Method of pressurizing and stabilizing rock by periodic and repeated injections of a settable fluid of finite gel strength
A finite region of overpressure can be created in solid underground formations by the periodic injection of a fluid that has finite gel strength that subsequently, after each injection, partially sets--i.e., equivalently becomes a very much stronger gel. A region of overpressure is a region in which the static, locked in pressure is larger than what was there before. A region of overpressure can be used to prevent a roof of a tunnel from caving by adding compressive stresses in the roof. A sequence of regions of overpressure can be used to lift an arch or dome underground, squeeze off water or gas flows, stabilize dams, foundations, large underground rooms, etc. In general, the stress or pressure distribution in rock can be altered and engineered in a fashion that is more advantageous than what would have been the case without overstressing. 3 figs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Assignee:
- PTO; EDB-94-125204
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4370077; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 6-175047
- OSTI ID:
- 7002891
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 4 Aug 1980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
13 HYDRO ENERGY
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
DAMS
STABILIZATION
GELS
FLUID INJECTION
GEOLOGIC STRATA
MINE ROADWAYS
TUNNELS
CURING
DEGASSING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PRESSURIZATION
RESERVOIR PRESSURE
STRATA CONTROL
WATER INFLUX
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
422000* - Engineering- Mining & Underground Engineering- (1980-)
130200 - Hydro Energy- Site Geology & Meteorology
012031 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Underground Mining- Strata Mechanics & Control- (1987-)