Back to results
US 5,800,096 AGranted
Subsurface barrier wall and method of installation
OwnerJeffrey Barrowinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A subsurface barrier wall having a number of interconnected columns is disclosed. The columns are driven into the subsurface, one next to the other in interlocking fashion, with a percussive drive hammer. A sonic drilling tool is driven ahead of the columns. The columns include interconnecting elements which slidably couple adjacent columns together as a column is being driven into the subsurface. The barrier wall may be used to divert, contain, or remediate the migration of subsurface contaminants.
Claims21
A method of forming a barrier wall in a subsurface, comprising the steps of:
- driving a first column into a subsurface, the first column having a first interlocking connection extending longitudinally along the first column, and further having a hollow interior;
- driving a second column into the subsurface adjacent to and interlocking with the first column, the second column having a second interlocking connection extending longitudinally along the second column, wherein the second column is driven into the subsurface so that the first interlocking connection interlocks with the second interlocking connection, wherein the second column has a hollow interior that is independent from the hollow interior of the first column;
- forming a substantially fluid impermeable seal in the interlocking connections between the first and second columns;
- and
- before each driving step, removing a portion of the substrate by advancing a barrel through the hollow interiors of each column and into the subsurface and then removing the barrel from the subsurface.
2 more elements
A method of forming a subsurface barrier wall, comprising the steps of:
- removing subsurface to form a first hole in the subsurface;
- driving a first column into the first hole in the subsurface, the first column having a first sidewall surrounding an interior;
- removing subsurface to form a second hole in the subsurface adjacent to the first hole;
- driving a second column into the second hole in the subsurface adjacent the first column, the second column having a second sidewall surrounding an interior;
- and
- sealing a space between the first and second sidewalls so that a substantially fluid impermeable seal is formed between the first and second columns;
- wherein the subsurface removal steps include removing a portion of the substrate by advancing a barrel into the subsurface with a sonic driver and then removing the barrel from the subsurface.
4 more elements
An underground barrier wall, comprising:
- a first column having first and second interlocking elements extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the first column, and further having a hollow interior, the first column comprising at least two column sections stacked together and having connectors disposed therebetween, the connectors defining cut-outs;
- a second column having first and second interlocking elements extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the second column, the second column being linearly slidable relative to the first column, wherein the first interlocking element of the first column is coupled to the second interlocking element of the second column, the second column comprising at least two column sections stacked together and having connectors disposed therebetween, the connectors defining cut-outs;
- and
- a pipe extending adjacent to an interlocking element and having openings directed toward the interlocking element, wherein the pipe extends through one or more of the cut-outs in the connectors.
1 more element
A method of forming a barrier wall in a subsurface, comprising the steps of:
- driving a first column into a subsurface, the first column having a first interlocking connection extending longitudinally along the first column, and further having a hollow interior;
- driving a second column into the subsurface adjacent to and interlocking with the first column, the second column having a second interlocking connection extending longitudinally along the second column, wherein the second column is driven into the subsurface so that the first interlocking connection interlocks with the second interlocking connection, wherein the second column has a hollow interior that is independent from the hollow interior of the first column;
- forming a substantially fluid impermeable seal in the interlocking connections between the first and second columns sealing the interiors of the columns;
- and
- fluidly sealing the hollow interiors of the first and second columns.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.