A method of boring a tunnel through a stratum utilizing a shield tunneling apparatus, the process comprising the injection into the stratum at the cutting face of an aqueous material comprising (a) from 0.005-0.05% by weight of a polyethylene oxide of weight-average molecular weight from 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 (b) from 0.05-0.5% by weight of a sulphate-containing anionic surfactant. The method is effective even in difficult soils.

A tool for replacing existing plastic water service pipes that are buried underground. The proposed tool is pulled through an existing pipe by a stranded steel cable. The internal wall of the pipe is scored by a single cutting blade incorporated into the tool. The pipe is split open along the scoring as a result of the outward pressure created by a rearward portion of the conically shaped tool which is larger in diameter than the inside of the existing pipe. A replacement pipe is attached to the...

A material distribution vessel for distributing material recovered in a dredging operation is disclosed. The material distribution vessel includes a hull; a propulsion system for selectively moving the hull through a waterway; and a conveyor system supported by the hull. The conveyor system has a first end for receiving recovered material and a second end for depositing the recovered material. At least a portion of the conveyor system is movable relative to the hull to move the second end to a d...

Composite fabric for reinforcing soil layers, including a textile lattice and a water-permeable, flat textile structure which is joined to the lattice. The invention provides a geotextile composite fabric web whose positioning not only achieves good reinforcement but also allows for the rapid and reliable consolidation of the subsoil situated beneath the textile composite fabric web. The lattice includes strips which are at least 4 cm wide, extend at distances of at least 30 cm in the longitudin...

The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or ba...

A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding statio...

A system component, method of using, manufacturing and installing such, which facilities both the aerating of compost and the draining of liquid formed therein, utilizing a Especially formed component having an extruded longitudinal projection with a surface in which holes may be formed therein after embedding, in a concrete floor, with the surface and holes substantially level in the concrete floor so that fluids may readily either enter or exit through the holes in the component. When connecte...

An underground shell-pile continuous wall job practice, which utilizes a special drill for constructing a continuous wall underground, is initiated by sinking two coupled special drills connected together by male and female connectors fixed on the main trunks of them respectively. Then, the first special drill is withdrawn while simultaneously pouring concrete into it until the first shell pile is finished. The process of sinking special drills and withdrawing and pouring concrete to build shell...

A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent eros...

An apparatus and method for controlling and/or monitoring volatile compounds such as those buried underground. A cover or cover layer is placed over the source of the volatile compounds in the ground. The cover is intentionally made to be relatively gas permeable, to allow movement of volatile compounds upward into the cover. Oxygen is encouraged to be mixed with the volatile compounds in the layer to promote oxidation and degradation of the volatiles. The treated volatile compounds can then be ...