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An Introduction to AquaBlok®

:

A Unique, Patented & Highly Versatile Bentonite-Stone Composite

Objectives

Introduce AquaBlok – the original invention, its history,

and the evolution of associated products

Discuss key technical advantages – focusing

particularly on VERSATILITY

Explore various application scenarios – relating

primarily to sealing/containment

Field preliminary questions

BENTONITE: 101

Naturally Occurring – weathering volcanic ash

- composed mostly of montmorillonite

- classified by dominant elements (e.g. Na and Ca)

Known for Swell- ionic interaction between water and mineralogy create

“shingle effect” when exposed to water

Recognized for Low Permeability- used for generations in sealing and water proofing

applications in a broad range of commercial and

environmental settings

Not Your Average Clay

BENTONITE: 101Swell + Compaction = Low Permeability

sodium bentonite

powder

AquaBlok® bentonite-stone

composite particle

+

crushed limestone

=

solid aggregate core

powdered bentonite

with adhesive binder

Composite Particle System

PONDSEALTM +

ORGANOCLAY

HoleBlokTM

SALTWATER

solid aggregate (limestone) core

sodium bentonite and adhesive binder

expands when hydrated

not to scale

Material Composition

average

particle

1/4 - 3/8”

(dry)

PONDSEALTM

time

PONDSEAL1 min posthydration

PONDSEAL24 hr posthydration

Values & Technical Advantages

Technically Effective – extreme low permeability a

result of reliable swell and self-compaction

Offers Targeted Placement – even through water

- will not drift or dissipate, minimal dusting

Easy to Handle – behaves much like stone aggregate

- installed by hand or using a broad range of standard

construction equipment

- no need to mechanically compact the material

Durable

- Self-healing (even through drying and re-hydration)

- Self-supported (thanks to internal aggregate core)

PONDSEALTM

Values & Advantages, cont . . .

Eco-friendly – comprised entirely of earthen ingredients

- Does not detrimentally alter water chemistry

- Evaluated by EPA in projects throughout US & beyond

Aesthetically Pleasing – looks like natural clay

Adds Safety – reduces exposure and manual labor

Versatile – available in two convenient package sizes to

address a broad range of technical challenges in and

around aquatic environments

THINK “NATURE’S DUCT TAPE ” . . .

PONDSEALTM

Before Hydration After Hydration

substrate

water

column

not to scale

time

PONDSEAL

sealant “blanket”

Layer of

PONDSEAL

particles

immediately

following

placementsealant

layer

PONDSEALTM

Applications & Usage

Sealant “Blanket” Lining

PONDSEALTM

substrate

not to scale

PONDSEALTM

sand/gravel lens

PONDSEAL

Applications & Usage

Sealant “Blanket” Lining

PONDSEALTM

Applications & Usage

Sealant “Blanket” Lining

not to scale

substrate

seep

PONDSEAL

barrier

PONDSEALTM

BEFORE

AFTER

Applications & Usage

Vertical Barrier Trench Construction

Applications & Usage

Vertical Barrier Trench Construction

PONDSEALTM

Application RatesPONDSEAL

TM

*** Bulk density of dry material = ~85 lbs./ft3 ***

Blanket Application Examples –(Typical application target: 0.75” – 1.5” dry thickness)

5-lbs./ft2 @ 0.75” dry thickness (500-lbs./100 ft2)

6.9-lbs./ft2 @ 1.0” dry thickness (690-lbs./100 ft2)

10-lbs./ft2 @ 1.5” dry thickness (1,000-lbs./100 ft2)

Vertical Barrier Trench Application Examples –(Assume 12” of surface soil backfill)

Trench Dimension: 0.5’W x 6’D x 25’L = 5,200-lbs.

Trench Dimension: 1’W x 8’D x 25’L = 14,525-lbs.

substrate

not to scale

Preferential Pathways

PONDSEALTM

remnant tile

reinforced overflow structure

repaired muskrat lodge

Applications & Usage

anti-seep plug

torn synthetic liner

Reinforcing/Bedding Control Structures

Applications & UsagePONDSEAL

TM

Anti Seep Collar/Plug Installation

Applications & UsagePONDSEAL

TM

Plugging Remnant Field Tiles

Applications & UsagePONDSEAL

TM

Torn/Compromised Synthetic Liner

Applications & UsagePONDSEAL

TM

Repairing/Discouraging Animal Damage

Applications & UsagePONDSEAL

TM

Sink Holes

Geotechnical Applications

Anti Seep Collars & Trench Dams

Geotechnical Applications

*** Bulk density of dry material = 85-90 lbs./ft3 ***

bedding

AquaBlok

Examples:

3’L x 1’W x 3’H = 810-lbs*

5’L x 1’W x 5’H = 2,250-lbs*

* Less volume occupied by pipe, example:

10’L x 1.5’W x 8’H dam with 36” pipe

= 120 ft3 (trench dam) – 10.6 ft3 (pipe)

= 10,800-lbs – 950-lbs = 9,850-lbs

L

H

W

Trench Dam Application Rates

Other Geotechnical Applications

Wastewater Lagoon Linings/2° Containment

Landfill Applications

Gas Pipe Sealing

Stream Bank Stabilization

Manhole Spacers/Risers

Packaging OptionsPONDSEAL

TM

50-lb. bags48 bags/pallet (2,400-lbs.)

Durable 3-ply paper bags

Available singly and by the pallet

Bulk bags2,400-lb (1cy) per

Water resistant poly with

discharge snout

Geotechnical Data

Dry State Characteristics

Permeability

Percent Swell

Shear Strength

Erosion Resistance

Swell Pressure

Bearing Capacity

Compaction

Freeze/Thaw Response

All testing conducted by

independent, AASHTO-

certified soils lab