Puddle Clay
Puddle Clay
(OP)
Can anyone help? I've asked this question on our own company intranet site, and on the Institution of Civil Engineers (London) forum, but so far, no response. Now, the world!
I am looking for guidance on the appropriate use of puddled clay as a pond lining material. Internet information of this 200+ year old technique seems to be sparse, and there doesn't seem to be a BS for it :-) We have a situation where two ponds were built last summer and are leaking in a big way. We have been asked to find out why and suggest remedial measures.
I need particularly workmanship specification for installation, and suitable detailing at the rim, where the lining can be exposed to weather.
I'd be grateful for any pointers from anyone with experience of it. Thanks.
I am looking for guidance on the appropriate use of puddled clay as a pond lining material. Internet information of this 200+ year old technique seems to be sparse, and there doesn't seem to be a BS for it :-) We have a situation where two ponds were built last summer and are leaking in a big way. We have been asked to find out why and suggest remedial measures.
I need particularly workmanship specification for installation, and suitable detailing at the rim, where the lining can be exposed to weather.
I'd be grateful for any pointers from anyone with experience of it. Thanks.





RE: Puddle Clay
http://www.google.com/search?hl=es&q=earth+dam+%22clay+liners%22&btnG=B%FAsqueda+en+Google&lr=
RE: Puddle Clay
RE: Puddle Clay
This may be too late, but I have access to specifications for selection of puddled clay and placement. If you want I can E-mail it to you.
RE: Puddle Clay
The fact that the ponds were built in summer may be part of the problem! The clay lining may have dried out before impoundment/filling of the ponds. If that is the case, cracking WILL have occurred, and the cracks may not have been able to heal.
Your query does not state what you determined was the cause of leakage. Before solving the problem you need to know what the problem is. As the ponds were completed recently, is there a risk that the same problem will arise again after your repair?
I suggest that an experienced Geotechnical Engineer be invited to examine the situation, providing the pointers you need.
Good luck.
RE: Puddle Clay
The consensus is that the leakage is resulting partly from the cracking caused by letting the clay dry out last summer, and also by the contractor not bringing the clay to the right plasticity in the first place. A big problem with the location of this site is that there is no source of water other than rain, unless it is trucked in. Appartently they brought some water in when they did the original construction, but possibly not enough. Because of the cost, and the uncertainties of the weather, the contractor is on the verge of committing to a butyl rubber liner as a more economical fix. Which is a pity, but there you go.
Thanks again
Richard
RE: Puddle Clay
It IS nice to hear a follow-up on the problem. Thank you for taking the time to post it.
RE: Puddle Clay
Re Puddled clay
You might want to investigate the use of "volclay" which can be used to seal leaky ponds. It is applied by broadcasting the material on the water surface whereupon it settles and expands. I have forgotten many of the details but info should be found on the net. - Search "Volclay"
gwbar
RE: Puddle Clay
http://www.denare.com.au/repair/rep4.htm
Hope it helps!
_____________________________________________________
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
-Steve Prefontaine
RE: Puddle Clay
http://www.aquaticsystems.net/leaks.html
_____________________________________________________
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
-Steve Prefontaine