Technical Details

Millennium Project Number: M-2001-008

Project Title: Soil Stabilization

Project Start Date: 2001

Projected End Date: 2003

Technical Details: The Soil Stabilization project was initiated in April 2001 with sponsorship from KeySpan Energy Delivery, Suppress X-S, and the Gas Technology Institute. The project is being managed by KeySpan Energy Delivery and development work is being completed in a collaborative manner by Brookhaven National Labs, Suppress X-S and the Gas Technology Institute.

The primary objective of this project is to reduce the time needed to shore gas utility excavations greater than 5' in depth during emergency repair situations. A secondary objective is to reduce shoring costs through the development of alternative shoring/sheeting technologies. Three approaches to meet these objectives are being taken.

The first approach is to upgrade the OSHA Soil Classification from Type C to Type A through the use of spray applied soil-stabilizing grouts. This will reduce shoring time by potentially eliminating the need for tight sheeting. To achieve this objective, Brookhaven National Labs has been contracted to chemically modify commercially available polyurethane grouts for use as spray applied grout on excavation walls. The cured polymerization process binds the soil particles together into a cohesive stable mass enabling the use of conventional plywood sheeting for support.

The second approach is to develop an alternative shoring technology, using spray applied polyurethane in combination with a substrate to form in-situ composite shoring panels. To accomplish this task, Suppress X-S has been contracted to use quick curing expandable urethane foam with a lightweight aluminum mesh substrate. The cured composite will then be braced to resist the earth loads generated by the excavation. This task will also explore the manufacture of lightweight prefabricated shoring panels using the same urethane composite material.

The third approach is to explore the use of epoxies to develop an alternative shoring technology. This approach will also utilize spray application with a lightweight substrate that will be cross-braced upon curing to resist earth loads. The Gas Technology Institute has been contracted to accomplish this task. This task will also explore the manufacture of lightweight prefabricated shoring panels using the same epoxy composite material.

View Funding for Millennium Project M-2001-008