Slurry Wall Construction For Preventing Environmental Hazards

By Author: William Hauselberg
Total Articles: 816
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Contaminated soil and groundwater can lead to disastrous conclusions. One effort that can be utilized to impede the spread of environmental containment in the affected soil and groundwater is slurry wall construction. This formidable mix of bentonite, cement, and water, is typically installed in an excavated trench all the way to bedrock, and nestled in a precut key-way. This key-way is cut into the bedrock to create a locking bond between the wall and the bedrock it is resting on, it also prevents any seepage of the contaminated or the controlled area. The complete remediation of contaminated soils and areas can be extremely costly and time consuming, slurry walls can step in as a viable and affordable option.

Using Composite Mixes

In some situations, depending on the requirements of the wall, environmentally safe polymers can be combined to the mix to serve strength, filtering, or chemical resistivity factors that are not available with typical mixes. When variations are used, the product is considered to be a composite mix. There are several materials that can be added to accomplish specific goals, it is necessary ...
... for an environmental or civil engineer to specify the type of mix needed to provide the necessary results.

Soil and Backfill Stabilization

Slurry walls can also be used to stabilize soil in several ways. Trenches can be dug to form below grade slurry walls to prevent erosion and stabilize substructures, while directing water away from the structure as well. Another unique way to use slurry wall construction is to mix it with the backfill material. Using the mix in this manner creates a firm compactable backfill material that is not prone to movement in the same way normal soils are, it also prevents normal groundwater from penetrating foundations.

Excavation Stabilization

Slurry mixes can also be used to stabilize trench excavations, performing the job of trench shoring. Slurry is kept in the trench at all times and excavated through, and then reinforcing bars can e lowered in. Once the trench is ready the concrete can be pumped in simply displacing the slurry. This form of excavation is generally done when site access is limited or there is a need to disturb as little of the surrounding area as possible.

Slurry wall construction is a complicated process that can be done one by experts. This process of environmental containment in the affected soil is a challenge for many. This article reveals how important Slurry wall construction is to prevent environmental hazards.