Barrier panel connecting clip and method

An apparatus for endwise connecting subterranean barrier members comprising:

• at least two barrier members, each barrier member extending between first top edge, a first bottom edge and a side first edge, the side first edge comprising a flange defining a first connector and an opposed second side edge having a channel defining a second connector, the channel being sized and shaped to receive the flange of an adjacent barrier member in slidable interconnection therein,
• a first side panel shaped to lie against a first side of the barrier members,
• a second side panel shaped to lie against a second side of the barrier members,
• a bridging plate located between the first and second side panels so as to bridge a gap therebetween, wherein the gap has a width corresponding to a width of the first and second barrier members, the bridging plate including at least one platform extending therefrom positioned to receive the first and second connectors thereon.

A method of forming a subterranean barrier comprising:

• placing a first side panel against a first side of a first barrier member located within a soil formation;
• placing a second side panel against a second side of a second barrier member located within the soil formation, the second side of the second barrier member being adjacent to the first side of the first barrier member;
• locating a bottom gap of a bridging clip on a top edge of the first panel, and
• placing a bridging plate between the first and second side panels so as to bridge a gap therebetween, wherein the gap has a width corresponding to a width of the first and second barrier members, and the bridging plate includes at least one platform extending therefrom.