A Polish SME offers a mixture of modified polymineral clays that can be injected into the ground to form waterproof barriers in embankments of e.g. rivers. The barriers can reach considerable width and depth. The novel sealing material infiltrates the ground substrate easily, can be pumped over a long distance, is durable, resistant to corrosion and friendly to the environment. It is produced with inexpensive, easily available components. They are looking for partners for commercial agreements.

Embankments of rivers and water reservoirs, foundations of dams and weirs can be made waterproof by injection of sealing solutions prepared from suitably modified clay gained from the local outcrops. The sealing solution is pressed into the ground substrate through injection holes, modifying permanently its geotechnical and filtration parameters. The diameters of the injection holes vary from 42 to 90 mm. The waterproofing barriers thus generated are usually 2 to 5 m wide and up to 20 m deep. The width of the barrier can be increased if necessary and the depth can reach up to several hundreds metres. The filtration coefficient of the barrier is k < 1 x 10-10 m/s. The barriers can be formed even in turbulent flow conditions. The barriers are resistant to deformations caused for example by the movements of the ground.
A modified sealing solution can be used to put out local focuses of fire within re-cultivated dumps from coal-mining operations.

Innovative Aspects:
This novel sealing medium guaranties a durable modification of the ground as far as its geotechnical properties and permeability to water are concerned. Local natural raw materials are used - the basic clay solution constitutes 90% of the sealing solution and the modifying admixtures are standard materials used in the construction industry. The new sealing material has superior penetration capacity and stability, since water used to prepare the solution is bound by the mineral structure formed in the ground.

Main Advantages:
The novel sealing material:
- Readily infiltrates pores and fissures in the ground substrate
- Has excellent thixotropic properties that make it possible to pump it over a long distance
- Fills well the space to be waterproofed
- Has favourable sealing properties
- Is stable, durable, resistant to corrosion and friendly to environment
- Is resistant to washing out

• Building Materials, Components and Methods
• Geology, Geological Engineering, Geotechnics
• Membrane / Filtration technology
• Environmental Engineering / Technology

• Environment protection

• Engineering services

• License agreement
• Manufacturing agreement (Subcontracting & Co-contracting)