Method and device for protecting earth injected materials from contaminants

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for soil stabilization. First, a void is formed in the compromised soil strata. Then, an expandable member containing expandable materials is placed into the void. As the material expands to fill the void, the surrounding soil is compressed. This in situ compression if the soil increases the load bearing capacity and compressive strength of the soil. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for isolating the injected materials from the environment at the injection and/or polymerization point.

1 . A method for stabilizing soil comprising:
 creating a void in compromised soil strata;   placing an expandable member in the void; and,   injecting the expandable member with an expandable material.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of creating a void is selected from the group consisting of forming a hole, inserting a tube, inserting a pipe, drilling, pressing, and vibration intrusions. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable member is selected from a group consisting of a high burst strength bladder, a high temperature bladder, a rubber bladder, a plastic bladder, and a bladders made of at least one synthetic material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable member further comprises at least one blow out membrane. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of injecting the expandable material is controlled by a plug. 
     
     
         6 . A method for stabilizing soil comprising:
 creating a plurality of voids in compromised soil strata;   placing at least one tube in the void;   securing an expandable member to a location in the tube; and,   injecting the expandable member with an expandable material.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the step of creating a plurality of void is selected from the group consisting of forming a hole, inserting a tube, inserting a pipe, drilling, pressing, vibration intrusions and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the expandable member is selected from a group consisting of a high burst strength bladder, a high temperature bladder, a rubber bladder, a plastic bladder, a bladders made of at least one synthetic material and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the expandable member further comprises at least one blow out membrane. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the step of injecting the expandable material is controlled by a plug.