Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for use on and carried by a powered vehicle for laying out and taking up a long length, wide width flexible sheeting material as may be used to cover a sanitary landfill site, the apparatus having a framework adapted for mounting engagement on the vehicle and characterized by a pair of transversely extending arms which carry a journalled arbor assembly between them. The arbor assembly is powered for rotational motion and is controlled by an operator in a manner to either load a flexible sheeting material onto a mandrel of the arbor assembly or off-load flexible sheeting material from the mandrel as the vehicle travels over a ground surface area.

Abstract: Vertical bore holes are constructed for municipal sanitary landfills by drilling or otherwise excavating holes of large dimension to substantial depth, in virtually all known soil conditions however variable. They can be excavated well below the groundwater table, then lined with an impermeable or other permanent liner. This allows the landfill area to be much more efficiently used for the storage of various waste products. Solid organic waste other than cellulosics can be anaerobically fermented to methane and compost. A central core shaft is used as gas removal vent and conduit. After methane generation and removal the resulting compost is removed for use as soil nutrients. This system fully complies with the Environmental Protection Act and other regulations now in force in North America. Air, soil, groundwater, and surface water pollution and contamination are eliminated as all waste storage is contained within its own environment below natural grade.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article 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.

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 present invention is directed to a process and apparatus wherein municipal refuse, and many other types of solid waste, are disposed of in a landfill repository that maintains them in a dry state indefinitely. This eliminates most environmental and many cost problems. The principal design feature of this landfill is its cellular internal structure, which has rows of contiguous, rectangular water- and gas-tight cells that are built on top of one another to form a high, multi-layered structure. These cells are simultaneously constructed and filled with solid waste in a series of short, incremental wall berm construction and filling steps on a one-cell-at-a-time basis in the top layer of the landfill.

Abstract: A composite fill material (22) comprising soil (18) and spent lime (14) and a method for filling depressed land areas (24) therewith. The method for filling land areas (24) includes generating spent lime (14) by adding lime to water (12) in order to precipitate out minerals causing water hardness. The generated spent lime (14) is mixed with soil (18) to form a composite fill material (22) which is subsequently utilized to fill depressed land areas (24) thus creating a solid soil base.

Abstract: A waste disposal site, such as an ultimate disposal site for radioactive substances, includes installed waste having hollow spaces remaining therebetween. Packing material fills the remaining spaces. At least one substance to which gaseous toxic substances such as radioactive gases adhere, is admixed with the packing material.

Abstract: A flexible or rigid panel, and method of making the panel, useful as a water barrier including an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as pentonite, sandwiched between two layers of sheet material, such as woven or non-woven fabric, or paperboard, wherein at least one of the sheet material layers has a water-soluble coating material covering substantially the entire outer surface of the sheet material layer. The water-soluble coating is a material that dissolves upon a predetermnined water contact period, having a controlled, predetermined water-solubility so that the intermediate water-swellable clay layer is protected against hydration during installation.

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 liner is disclosed for a waterway of the type adapted to overlie the bottom of the waterway while a cementious layer covers and protects the liner. The liner itself is positioned at the bottom of the waterway by a machine having two elongated and spaced apart guide rails, each having a hollow interior and a longitudinally extending slot open at each end. The liner includes an elongated, flexible and water impervious sheet of a geomembrane material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene material, having two spaced apart side edges. A strand is secured along each edge of the sheet by wrapping a flap of the sheet around the strand so that the flap encircles and then flatly abuts against one side of the sheet. A heat seal between the flap and the sheet bonds the flap and sheet together and the enclosed strand is then longitudinally slidably positioned within the interior of one of the guide rails.

Abstract: A process for improved hydrophobic waste storage is described wherein a latex comprising a preformed, high molecular weight polymer having a high affinity for hydrophobic liquids, is sprayed on the waste prior to admixing an inorganic matrix material. Alternately, a liner for use in a waste pit which is to contain hydrophobic waste liquids or concentrated aqueous salt solutions is produced in situ by blending and compacting a latex comprising a hydrophobic polymer and clay onto the surface of the waste pit.

Abstract: A covering or liner, capable of surrounding the base of a casinghead of an oil well, which is capable of catching and retaining any fluid that may escape from the casinghead. This covering or liner is a flexible, inextensible, fluid impervious material that is capable of bordering an earthen cavity and surrounding the casinghead of an oil well. This covering or liner has a leak-proof seam to facilitate its installation around the casinghead and a collar to prevent seepage down the casinghead shaft. This invention further contemplates the method for using the same.

Abstract: A ground cover preventing vegetation growth has a polyethylene or polyurethane ground contacting foil and an asphalt/styrene-butadiene-styrene protective and adhesive layer on the foil. The adhesive layer contains 15 to 25% by weight of a meal-fine mineral filler and is applied to the foil in an amount of 1,750 to 2,250 g/m.sup.2. A stone granulate, e.g. of gravel, with a particle size of 2 to 5 millimeters is pressed into the asphalt/SBS layer in an amount of 3,500 to 5,000 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: Fluid leakage through soil in a region thereof is controlled by sequentially passing over the region to dig a plurality of parallel, laterally displaced grooves in the surface. Soil dug from each groove is temporarily stored, and a strip of sheet material is laid over a groove as it is created during each pass, the width of the strip being greater than the width of the groove. Thereafter, the temporarily stored soil is deposited on the strip such that it is covered with soil except along one edge, the other edge of the strip overlying the uncovered edge of an adjacent strip laid down during a previous pass over the region. As a consequence, a first layer of overlapping strips of sheet material covered with soil is installed over the region.

Abstract: A storage system for solid waste material has a sloped storage basin with a subgrade covered by a 3-layer liner comprising top and bottom liquid impermeable layers separated by a drainage layer. The top layer drains into a leachate collection site and the drainage layer drains into a secondary collection site for detection of leakage through the top layer. A cap covers solid waste material stored on the liner. The top and bottom layers of the liner, and an upper layer of the cap are preferably dense-graded asphalt cement, and the drainage layer of the liner is preferably open-graded asphalt cement.

Abstract: A continuous structural laminate includes a plurality of continuous generally parallel spaced integrally bonded porous blankets with a continuous polymeric matrix extending through each porous blanket. The polymeric matrices include solidified polymeric mixtures with each mixture including a polymer forming material, a gas foaming agent, a catalyst and a major portion of a particulate reinforcement. The polymeric matrices include compatible polymer forming materials. At least two of the blankets include polymeric matrices with differing particulate reinforcements. The continuous structural laminate is formed and applied with mobile apparatus including a support portion, a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a matrix forming portion and a control portion. The support portion includes at least two base sections with carriages depending from a first base section including a plurality of spaced transverse axle assemblies and wheels mounted on free ends of each axle assembly.

Abstract: A layered geosystem and method employ at least one layer of geotextile which has at least one surface friction-treated with a treatment material in a manner described herein. Contact of the friction-treated surface with an adjacent layer of, for example, geonet or geomembrane assists in preventing movement of such a layer which can occur on sloped terrain.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for reversibly establishing a closed, flow-impervious cryogenic barrier about a predetermined volume extending downward from a containment site on the surface of the Earth. An array of barrier boreholes extend downward from spaced apart locations on the periphery of the containment site. A flow of a refrigerant medium is established in the barrier boreholes whereby water in the portions of the Earth adjacent to the barrier boreholes freezes to establish ice columns extending radially about the boreholes. The lateral separations of the boreholes and the radii of the ice columns are selected so that adjacent ice columns overlap. The overlapping ice columns collectively establish a closed, flow-impervious barrier about the predetermined volume underlying the containment site. The system may detect and correct potential breaches due to thermal, geophysical, or chemical invasions.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming an extended length of a unitary structure includes the following steps. A supply of a porous flexible blanket is provided. A high viscosity flowable solidifiable mixture is continuously flowed simultaneously into an entire continuously moving width of the porous flexible blanket. Pressure is applied against the treated blanket to form a uniform matrix therewith. The rate of advance of the blanket is monitored. The rate of advance is coordinated with the flow rate of the mixture into the blanket and with the pressure applied thereto. A substantially flat non-porous flexible envelope is positioned along the length of the treated blanket. The envelope/blanket combination is positioned along a desired path. A pressurized gas is introduced into the envelope. The envelope is inflated to move the treated blanket into a final configuration. The non-porous envelope is maintained in an inflated state until the treated blanket is set in the final configuration.

Abstract: A method of treating soil, porous rock and similar material contaminated by petroleum, hydrocarbon and volatile organic compounds includes the steps of gathering the contaminated soil, dispersing it uniformly on an impervious horizontal surface to a depth of about four to six inches, treating it with an emulsifying agent and allowing the emulsifying agent to seep through the soil and volatilize the hydrocarbon and organic compounds in the soil. Optionally, the vapors emanating from the soil may be collected and burned. After treatment, the soil or porous rock is substantially free of the contaminants and may be returned to its former location or another, if desired.

Abstract: A pair of spaced walls which may be formed from corrugated metal sheets are joined together with a bottom plate being attached to the edges of the walls to form a box-like structure. A drive shoe formed by a pair of plates may be attached to the bottom of the structure. A sonic oscillator is attached to the top edges of the structure and sonic energy, preferably at a frequency which causes resonant standing wave vibration of the box-like structure, is applied to such structure so as to drive it into the ground. Successive sections of similar box-like structures are driven into the ground in end to end overlapping relationship to form an elongated box structure installed in the soil. This structure is employed to provide a barrier against the migration of soil pollutants. Further, soil samples can be taken from the area contained by the box-like structure to evaluate the effectiveness of the barrier provided by the first wall.

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: 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: A mixture of swellable clay, such as bentonite, is charged with an additive which provides an excess of univalent ions which tend to neutralize the deleterious effects of ions which are naturally present in seawater. The mixture is deposited on and carried by a sheet to facilitate its uses as a pond liner or a foundation sealant.

Abstract: A mixture of swellable clay, such as bentonite, is charged with an additive which provides an excess of single-charged cations which tend to neutralize the deleterious effects of double-charged cations which are naturally present in seawater and industrial waste. The mixture is deposited on and carried by a sheet to facilitate its uses as a pond liner or a foundation sealant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the strength and impermeability of soils or engineering structures, which comprises the steps of:(a) applying to the site of the soil or of the engineering structure, an alkaline water glass solution comprising water glass in an amount of 15 to 40% by weight, calculated as dry substance;(b) allowing a time period to pass sufficient to permit the alkali present in the water glass solution to move by diffusion;(c) applying to the same site as in step (a), a silicic acid sol comprising SiO.sub.

Abstract: A seal for connecting abutting first and second elastomeric sheets having overlying metallic portions including an elastomeric strip. The elastomeric strip is bonded to the elastomeric portions of the first and second sheets. An electrically conductive filler is attached to the metallic portions of the abutting sheets. A metallic layer is then plated to the conductive filler. A layer of flexible and abrasion resistant material adheres to the metallic plate and the metallic portions of the abutting sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a subsurface zone having an increased bearing capacity in a preselected area of relatively soft soil is disclosed. A liquefaction generator is provided in the form of a plurality of interconnected perforated pipes forming a grid pattern which substantially extends over the preselected area. Air and water under pressure are supplied to the liquefaction generator while allowing it to sink within the soft soil to a subterranean layer of hard soil or rock. The air and water are continually supplied to the generator until the soil above it is in a state of liquefaction and thereafter a hardenable material and/or rock fragments are added to the liquified soft soil above the generator. Thereafter, the mixed soil and added material is allowed to solidify over a period of time. For sites containing areas of compacted material, cutters may be attached to pipes of the liquefaction generator to further break up the soil material.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for reversibly establishing a closed, flow-impervious cryogenic barrier about a predetermined volume extending downward from a containment site on the surface of the Earth. An array of barrier boreholes extend downward from spaced apart locations on the periphery of the containment site. A flow of a refrigent medium is established in the barrier boreholes whereby water in the portions of the Earth adjacent to the barrier boreholes freezes to established ice columns extending radially about the boreholes. The lateral separations of the boreholes and the radii of the ice columns are selected so that adjacent ice columns overlap. The overlapping ice columns collectively establish a closed, flow-impervious barrier about the predetermined volume underlying the containment site. The system may detect and correct potential breaches due to thermal, geophysical, or chemical invasions.

Abstract: In an operating dump, intermediate sealing layers which are provided with a drainage layer are applied for the production of a multibarrier system to prevent the penetration of seepage water, the seepage water which is collected in the drainage layer being removed and fed to a disposal system. Plastic films or sheets overlapping in the form of roofing tiles or laid as webs have proved suitable as an intermediate covering.

Abstract: A flexible sealing sheet for controllably leakproof separation of the regions present on both sides thereof, especially for the sealing of rubbish dumps, which exhibits, in at least one plane, hollow channels extending essentially in the longitudinal extension of the sheet and separated from one another by channel walls. The hollow channels permit, with the sealing sheet already installed, an inspection with respect to possible leakage. It is furthermore possible, by selective injection of appropriate sealing media into the hollow channels to subsequently repair defective portions of the sealing sheets.

Abstract: A continuous structural laminate includes a plurality of continuous generally parallel spaced integrally bonded porous blankets with a continuous polymeric matrix extending through each porous blanket. The polymeric matrices include solidified polymeric mixtures with each mixture including a polymer forming material, a gas foaming agent, a catalyst and a major portion of a particulate reinforcement. The polymeric matrices include compatible polymer forming materials. At least two of the blankets include polymeric matrices with differing particulate reinforcements. The continuous structural laminate is formed and applied with mobile apparatus including a support portion, a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a matrix forming portion and a control portion. The support portion includes at least two base sections with carriages depending from a first base section including a plurality of spaced transverse axle assemblies and wheels mounted on free ends of each axle assembly.

Abstract: Mobile continuous ditch lining apparatus includes a supporting portion, a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a mixture delivery portion, a matrix forming portion and a control portion. The supporting portion includes at least one base section with a carriage. The raw material supplying portion includes a plurality of reservoirs connected independently with the mixing portion through flexible conduits. A blanket support extends from the supporting portion. The mixing portion includes an elongated chamber with a plurality of deflector sections. The matrix forming portion includes elongated mixture delivery and pressure applying mechanisms. The control portion includes a pump, a valve and a flow monitor along the length of each conduit, a drive advancing a continuous porous blanket through the matrix forming portion and a programmable memory.A method of forming a ditch liner includes dispensing continuously a solidifiable liquid mixture uniformly over a continuously moving porous blanket.

Abstract: An apparatus for lining a canal is described as well as the method for lining the canal. The apparatus comprises an elongated frame which extends transversely across the canal and which is propelled the length thereof. A concrete paver is supported on the frame and is designed to lay concrete on one of the sides of the canal and at least a portion of the bottom of the canal as the frame is moved along the length of the canal. A flexible sheet material is positioned on the canal sides and bottom just prior to the concrete being positioned thereon. The PVC is positioned on the canal in a substantially wrinkle-free and untensioned condition. The method of lining the canal is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing an underground seal beneath a garbage dump in a strip-like manner. The earth is worked in strips under the garbage dump by the front end of a driving shield. The earth is transported to the rear end of the driving shield, and is compressed at the rear end. A strip-like layer of a waterproof material is inserted, under the protection of a cover of the driving shield. A supply tunnel pipe is constructed and subsequently dismantled, comprised of individual tunnel pipe sections, under the protection of the cover while the driving shield is moved forward. The dismantled tunnel pipe sections of the tunnel pipe are used to erect an additional tunnel pipe which is laterally displaced in a direction toward the next strip-like layer opposite the first one tunnel pipe behind the driving shield. By stabilizing the dismantled pipe sections they need not be dragged along or transported out of the remaining tunnel pipe.

Abstract: A method of constructing a swimming pool by laying a concrete shell of 80 mm thickness without any substantial reinforcement. A glass reinforced plastic of 5 mm thickness is then laid over the concrete once the concrete has cured. This particular combination between the fiberglass and the concrete shell allows the shell to crack and move in relation to the reinforced plastic layer, without transmitting any stresses to the reinforced plastic layer. This results in a pool which allows any stresses due to soil subsidence, movement, etc. to be transmitted to the concrete shell and not the reinforced plastic layer thereby leaving the plastic layer free of cracks.

Abstract: An underground storage tank installation apparatus and method for installing the same. The apparatus includes a fiberglass vault into which one or more underground storage tanks are secured and buried in a suitable excavation. Structural support members are formed within the walls of the fiberglass vault to provide adequate strength for the walls of the fiberglass vault so that the chances of cave-ins are minimized. Internal and external observation wells are provided, with automatic leak detectors, so that any leakage either inside or outside the fiberglass vault is automatically detectable. The preferred method for installing the fiberglass vault is to excavate a pit of predetermined dimensions and pour a concrete base in the bottom thereof. The sides of the pit are lined with sheetrock panels and a liquified fiberglass mixture is sprayed on to the panels and concrete slab, with vertical support members being secured to the sheetrock panels between subsequent layers of the fiberglass coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier for soil structures. The barrier is formed by creating a trench in a soil structure extending from the soil surface to an impervious layer in the soil. The trench is lined with a sheet of impervious material, which may be a fabric carrying a substantially dehydrated sodium-bentonite clay. The trench is especially well-suited for installation around the perimeter of a waste site from which contaminated fluids may be emanating. The barrier and the method of forming the barrier allow a toxic waste site to be easily and completely isolated from adjacent groundwater systems.

Abstract: A method for temporarily covering a large land area and an apparatus for suspending a flexible cover from a front loader bucket of an earth-moving vehicle. One example of the apparatus includes a cross member having a mid-portion connected by extension arms to the bucket. Tubular enclosures on the bucket receive the free ends of the extension arms for cantilever support thereof. The method of covering the land area includes releasably attaching opposed ends of the flexible cover to the cross member and moving the vehicle to a first location of the land area. The bucket is lowered and a first end of the cover is released. The bucket is raised and the vehicle is moved to a second location so as to spread the cover over increasingly larger portions of the land area. The second end of the cover is thereafter released so that the cover is laid out over the land area. The steps of the method are reversed to remove the cover from the land area.

Abstract: A pressure barrier liner is an assembly of low permeability membranes disposed on above the other. A region is encapsulated between each adjacent pair of membranes. A pressurized fluid such as air or water is introduced into a selected group of the encapsulated regions to pressurize them to a selected pressure or pressures, thereby ensuring that any flow through the membranes or through disruptions in the membranes will be from within the pressurized regions to the regions outside the membranes which encapsulate the pressurized regions, rather than from the fluid storage region above the membranes, through the membranes and into the region beneath the membranes which is to be protected by the linear.

Abstract: The multiple panel lining system is positioned adjacent to and supported by an inclined support surface. A horizontally extending support cable is positioned adjacent to the inclined support surface. Each of a plurality of spaced apart anchors is secured to the inclined support surface and to the support cable to maintain the support cable at a fixed vertical elevation and to transfer loads imposed on the support cable to the inclined support surface. A series of foldable panels with an open mesh network are draped over and supported from above by the support cable. Each panel includes an inner layer which contacts the inclined surface and an outer layer which is placed above and overlaps the inner layer. A first sealant layer is applied to and supported by the mesh network of the inner layer of the panel. A second sealant layer is applied to and supported by the mesh network of the outer layer of the panel and by the first sealant layer.

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 land fill and method of containing solid wastes and/or waste fluids comprises placing the waste and/or waste fluids, either enclosed in a container, free flowing, solidified or treated, in a preformed cavity or pit that is excavated in a naturally occurring deposit of bentonite clay located adjacent or beneath the surface of the earth. The waste and/or waste fluid is of a type that will not pass through a bentonite layer that is left in its natural place after excavation thereby forming a natural liner or bottom wall of the excavated cavity. After the cavity or pit has been substantially filled with waste material, an overlayer of water-swellable bentonite may be provided on top of the mass of waste material and joining the liner wall around the outer peripheral edge to permanently enclose and seal-off the waste material, or the upper surface of the waste filled pit may be left uncovered.

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: A novel underground impervious barrier is constructed by excavating a trench or slot along the desired line of the impervious barrier in the presence of a bentonite slurry. A double layered plastic film or sheet joined or folded at the bottom of the trench to form a sheath or envelope and open at the top and of sufficient vertical extent to extend above the ground and drape on both sides of the trench is installed in the trench and as the plastic sheath or envelope is installed in the trench it is hydraulically backfilled between the two facing surfaces thereof with a backfilling material having a greater density than the density of the bentonite slurry to sink the double layer plastic film or sheet to the bottom of the trench and displace the bentonite slurry forward in the trench toward the end being excavated.

Abstract: A toxic waste storage facility is formed of a plurality of contiguous storage cells. Each of the storage cells has walls made from compacted earth blocks and has a floor of compacted layers of clay with an impervious plastic liner beneath the layers of clay. A plurality of liquid storage containers, each containing toxic waste, are stacked in each of the storage cells. Clay filler is located within the walls of the storage cells and fills the space around the containers.

Abstract: Mobile continuous ditch lining apparatus includes a supporting portion, a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a mixture delviery portion, a matrix forming portion and a control portion. The supporting portion includes at least one base section with a carriage. The raw material supplying portion includes a plurality of reservoirs connected independently with the mixing portion through flexible conduits. A blanket support extends from the supporting portion. The mixing portion includes an elongated chamber with a plurality of deflector sections. The matrix forming portion includes elongated mixture delivery and pressure applying mechanisms. The control portion includes a pump, a valve and a flow monitor along the length of each conduit, a drive advancing a continuous porous blanket through the matrix forming portion and a programmable memory.A method of forming a ditch liner includes dispensing continuously a solidifiable liquid mixture uniformly over a continuously moving porous blanket.

Abstract: A working chamber is placed in a lined pond containing a body of contaminated water and filled with clean water to safely isolate divers while they repair damaged areas of the liner. The chamber is an open ended housing having a side wall of water impervious material configured to surround the area of liner damage and a height greater than the depth of the body of water at the repair site. Buoyancy tanks float the housing in a stable upright position above the repair site and are filled with clean water to sink the housing to rest its bottom end on the liner at the bottom of the body of water. A deformable seal on the bottom end of the housing engages the liner surface surrounding the area of liner damage and is filled with water to forming a substantial water sealing relation therewith but with controlled leakage. Clean water is conducted into the chamber interior at a predetermined rate to displace contaminated water inside the chamber.

Abstract: A slit trencher can be mounted on a carrier machine which moves in a driving direction. The trencher includes a holder adapted to be mounted on the carrier machine. Also included is a boom mounted on this holder. The trencher has a circulating chain and a plurality of slit formers mounted on the circulating chain. The circulating chain mounted on the boom circulates thereon. This circulating chain is operable to perform work when circulating along a running direction. Each of the slit formers has a cutting edge slanted both with respect to the running direction of the chain and with respect to the driving direction of the carrier machine. These slit formers have a rear side and each includes a cover plate and a rear plate. The cover plate has a horizontal width sized to cover the width of the slit. This cover plate is slanted towards a direction opposite to the running direction of the circulator. The rear plate is mounted adjacent to the cover plate to block the rear side.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for reversibly establishing a closed, flow-impervious cryogenic barrier about a predetermined volume extending downward from a containment site on the surface of the Earth. An array of barrier boreholes extend downward from spaced apart locations on the periphery of the containment site. A flow of a refrigerant medium is established in the barrier boreholes whereby water in the portions of the Earth adjacent to the barrier boreholes freezes to establish ice columns extending radially about the boreholes. The lateral separations of the boreholes and the radii of the ice columns are selected so that adjacent ice columns overlap. The overlapping ice columns collectively establish a closed, flow-impervious barrier about the predetermined volume underlying the containment site. The system may detect and correct potential breaches due to thermal, geophysical, or chemical invasions.