Swelling Soils Due to Caustic Exposure
Swelling Soils Due to Caustic Exposure
(OP)
We have a 30+ year old caustic tank on a ringwall foundation that appeared to be sinking when compared to the containment concrete that was installed about 10 years ago. Elevation surveys over the last few years revealed that everything is actually "rising". Various points of the slab is "rising" faster than the ringwall which contributed to the illusion that the tank was sinking. Is there some type of remediation that can be done to stabilize the area to prevent further swelling?





RE: Swelling Soils Due to Caustic Exposure
RE: Swelling Soils Due to Caustic Exposure
RE: Swelling Soils Due to Caustic Exposure
RE: Swelling Soils Due to Caustic Exposure
RE: Swelling Soils Due to Caustic Exposure
I assume you are talking about NaOH and the soils are clays. If it's CaOH or KOH, then the chemical is directly interacting with the clays, and the changes will be permanent. If it's NaOH contaminated with K+ or Ca++ ions, then it's accelerating the reaction by raising the pH.
You can treat this by injecting HCl into the soil. Drastic, but it should work -
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See FAQ158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"