Fluid Migration in Utility Trenches

[SanEnr1]

I am doing research for a paper regarding fluids (either liquids or gasses) that follow utility trenches after construction is complete. I have seen groundwater follow porous stone bedding materials downgradient and volatiles follow the same type material upgradient where the fluid is then released into the environment.

If anyone has experience regarding this topic or has read other papers on the issue, I would like to hear the story of the problem and how it was resolved.

Thank you.

 

[dicksewerrat]

to stop the migration, a cut off wall has to be constructed in the trench. You can do this during construction with 'low density' fill or after backfilling using a cementious grout pumped in under pressure. what you are trying to do is either fill all the vooids in the soil for some undermined lenght of trench or place a concrete plug in the trech.

 

[sc]

I've seen it with sufficient levels of water ingress that it has actually collapse a major drianage line (1500mm dia. RCP) over a period of 10 years due to high salt content in the soil.

No easy fix avaliable apart from upping the specs on the pipe or swapping to a material that doesnt reaction to the saline enviro.


regards

sc