AquaBlok Used to Isolate New Combined Sewer Overflow in Full-Strength Sea Water

SHORELINE, Wash. - Sept. 11, 2018 - PRLog -- AquaBlok, Ltd. is pleased to report the successful application of their saltwater-compatible, bentonite-based sealing material, AquaBlok, in an anti-seep collar project in Shoreline, WA, a full-strength seawater environment.

AquaBlok, a composite particle consisting of crushed aggregate, polymer, and bentonite, swells when hydrated and forms a flexible, but cohesive, low-permeable seal. Hydraulic conductivity of 5x10^-7 or higher can be achieved without mechanical compaction. AquaBlok was chosen for this project, and several municipalities, including the United States EPA (USEPA), have approved the material, due to its ability to:

- Provide a low-permeable seal without mechanical compaction
- Provide reliable, targeted placement directly through the water
- Remain pliable after hydration

In Shoreline, AquaBlok was used to isolate a newly-installed combined sewer overflow in full-strength seawater. The objective was to prevent water from using the pipe as a preferential pathway for contaminants, as well as provide a neutral zone between the pipe and the surrounding hydrogeolocial conditions.

A coffer dam was used to isolate the pipe from surrounding soil so that AquaBlok could be applied in lifts. Each layer was hydrated to ensure hydraulic conductivity.

Since completion of the project, the anti-seep collar has shown no signs of failure and is functioning as intended.

AquaBlok, Ltd.
AquaBlok, Ltd. uses a patented coating technology to manufacture composite materials. AquaBlok is used in a range of geotechnical sealing applications, including pond and basin construction and rehabilitation, anti-seep collars and trench dams, cut-off walls, levee and dam construction and repair, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.aquablok.com or call 419-825-1325.