Containment systems and methods with reduced friction
OwnerSean Hinchbergerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for containing a subsiding solid material. A containment system can include a capsule surrounding a porous volume. The porous volume can contain a porous solid material subject to subsidence oriented within the capsule and supporting the roof of the capsule. The roof of the capsule can include a sloped portion configured to decrease in slope as the solid material subsides. A plurality of geosynthetic layers can be oriented along the sloped portion. The plurality of geosynthetic layers can include at least two adjacent geosynthetic layers that laterally slide with respect to one another during subsidence to reduce shear forces in the sloped roof portion.
Claims32
A containment system comprising:
- an capsule surrounding a porous volume;
- and
- a porous solid material subject to subsidence oriented within the capsule and supporting a roof of the capsule;
- wherein the roof of the capsule comprises a sloped roof portion configured to decrease in slope as the solid material within the capsule subsides, and wherein the sloped roof portion comprises a plurality of geosynthetic layers oriented along at least portions of the sloped roof portion said plurality of geosynthetic layers including at least two adjacent geosynthetic layers that laterally slide with respect to one another during subsidence to reduce shear forces within the sloped roof portion.
A method of reducing shear forces within a containment system for particulate materials subject to subsidence, comprising:
- depositing a body of particulate materials subject to subsidence;
- and
- forming a capsule surrounding the body of particulate material subject to subsidence, wherein forming the capsule comprises:
- forming at least one sloped cap section supported from underneath by the body of particulate materials subject to subsidence, wherein the sloped cap section comprises a deformable material having at least one plurality of geosynthetic layers configured to slide sufficient to relieve shear forces during subsidence of the body of particulate material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.