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Abstract

A process is provided for constructing a fluid impermeable subterranean barrier wall in a permeable earthen material at an earthen surface. The process is initiated by excavating an earthen pit in the permeable earthen material. A gelable slurry is prepared including unconsolidated solids, an aqueous solvent, a crosslinkable polymer, and a polymer crosslinking agent. The unconsolidated solids have a bulk component consisting of a soil or a clay. The unconsolidated solids can also include a number of additive agents which enhance the performance of the gelable slurry, such as density control agents, mixing agents, permeability reduction agents, filtration control agents and strength loss reduction agents. The gelable slurry is placed in the earthen pit and gelled to substantial maturity. The resulting gel binds the unconsolidated solids present in the earthen pit to convert the gelable slurry to a gelled continuum of consolidated solids, which forms the fluid impermeable barrier wall in the earthen pit. In an alternate embodiment, a displaceable slurry formed from a liquid and unconsolidated solids is placed in the earthen pit ahead of the gelation solution. The gelation solution is subsequently placed in the earthen pit to displace at least a portion of the displaceable slurry. The gelation solution gels to substantial maturity in the earthen pit, binding the unconsolidated solids present in the earthen pit and forming the barrier wall.

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First Claim