POLYMER CONCRETE SET TO TOUGHEN TUNNELS

This brief article describes a new material which can be pumped as a fluid and which solidifies in water. The material, called, Aquafalt, is a composite of bitumen, cement, and a polymer that absorbs water. It is transported as two liquids: the first being a mixture of bitumen emulsion and cement, and the second the water absorbing polymer. These are mixed just before injecting. In contact with water, the mixture expands and solidifies, pressing itself into cavities that ordinary infill materials would leave empty. The manufacturers claim that this new material has potential as a waterproof shock-absorber for tunnels and dams. They also believe it will be better at absorbing the shocks of earthquakes. The first practical application of the material may be in the construction of a tunnel across Tokyo Bay.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02624079
• Corporate Authors:

  IPC Magazines Limited

  Holborn Group, King's Reach Tower, Stamford Street
  London SE1 9LS,   England 
• Authors:
  • Cross, M
• Publication Date: 1990-4-21

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 32
• Serial:
  • NEW SCIENTIST
  • Volume: 126
  • Issue Number: 1713
  • Publisher: REED BUSINESS INFORMATION LTD
  • ISSN: 0262-4079

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Absorption; Bitumen; Cement; Composite materials; Polymers; Seismicity; Shock (Mechanics); Tunnels
• ITRD Terms: 6758: Absorption; 4963: Bitumen; 4758: Cement; 9005: Composite; 7481: Polymerization; 5731: Seismic; 5471: Shock; 3374: Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00605910
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 31 1991 12:00AM