| 20110033247 | Effective Approach to Preventing and Remedying Distresses in Soils and Construction Materials - This invention describes a simple and effective method, through introducing fluoride ion releasing agent/salt(s), such as sodium fluoride, for preventing, reducing or eliminating the undesirable construction heave/expansion/distresses/damage, characterized by loss of dimensional stability and integrity of expansive soil layers or concrete structural elements, primarily caused by the formation of ettringite or similar minerals. We demonstrated the technology that can be easily applied to new construction sites and to the sites where repair/retrofit of the existing or potential distresses in soil subgrade, base, subbase, or construction materials is needed. Experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the technology with applications to stabilization of soils with all range of aluminum and sulfate contents including more than 3000 ppm of sulfate, and to treating cementitious construction materials. This invention can also extend the application of lime to stabilization of sulfate-rich soils and remedy of foundation movement or tilting of buildings caused by the formation of ettringite. | 02-10-2011 |
