GB2584126A - Method of decommissioning a temporary structure - Google Patents

Method of decommissioning a temporary structure Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2584126A
GB2584126A GB1907222.2A GB201907222A GB2584126A GB 2584126 A GB2584126 A GB 2584126A GB 201907222 A GB201907222 A GB 201907222A GB 2584126 A GB2584126 A GB 2584126A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
regenerative
composition
agent
soil
stabilisation
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GB1907222.2A
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GB201907222D0 (en
GB2584126B (en
Inventor
Anthony Love Sebastian
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Geotech Soil Stabilisation Ltd
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Geotech Soil Stabilisation Ltd
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Priority to GB1907222.2A priority Critical patent/GB2584126B/en
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Publication of GB2584126A publication Critical patent/GB2584126A/en
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09KMATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K17/00Soil-conditioning materials or soil-stabilising materials
    • C09K17/02Soil-conditioning materials or soil-stabilising materials containing inorganic compounds only
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09KMATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K17/00Soil-conditioning materials or soil-stabilising materials
    • C09K17/40Soil-conditioning materials or soil-stabilising materials containing mixtures of inorganic and organic compounds
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C11/00Details of pavings
    • E01C11/005Methods or materials for repairing pavings
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C21/00Apparatus or processes for surface soil stabilisation for road building or like purposes, e.g. mixing local aggregate with binder
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C23/00Auxiliary devices or arrangements for constructing, repairing, reconditioning, or taking-up road or like surfaces
    • E01C23/06Devices or arrangements for working the finished surface; Devices for repairing or reconditioning the surface of damaged paving; Recycling in place or on the road
    • E01C23/08Devices or arrangements for working the finished surface; Devices for repairing or reconditioning the surface of damaged paving; Recycling in place or on the road for roughening or patterning; for removing the surface down to a predetermined depth high spots or material bonded to the surface, e.g. markings; for maintaining earth roads, clay courts or like surfaces by means of surface working tools, e.g. scarifiers, levelling blades
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C23/00Auxiliary devices or arrangements for constructing, repairing, reconditioning, or taking-up road or like surfaces
    • E01C23/06Devices or arrangements for working the finished surface; Devices for repairing or reconditioning the surface of damaged paving; Recycling in place or on the road
    • E01C23/12Devices or arrangements for working the finished surface; Devices for repairing or reconditioning the surface of damaged paving; Recycling in place or on the road for taking-up, tearing-up, or full-depth breaking-up paving, e.g. sett extractor
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C3/00Foundations for pavings
    • E01C3/04Foundations produced by soil stabilisation
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C7/00Coherent pavings made in situ
    • E01C7/36Coherent pavings made in situ by subjecting soil to stabilisation
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02DFOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D3/00Improving or preserving soil or rock, e.g. preserving permafrost soil
    • E02D3/12Consolidating by placing solidifying or pore-filling substances in the soil
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04BLIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B2111/00Mortars, concrete or artificial stone or mixtures to prepare them, characterised by specific function, property or use
    • C04B2111/00474Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00
    • C04B2111/00732Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00 for soil stabilisation
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04BLIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B2111/00Mortars, concrete or artificial stone or mixtures to prepare them, characterised by specific function, property or use
    • C04B2111/00474Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00
    • C04B2111/00758Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00 for agri-, sylvi- or piscicultural or cattle-breeding applications

Abstract

A method of decommissioning an area of ground, said area of ground being commissioned by a process which included a stabilisation step comprising application of a binder e.g. Ordinary Portland Cement, fly ash, silica, to the ground soil to provide a stabilisation layer, said method including the step of applying a regenerative composition/agent to said stabilisation layer. The regenerative composition/agent may be calcium sulphate, aluminium sulfate, iron sulphate, potassium sulphate, gypsum, nitric acid, phosphoric acid. The regenerative composition/agent may be selected don the basis of the pH or nutrient characteristics of the soil or stabilisation layer.

Description

METHOD OF DECOMMISSIONING A TEMPORARY STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a method de-commissioning surface structures such as temporary access roads. It has particular application to decommissioning surface structures which have been constructed, that is commissioned by a process which includes a stabilisation step where binder is mixed with soil to provide a hardened layer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A large number of construction projects require temporary structures such as access roads (referred to also as "haul/haulage" roads) to allow vehicles to access building sites and such like. The temporary structures or roads are conventionally provided by excavating the soil on site, and importing (laying down) primary aggregates, which are then compacted. A problem is however that the land is required for subsequent agricultural use. However, decommissioning of such roads often results in degraded land from an agricultural point of view.
Traditional stabilisation (e.g. using cement and quick lime) is generally never used to construct these temporary structures or roads as this would significantly raise the pH levels of the soil and effectively damage nutrients in the soil with regard to the specified agricultural use of the land.
Other methods include the use of specialist binders such as those disclosed in patents GB2521115 (owned by MAS HBM Ltd); GB2547733 (owned by METSSL Ltd) and 032543378 (owned by METSSL Ltd).
The binders are used in a stabilisation process where a stabilisation layer is provided by mixing the soil with the binder. This forms a hardened surface/structure; a surface layer may be placed on this.
The use of these binders reduces or even eradicates the need for primary aggregate, and eliminates the need to export excavated soil off site. The construction program time is substantially reduced. A problem remains in that to a lesser extent the soil becomes degraded as well and sub-optimal. It is one object of the invention to overcome this problem. In one aspect is provided a decommissioning process which returns the soil to a good agricultural condition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect is provided a method of decommissioning an area of ground, said area of ground being commissioned by a process which included a stabilisation step comprising application of a binder to the ground soil to provide a stabilisation layer, said method including the step of applying one or more regenerative compositions or agents to said stabilisation layer.
The method may include the prior step of removing or stripping a surface layer, said surface layer having been put down in the commissioning of said ground after said stabilisation step.
Said binder may include a composition comprising substantially of Ordinary Portland Cement, calcium oxide, fly ash, blast furnace slag, or silica.
The composition or regenerative agent(s) may be selected dependent on the pH and/or nutrient characteristics of the soil.
The composition or the regenerative agent(s) may be determined additionally on the basis of the binder composition.
The composition or the regenerative agent (s) may be selected dependent on the pH or nutrient characteristics of the soil/binder stabilisation layer.
The regenerative composition or the regenerative agent(s) may be selected on the basis of the pH and /or nutrient characteristics of the soil or soil/binder stabilisation level.
The regenerative composition or the regenerative agent(s) may be such as to regenerate the subsequently treated soil to the original pH level thereof and/or to the original or higher level of one or more nutrients.
The regenerative composition or the regenerative agent(s) may include a pH regulator.
The regenerative composition or the regenerative agent may include or comprise substantially of one or more of the following compounds: calcium sulphate, aluminium sulphate, ferric/ferrous sulphate or potassium sulphates and gypsum.
The regenerative composition or agent substantially may include or comprise of one or more of the following constituents: nitric acid, phosphoric acid, elemental sulphur, elemental phosphorus, urea coated sulphur, urea coated phosphorus.
Said regenerative composition or agent may be in dry form.
Said regenerative composition or agent may be mixed in with the stabilisation layer at a rate of between 1 and 10% weight regenerative composition to stabilisation layer portion.
Said compounds or constituents are preferably present in the regenerative composition in aggregate quantities of more than 0.5%, preferably more than 5%, preferably more than 50%.
Said regenerative composition may include nutrients including one or more of the following elements in elemental or compound form: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium sulphur, nitrogen, calcium, iron, boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt and nickel.
There may be at least two regenerative composition and/or agents, and these are added in a two-step process where in a fist stage a first regenerative composition or agent is applied to the stabilisation layer and in a second step a second regenerative composition or agent is applied thereafter to said stabilisation layer.
Said first regenerative composition or agent include or comprise one or more of the following: Naha)lite; Iron Sulphate, Aluminium Sulphate; Gypsum.
Said first regenerative composition/reagent may be applied at 1% to 10% by weight regenerative composition to stabilisation layer portion.
Said second regenerative composition or agent may include or comprise of one or more of the following: dilute nitric acid; dilute phosphoric acid; dilute hydrochloric acid; dilute sulphuric acid.
Said second regenerative composition/agent may be applied at 2 moles per kilogram of stabilisation layer to 0.05 moles per kilogram of stabilisation layer (2 mol/Kg to 0.05 mol/Kg) Said regenerative composition may include said nutrients in substantially enhanced levels compared to that found in the soil.
Said ground may be a temporary access road.
The present invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures 1 to 3 show neutralization plots for aluminium sulphate, iron sulphate, and Nahcolite respectively
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Background
A current method for construction of a temporary structure such as a haul road involves the following steps. Firstly, the topsoil is stripped, generally over the area of the road. In the next stage a binder is applied to the stripped land. This application process usually involves mixing the binder into the ground i.e. mixing the binder into a surface layer of the stripped land. This is usually performed by a specially adapted vehicle. This is a stabilization process. The binder is required to strengthen the soil structure on the surface. This provides a stabilisation layer.
In the next stage the ground is optionally wetted and thereafter the ground is compacted and leveled. In the last stage the area optionally may be surfaced with a surfacing material such as tarmac or bitumen.
The binder used is may be any of those claimed in the above referenced patents.
The binder may be a binder composition substantially comprising between 68.7 and 93% by weight cement; between 0 and 20% by weight additional silicate bearing material; and between 4 and 20% by weight gypsum. The binder composition may comprise: between 86.4 and 92.4% by weight cement; between 3.6 and 5.6% by weight additional silicate bearing material; and between 4.5 and 7.5% by weight gypsum, wherein the additional silicate bearing material comprises one or more of disodium metasiiicate, sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, tricalciurn silicate, dicalcium silicate, calcium silica hydroxide, or a combination thereof. The binder composition may comprise: between 56.8 and 92.8% by weight ordinary Portland cement; between 3.2 and 23.2% by weight additional silicate bearing material; and between 9 and 15% by weight gypsum, wherein the additional silicate bearing material is metakao*.in and/or silica fume and/or disodium metasilicate. The use alternatively of cement or composition including quicklime (calcium oxide) is not preferred as the pH of the soil is raised to unacceptable levels.
Invention In one aspect of the invention such constructions (such as a temporary haul road) are decommissioned in a process which adds or applies a regenerative composition (i.e. which includes regenerative reagents or agents) to the soil or ground; i.e. to the stabilisation layer after optional surface layer e.g. of bitumen has been removed. In other words, the regenerative composition is applied to the stabilisation level comprising the binder/soil mix, produced during commissioning. The binder may be any of those referred to above or referred to in the above patent applications. In examples one or more regenerative compositions or reagents can be added in a multi-stage process.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent is/are selected such that it returns the land to a good or enhanced agricultural condition. Preferably the regenerative composition or reagent includes a pH regulator. Generally, the stabilization area has a raised pH so such a pH regulator lowers the pH of the ground it is applied to.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may be applied in liquid (solution) form and/or solid form (e.g. powdered or granulated).
In one method the temporary structure (haul road) is decommission by the following steps: firstly, stripping or (scraping off) any surfacing or surface layer such as bitumen. Thereafter the regenerative composition/agent/reagent is applied e.g. by mixing into the ground or soil, i.e. the stabilisation layer, where previously the binder has been applied (i.e. mixed) in. The term "apply" in this context may comprise simply adding the regenerative composition/agent/reagent to the surface (e.g. of the stabilisation layer) after stripping of any surface layer added (put down) after the stabilisation layer. Preferably the process involves / includes a mixing process with the stabilisation layer, i.e. the ground after any surface layer is stripped.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent preferable includes pH adjusters or regulators.
a) Preferably these pH regulators bring the pH levels down and may include any acidic compound including one or more of the following: sulphur, sulphur coated urea, sulphur containing compounds such as calcium sulphate (CaSO4), aluminium sulphate, iron sulphates (ferric or ferrous sulphates), potassium sulphates. Thus the regulators may include Iron Sulphate in the form of any of Ferrous (ii) sulphate; Ferrous (h) sulphate Heptahydrate; Ferrous (ii) sulphate Monohydrate; Ferrous (ii) sulphate Ferrohexahydrite; Ferrous (iii) sulphate Pentahydrate; Iron (iii) Sulphate (Ferric Sulphate) Or Aluminium Sulphate Al2(504)3 Aluminium Sulphate Anhydrous; Aluminium Sulphate Octahydrate.
Any of these may be in dry form e.g. powdered or granulated form In powdered form, the combined quantity of these may be anything from 10 to 100%, preferably greater than 40%. The balance may be soil, gravel or other aggregate which may be used to dilute the regenerative composition/ pH regulators.
Figures 1 and 2 show aluminium sulphate and iron sulphate neutralization plots respectively. In both cases the natural soil pH was 6.5. During the commissioning process a proprietary binder "Geobind" was used at levels of 2% with soil to provide a stabilisation layer which resulted in the stabilized soil/binding having the pH dramatically increase to 10.96. The charts show how the pH of alkaline stabilized soil can be reduced with addition of a regenerative composition including these compounds. The charts show % dry weight of the dry regenerative composition, that is the percentage of how much was mixed with the stabilised soil. For example in regard to the document attached, the addition of 4% Iron Sulphate brought the stabilised soil down from a pH of 11.415 to a pH of 7.681. 4% iron sulphate was 4% of the weight of the stabilised soil. Therefore if the weight of the stabilised soil was 10Kg, the addition of 4% Iron Sulphate by weight would equate to 0.4Kg (or 400 grams) of Iron sulphate.
The regenerative composition may be in solid or liquid form. Preferable the regenerative composition is in solid form in the form of powder or granules.
b) The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may also comprise or include sodium bicarbonate (Nahcolite). Although sodium bicarbonate is alkaline, it re-acts with free lime in the soil (such as that used in the commissioning process i.e. in the binder), forms a carbonate and neutralizes the free lime. This can bring the pH down as a consequence e.g. to around a pH of 8.5 which may be acceptable in some circumstances. Figure 3 shows a neutralization plot which show how the pH of alkaline soil can be reduce with addition of a regenerative composition including Nahcolite. The tests were performed on the same soil/binder (stabilised layer) as in the cases in Figures 1 and 2.
c) The regenerative composition/reagent/agent may comprise or include nitric, sulphuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids or other acidic additives.
Regenerative composition in liquid form with such acids may be diluted to anything down to 1% acid in water as a solvent.
d) The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may include elemental sulphur or phosphorus or urea coated sulphur or phosphorus.
e) The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may include gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate).
Preferably such agent/reagents comprise more that 1% weight of the composition of the resulting treated soil (i.e. when mixed with the binder/soil stabilisation layer) and preferably less than 10% by weight). So typically dry (powders/granules) of the regenerative composition are added at an addition rate of anywhere between 1% to 10%, but preferably in the 1% to 5% range.
In addition organic matter,like compost, composted manure, and acidic mulches can be used to lower soil pH over time and so can form the basis of the regenerative composition. Such organic regenerative layers may include amounts of the elements or compounds referred to in paragraphs a) b) c) and /or d), in any quantities, preferably greater than 0 5% Preferably the regenerative composition includes enhanced level of elements which are required for plant function such as plant growth. These may be provided in elemental or compound form. There may be provided as dry components of the regenerative composition or diluted with water.
Table 1 below shows the general required levels of some main macronutrient elements in soil.
Table 1
Nutrient Mg/litre Kg/Hectare Nitrogen (N) *100 -250 (N) Phosphorus (P) 16 -25 "20 -80 (P2O5))) Potassium (K) 121 -180 '0 -60(K2O) Magnesium (Mg) 51 -100 *"*40 -100 (MgO) Sulphur (5) 16 -25 ***"20 -80 (S03) *Alltroaen is expressed as Kg N/ha ** Phosphorus is given as Phosphate P205/i7a and no P./ha " Potassium is given as Potash K20/ha and not K/ha tt" Magnesium is given as Magnesium Oxide MgO/ha and not Mg/ha **"** Sulphur is given as Kg 303/ha not Kg S/ha Preferably the level of elemental nutrients in the regenerative composition e.g. macronutrient are such as to bring the level in the soil after decommissioning to at least the levels. The Table 2 shows a rough idea of the minimum amounts of some macronutrient elements in the soil
Table 2
Nutrient Ka/Ha Kg/m2 Grams/m2 As % Per Tonne Re-of RC Agent Powder (Kg) N 100 0.01 10 Oa 500 Phosphate P205 20 0.002 2 10 100 Poi ash K20 20 0.002 2 10 100 Magnesium Oxide MgO 40 0.004 4 20 200 SOS 20 0.002 2 10 100 The fifth column shows the percentage dry weight of compounds in the regenerative composition in solid form (powdered or granulated). For N this may be the total molar amount or the amount of (in the form of) a nitrate or nitrite, and or an ammonium. compound.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may include or comprise a minimum level of a nitrate, nitrite, or ammonium compound of 25% preferably 50% by dry weight.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may include or comprise a minimum level of phosphate of 4% preferably at least 10% by dry weight.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may include or comprise a minimum level of potash of 4% preferably at least 10% by dry weight.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may include or comprise a minimum level of magnesium oxide or a salt of magnesium of 8% preferably 25% by dry weight.
The regenerative composition/agent/reagent may include or comprise a minimum level of a sulphur, a sulphate or sulphite of 4% preferably 10% by dry weight.
In summary primary elemental macronutrients (other than the structural nutrient elements of carbon hydrogen and oxygen) are nitrogen N, phosphorus P, potassium K. The levels (dry) of these in elemental or compound form in the dry regenerative composition are preferably greater than 50, 10, and 10 % by weight respectively.
Secondary elemental macronutrients are calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) Sulphur (S). The levels (dry) of these in the dry regenerative composition in elemental or compound form are preferably greater than 5, 5 and 10 % by weight respectively.
Other elemental (micro) nutrients required by plants to a lesser degree include Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mb), Zinc (Zn), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel (Ni). The levels (dry) of these in the dry regenerative composition in elemental or compound form are preferably in each case greater than 1% by weight respectively. Micronutrients (trace elements) Include: Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (CI) and are required in smaller amounts than the macronutrients In liquid form, the regenerative compositions may contain the above nutrient levels where the equivalent dry weights may be diluted in water up to 100 parts water for 1 part element/compound thereof.
The make-up (composition) of the regenerative composition may be selected to be dependent on the characteristics of the original soil. The term "characteristics" here refers to the pH and/or the levels of each or any of the nutrients listed 25 above.
In preferred examples the mix in the regenerative composition or the regenerative agent/reagent may be such that the quantities and types of compounds or elements therein, bring the soil back to, or close to its natural pH status, and at least if not preferably an enhanced nutrient status. So examples of the methodology enhance agricultural soils and return them to their original pH and nutrient status.
Two stage process In refined embodiments the regenerative agents/composition may be added in a two stage process.
In a first stage or phase one or more of the following (phase 1) agent/reagents are added to the stabilisation layer (binder/soil) mix that is added to the spoil first.
This or these reagent(s) may be selected from the following: Nahcolite; Iron Sulphate, Aluminium Sulphate; Gypsum. These may be added at 1% to 10% by Weight (1 and 10% weight regenerative composition to stabilisation layer portion).
In the second stage (phase 2) one or more of the following further agents are added to the stabilisation layer. This or these may be selected from the following; dilute nitric acid; dilute phosphoric acid; dilute hydrochloric acid; dilute sulphuric acid. One or a combination of the above may be added at 2 moles per Kilogram (of stabilisation layer) to 0.05 moles per Kilogram of stabilisation layer (2 mol/Kg to 0.05 mol/Kg) In preferred embodiments, the soil at the site may be therefore analysed (e.g., prior to the commissioning stage) such that the nutrient status and pH or the original soil can be determined. In examples the characteristics of soil can be determined outside the site under laboratory conditions. Homogenous samples may be taken from the soil (e.g. up to the depth of the stabilisation layer and the samples granulated. The granules may preferably be crushed to achieve an upper size fraction defined by 100% passing 2mm.
Preferably the nutrient status in such analysis is considers the levels of one or more of the following: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur and calcium.
Preferably the nutrient status is such that the analysis considers the amount of nitrogen or nitrogen containing compounds in the soil (ammonium or nitrates/nitrites) Additionally, or alternatively the section of the regenerative 35 composition/agents/reagents is based additionally or alternatively on the composition of the original soil based on the known type of soil without testing.
For example, DEFRA publish indices of soil, shown in the table of figure 1. Data of the characteristics of the original soil (such as the DEFRA classification) may be readily available for a certain region or area.
In example the binder used in the commissioning process may be option with or without (original) soil data /characteristics to determine (select) the regenerative composition/agent/reagent.
In enhanced aspects the ground may be analysed (alternatively or additionally) after the stabilisation process (that is after the mixing soil with the binder) in the commissioning process i.e. before the surfacing in the commissioning stage or after stripping any surface layer in the decommissioning stage. This will give an idea of the nutrient and pH status of the binding (stabilisation) layer. Again, homogenous samples may be taken from the stabilisation layer i.e. the binder-soil mixture and the samples granulated. The granules may preferably be crushed to achieve an upper size fraction defined by 100% passing 2mm. Again, the results can be used or selection of the regenerative composition/agent/reagent.
So in general the composition of the regeneration composition or the section of the regenerative agent/reagent(s) may be determined from a) the soil characteristics (whether that be inferred from the geographical location or testing); and/or b) the type of binder used in the commissioning process, and/or the binder/soil stabilisation layer characteristics.
Examples
A virgin soil was tested and had a pH of 7.0 and P, K and Mg amounts of 4.0,30, and 43 mg/I respectively equating to a DEFRA Index of 0, 0 and 1 respectively.
The soil was stabilized using proprietary binder Geobind which increased the pH of the stabilisation (soil/binder) layer to a pH of close to 11.
After application of FeSO4 soil/binder layer the pH was reduced to 5.8 and P, K and Mg amounts of 3.2, 76, and 91 mg/I respectively equating to a DEFRA Index of 0, 1 and 2 respectively.
After application of Nahcolite the soil pH was reduced to 5.8 and P, K and Mg amounts of 15.2, 87 and 153 mg/I respectively equating to a DEFRA Index of 1, 1 and 0 respectively.
The term "nutrient" in the claims should be interpreted as one or more of the following at least: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium sulphur, nitrogen, calcium, iron, boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt and nickel.
The term "substantially enhanced levels compared to that found in the soil" in terms of nutrients listed should be interpreted as such and to mean that the amount of the elemental nutrients in the regenerative compound in parts per million (PPM) is higher than that found in the soil the regenerative composition is applied to. Depending on the quantity of regenerative composition applied this may be anything from greater than 30% more, greater than 100% more or several times more e.g. more than 5 times, more than 50 times or more than 200 times the amounts of each nutrient.
The term "applying" can be understood as "adding to" and or "mixing with". The term "agent" hereinafter should be understood as meaning both agent and/or reagent.

Claims (22)

  1. CLAIMS1. A method of decommissioning an area of ground, said area of ground being commissioned by a process which included a stabilisation step comprising application of a binder to the ground soil to provide a stabilisation layer, said method including the step of applying one or more regenerative compositions or regenerative agents to said stabilisation layer.
  2. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 including the prior step of removing or stripping a surface layer, said surface layer having been put down in the commissioning of said ground after said stabilisation step.
  3. 3. A method as claimed in claims 1 or 2 where said binder includes a composition comprising substantially of Ordinary Portland Cement, calcium oxide, fly ash, blast furnace slag, or silica.
  4. 4. A method as claimed in claim 1 to 3 where the composition or regenerative agent(s) is selected dependent on the pH and/or nutrient characteristics of the soil.
  5. A method as claimed in claim 4 where the composition or the regenerative agent(s) is determined additionally on the basis of the binder composition.
  6. 6. A method as claimed in claims 1 to 5, where the composition or the regenerative agent (s) is selected dependent on the pH or nutrient characteristics of the soil/binder stabilisation layer.
  7. 7. A method as claimed in claim 1 to 5 where the regenerative composition or the regenerative agent(s) is selected on the basis of the pH and /or nutrient characteristics of the soil or soil/binder stabilisation level.
  8. 8. A method as claimed in claim 1 to 7 where the regenerative composition or the regenerative agent(s) is such as to regenerate the subsequently treated soil to the original pH level thereof and/or to the original or higher level of one or more nutrients.
  9. 9. A method as claimed in claim 1 to 8 where the regenerative composition or the regenerative agent(s) includes a pH regulator.
  10. 10. A method as claimed in claims 1 to 9 where the regenerative composition or the regenerative agent includes or comprise substantially of one or more of the following compounds: calcium sulphate, aluminium sulphate, ferric/ferrous sulphate or potassium sulphates and gypsum.
  11. 11. A method as claimed in claims 1 to 10 where the regenerative composition or agent substantially includes or comprises of one or more of the following constituents: nitric acid, phosphoric acid, elemental sulphur, elemental phosphorus, urea coated sulphur, urea coated phosphorus.
  12. 12. A method as claimed in claims 1 to 11 wherein said regenerative composition or agent is in dry form.
  13. 13. A method as claimed in claims 1 to 12 wherein said regenerative composition or agent is mixed in with the stabilisation layer at a rate of between 1 and 10% weight regenerative composition to stabilisation layer portion.
  14. 14. A method as claimed in claim 1 to 13 wherein said compounds or constituent are present in the regenerative composition in aggregate quantities of more than 0.5%, preferably more than 5%, preferably more than 50%.
  15. 15. A method as claimed in claims 1 to 14 wherein said regenerative composition includes nutrients including one or more of the following elements in elemental or compound form: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium sulphur, nitrogen, calcium, iron, boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt and nickel.
  16. 16. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 wherein there are at least two regenerative composition and/or agents and these are added in a two-step process where in a fist stage a first regenerative composition or agent is applied to the stabilisation layer and in a second step a second regenerative composition or agent is applied thereafter to said stabilisation layer.
  17. 17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or 16 wherein said first regenerative composition or agent includes or comprises one or more of the following: Nahcolite; iron Sulphate, Aluminium Sulphate; Gypsum.
  18. 18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein said first regenerative composition/agent is applied at 1% to 10% by weight regenerative composition to stabilisation layer portion.
  19. 19. A method as claimed in claim 16 to 18 wherein said second regenerative composition or agent includes or comprises one or more of the following: dilute nitric acid; dilute phosphoric acid; dilute hydrochloric acid; dilute sulphuric acid.
  20. 20. A method as claimed in claim 16 to 19 wherein said second regenerative composition/agent is applied at 2 moles per kilogram of stabilisation layer to 0.05 moles per kilogram of stabilisation layer (2 mol/Kg to 0.05 mol/Kg)
  21. 21. A method as claimed in claim 15 where said regenerative composition includes said nutrients in substantially enhanced levels compared to that found in the soil.
  22. 22. A method as claimed in claims 1 to 21 wherein said ground is any one of the following: temporary access road; temporary compound; temporary working platform (such as a piling mat or crane pad); temporary laydown area; temporary car park; temporary footpath, temporary works entrance.
GB1907222.2A 2019-05-22 2019-05-22 Method of decommissioning a temporary structure Expired - Fee Related GB2584126B (en)

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WO2022090272A1 (en) 2020-10-26 2022-05-05 Soil Science Limited Binders for soil stabilization and reclamation

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CN113174803A (en) * 2021-04-27 2021-07-27 重庆育才工程咨询监理有限公司 Diversion device for highway pavement restoration and pavement restoration method

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CN106220321A (en) * 2016-07-22 2016-12-14 大理州大维肥业有限责任公司 The soil measurement formula fertilizer of a kind of potassium sulfate slow-release compound and preparation method
CN107955624A (en) * 2017-12-07 2018-04-24 上海宝田新型建材有限公司 A kind of saline-alkali soil conditioner and application method
GB2566005A (en) * 2017-07-24 2019-03-06 Geotech Soil Stabilisation Ltd Method for stabilizing soil

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GB2566005A (en) * 2017-07-24 2019-03-06 Geotech Soil Stabilisation Ltd Method for stabilizing soil
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WO2022090272A1 (en) 2020-10-26 2022-05-05 Soil Science Limited Binders for soil stabilization and reclamation

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