Soil consolidation and water barrier formation - by injecting silicate solns. contg. gelling agent and crosslinker

摘要

Process for increasing the strength and water-impermeability of soil or structures located in soil comprises injecting a soln. A and a soln. B into or onto the soil or structure or into surrounding cavities, either simultaneously or successively in either order. Soln. A is an aq. alkaline soln. contg. 10-45 wt.% of an alkali metal silicate with a SiO2:M2O ratio of 1-4:1 (M = alkali metal) and up to 20 wt. % of a gelling agent. Soln. B is an aq. alkaline soln. contg. 1-5 wt.% of an alkali metal silicate (pref. with a SiO2:M2O ratio of 1-4:1), up to 20 wt.% of a gelling agent, 5-40 wt.% of a crosslinker of formula (I) and/or (II), and opt. a foam inhibitor: R1 and R2 = H, CMe2CH2OH, CMe(CH2OH)2 or CMe2SO3M'; M' = a divalent (sic) cation; R3-R8 = H, OH, Me, CMe2CH2OH, CMe(CH2OH)2 or C(CH2OH)3; R9 = H or OH; n and p = 0-3; m = 1-3. USE/ADVANTAGE - The process may be used to seal conduits, reservoirs, tanks, tunnels, caverns, dams, foundations, etc.. The process is simple, uses cheap and non-hazardous materials, and forms a deformable elastic gel which consolidates soil and plugs pores and cavities.