impermeable barrier in or on the interior surface of the treated volume.

Abstract: A flexible clay liner in roll form for use on steep slopes. The liner includes a layer of geotextiles. The geotextiles are stitched together in rows of stitches which extend along the length of the liner. The thread used to make the stitching is a multifilament thread treated with a resin to prevent wicking through the liner. The spacing of the rows of stitches and the frequency of stitches along the rows are sufficient to transfer shear stresses through the bentonite layers, thus preventing the bentonite from becoming a shear plane.

Abstract: A bead for forming a barrier layer over an underwater surface. Generally, a plurality of such beads are required to form an effective underwater barrier layer. Each of the beads comprises a core, preferably formed of a piece of gravel. A sealant layer is provided which at least partially encapsulates this core. The sealant layer includes a clay and a binder. The binder facilitates the adhesion of the sealant layer to the core of the bead. To form such an underwater barrier layer over contaminated sediments beneath a body of water, a plurality of the beads are deposited on top of the contaminated sediments.

Abstract: In situ liners are impermeable compound backfilled underground rock channels which are artificially cut and laterally and vertically extensive. The backfilled channel cuts may be joined to form six-sided enclosures, five-sided basins, four-sided conduits, and three-sided (or less) diversion surfaces. The channel are backfilled by bulk materials (e.g. sand, untreated or pre-or post-placement treated), or the bulk material can be layered between spray-on liner materials on the channel hanging wall and floorwall. This in situ liner allows containment and control of solutions, liquids, gases, or solids, which may be permanently or temporarily stored, processed, or diverted.

Abstract: A clay liner is provided for use in constructing low permeability barriers in the bottom of landfills and man-made bodies of water. The liner is provided in the form of a layer of bentonite preferably disposed between a primary carrier sheet and a cover sheet. At least one outer edge of either the cover sheet or the primary carrier sheet is made from a material that allows substantial bentonite migration through or includes a slit that enables bentonite to migrate through while the remaining areas of the cover sheet or primary carrier sheet are fabricated from a fabric that does not permit substantial bentonite migration. When two liners are disposed adjacent to each other in the bottom of the landfill or pond, the two liners are overlapped so that the more open portion of one liner engages the adjacent liner. Upon activation, the bentonite migrates through the more open fabric to create a seal between the two adjacent liners. The result is a self-sealing geosynthetic clay liner system.

Abstract: An agricultural barrier providing a medium for supporting plant life in an arid or semi-arid land region having a ground surface, the barrier being disposed on native soil of the region, the barrier including: a first layer composed of pieces of basalt, the first layer being porous and being in contact with the native soil; a porous second layer of at least one material selected from at least one of sand and gravel, the second layer being less porous than, and overlying, the first layer; and a porous third layer containing soil which favors plant growth, the third layer being less porous than, and overlying, the second layer and having an exposed upper surface, wherein the porosities of the second and third layers differ from one another by an amount which impedes transport of soil from the first layer into the second layer. Soil for the third layer may be provided by washing salinated or contaminated soil with water and using the washed soil for the third layer.

Abstract: A retaining module for forming a vertical wall for retaining the earth or similar medium from which a pool, pond or stream is to be constructed. The retaining module has a vertical beam and a horizontal beam integrally molded as a single module, or alternatively, separately molded and fastened together. Several such retaining modules are combined with earth retaining blankets and means for anchoring a flexible water tight membrane in the ground to form a substantially permanent and watertight structure to create a pool, pond or stream.

Abstract: A soil treatment process is provided utilizing a foamed gel to block the flow of a migratory fluid in a soil. Placement of the foamed gel in a desired treatment region of the soil produces a seal that substantially eliminates the permeability of the treatment region to the migratory fluid and prevents migration of fluid across the region. In each of its numerous embodiments, the process can be employed as either a remedial or a preventative treatment.

Abstract: This invention deals with casings useful for fabricating articles used in insulation methods and a blanket type thermal insulation formed from such articles that can be placed on substrates to prevent exaggerated changes in temperature of the substrate. The flexibility of the blanket allows for its use on a variety of configurations of substrates.

Abstract: An object of the invention is rapid fabrication of sealed tracks for trash-dump construction to assure reliable protection even on slopes. The invention proposes a protective element 1,15,21,33 in the shape of a shallow container with essentially constant height that receives a filling of sand 10,36 or a sand-like bulk material and which spans its space in such a way that a plurality of such can be laid as a gapless compound into a protective layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process of forming a ditch liner by dispensing a solidifiable liquid mixture onto a continuously moving porous blanket, applying pressure against the mixture and the coated blanket to form a continuous matrix within the blanket, laying the resulting coated blanket into a ditch before the liquid mixture has fully cured, conforming the coated blanket to the shape of the ditch, and allowing the mixture to fully cure. The improvement resides in using a reaction mixture of a polyisocyanate, up to 60% by weight of a filler, a specified polyol mixture and, optionally, a catalyst. The polyol mixture requires three different propylene oxide adducts: i) a propylene oxide adduct of an alkanolamine, ii) a propylene oxide adduct of a low molecular weight organic compound having from 3 to 8 OH groups, and iii) a propylene oxide adduct of a low molecular weight diol.

Abstract: Method of conditioning soils, in which copolymers which are composed of acrylamide and/or methacrylamide, a sulphonyl-containing, substituted acrylamide or methacrylamide, a multi-functional, water-soluble vinyl compound and, if appropriate, carboxyl-containing comonomers are added to the soils as soil conditioners.

Abstract: A friction enhancing material is applied to at least one surface of the geosynthetic clay liner. The placement of friction enhancing material on the surface of the liner that engages a slope or embankment of a landfill helps the liner maintain its position during and after installation. The improved frictional contact between the liner and the slope or embankment permits use of bentonite liners on steeper slopes or embankments and therefore enables more efficient construction of landfills. The friction enhancement material may also be applied to the surface to improve contact between the upper surface of the geosynthetic clay liner and the cover soil. The friction enhancement material may be high density polyethylene, EVA, rubbers and other polymeric materials.

Abstract: A geocomposite liner having a first fibrous layer, a second fibrous layer, and a non-fibrous layer secured between the first and second fibrous layers. A plurality of fibers extend from the non-fibrous layer such that the ends of the fibers extend outwardly of an outer surface of the first fibrous layer. The ends are heat fused so as to secure the ends outwardly of the outer surface of the first fibrous layer. The second fibrous layer is needle punched such that the fibers extend from the second fibrous layer through the non-fibrous layer. The ends of the fibers are heat fused such that the ends have a greater diameter exterior of the first fibrous layer than interior of the first fibrous layer. Some of the ends are heat fused together on the outer surface of the first fibrous layer.

Abstract: A composition and method for forming a water-impermeable barrier in soil such as for use in closing a waste disposal cell. The composition comprises a water-impermeable sheet to each side of which has been applied an adhesive such as polybutene. The sheet is a substantially nonflammable, water-impermeable, highly stretchable film, preferably a plasticized polyvinyl chloride-based or very low density polyethylene film. The composition is applied to a first layer of soil such as a landfill site and covered with a second layer of soil. When the first layer is sloped, several rows of the composition placed in adjacent, overlapping relationship, starting at the bottom of the slope. The soil particles in the first and second soil layers adhere to the sheet and enable the slope of the first layer to approach the shear angle for that type of soil. Thus, the disposal cell can have steeper sides and hold more waste than otherwise.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and articles manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, one, or both, major surfaces of the fabric is coated with a water-insoluble adhesive to substantially increase the tensile strength of the fabric and to prevent shifting of fibers when installed on sloping surfaces.

Abstract: A soil treatment process is provided utilizing a polymer enhanced foam to block the flow of a migratory fluid in a soil. Placement of the polymer enhanced foam in a desired treatment region of the soil produces a seal that substantially eliminates the permeability of the treatment region to the migratory fluid and prevents migration of fluid across the region. In each of its numerous embodiments, the process can be employed as either a remedial or a preventative treatment.

Abstract: A process for preventing the seepage of hazardous waste material in a waste treatment pond or the loss of heat and evaporation of water in a solar pond comprises controlling the migration of a gelling composition where the density of the gelling composition is adjusted depending on the density of the residence brine of the pond so that the gelling composition gels in a desired location of the pond.

Abstract: A waste disposal landfill has at least one subsurface impermeable sheet for containing and directing fluid runoff from the site. This impermeable sheet can be remotely monitored with respect to its impermeability to verify that there are no breaks in the sheet and that no waste is passing therethrough.

Abstract: A geosynthetic clay liner is provided for installation in landfill sites equipped with lower drainage systems. The self-sealing bentonite mat precludes substantial migration of bentonite downward during activation thereby avoiding clogging of the drainage systems with activated bentonite. Overlap extensions disposed on outer edges of the liners effectively contain the activated bentonite. The bentonite mat, or geosynthetic clay liner, does not require a first protective layer of geotextile material disposed below the bentonite clay liners to protect the drainage system.

Abstract: A clay liner is provided for use in constructing low permeability barriers in the bottom of landfills and man-made bodies of water. The liner is provided in the form of a layer of bentonite preferably disposed between a primary carrier sheet and a cover sheet. At least one outer edge of either the cover sheet or the primary carrier sheet is made with the fabric that is allows substantial bentonite migration while the remaining areas of the cover sheet or primary carrier sheet are fabricated from a fabric that does not permit substantial bentonite migration. When two liners are disposed adjacent to each other in the bottom of the landfill or pond, the two liners are overlapped so that the more open portion of one liner engages the adjacent liner. Upon activation, the bentonite migrates through the more open fabric to create a seal between the two adjacent liners. The result is a self-sealing geosynthetic clay liner system.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay surface with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers. In a preferred embodiment, a water-insoluble adhesive is applied to at least one of the fabric layers to lock the interconnecting fibers in place and substantially increase the structural integrity, particularly the shear strength, of the article.

Abstract: A roller machine and method for installing a flexible panel into a trench including a frame, a prime mover connected to the frame, and a plurality of rollers positioned on the frame. The plurality of rollers defining a curved path of travel for the panel. The path of travel has an entry and an exit. The path of travel is nearly vertical adjacent to the exit above and adjacent to the trench. The prime mover is drivingly connected to at least one of the plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers includes a plurality of support rollers extending across the frame and having an adjustable length generally corresponding to a width dimension of the panel and a plurality of guide rollers arranged in aligned pairs. The guide rollers are positioned adjacent opposite ends of the support rollers and are arranged adjacent to the exit of the path of travel. The path of travel extends between each of the aligned pairs of guide rollers.