Improved particulate embankment structures for use in cold environments and on frozen terrain are described together with methods of construction; generally involving the introduction of up to a prescribed amount of moisture homogeneously dispersed throughout the particulate embankment such as to maximize the ice content thereof yet without appreciably moving the particles relative to one another or risking any such moving subsequently such as frost heaves, subsidence or the like. Also described are methods and arrangements for coating terrestrial and similar substrates with urethane foam and like materials. Various aspects of the preferred methods are illustratively described such as the application of foams in a laminate form; the application of a petroleum base pre-coating or similar moisture barrier; the application of petroleum based super-coatings or similar sealant; subjection of the foam and related coatings to certain heating during application; and the "staggering" of successive foam layers.
Process for the prevention of frost heaves in fine-grained soils comprising the insertion of a large-pored filter layer which is protected on its upper and lower sides by a permeable, rot-proof web of fabric, felt or fleece.
An artificial ice structure for use as a base for oilfield operations is constructed on land in a frigid environment. A containment wall encloses a predetermined area on the land to contain flood water which is allowed to freeze. The area is flooded with water until the ice structure is a desired size. A silo arrangement, which extends through the ice structure and into the underlying ground, is utilized to house well control equipment, the below ground part thereof being separable from the above ground part thereof. A core may be formed about the silo and other cores may be formed in other parts of the ice structure to provide foundations or supports for equipment installed on the ice structure.
The object of the present invention to provide a method for thawing frozen ground for laying concrete primarily at a construction site by use of a continuous length of circulating hose placed on the frozen ground inside and/or adjacent a concrete form where the concrete will be laid, covering the circulating hose with a layer of aggregate material for insulation from cold air caving the ends of the circulating hose protruding from the aggregate connecting the ends of the hose to a source of heated liquid to circulate warm liquid through the circulating hose to thaw the frozen ground, laying the concrete in the concrete form while continuing to circulate heated liquid in the circulating hose to prevent the concrete from freezing, leaving the portion of the hose in the form under the concrete by cutting the ends protruding from the aggregate, removing the remaining portions of the hose.
A flexible fluid-filled circulation conduit is selectively and removably connectable to a portable hot water heating system. The conduit is configured and arranged so that prior to connection to the hot water heating system, the conduit carries its own fluid supply under pressure within the conduit for circulation through the hot water heating system. Upon removable connection of the fluid filled conduit to the hot water heating system, fluid from the conduit immediately circulates under pressure with fluid from the hot water heating system through both the conduit and hot water heating system. Upon selective disconnection of the conduit from the hot water heating system, fluid within the conduit is retained under pressure within the conduit and fluid continues to circulate through the hot water heating system but is prevented from circulating through the conduit. With this system, fluid need not be directly added or removed relative to the hot water heating system to accommodate adding or removing the conduit relative to the hot water heating system circulation loop. This system can be used in a method of thawing frozen ground or of providing temporary heat within a building.
