Puddle Clay 1

[richardm]

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.

 

[ishvaaag]

See if you find something interesting in the links from search

http://www.google.com/search?hl=es&q=earth+dam+%22clay+liners%22&btnG=B%FAsqueda+en+Google&lr=

 

[DaveVikingPE]

The only reference I know of concerning puddled clay is in the Time-Life book "The Engineer." There's mention of overland canals in England and the pioneer behind the use of puddled clay is quoted "...I know not how it works, but THAT it works..." The book has a 1963 published date. Hope that's of some help.

 

[Rooke]

RichardM

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.

 

[Sean2]

I hope this reply doesn't come too late.

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.

 

[richardm]

Rooke and Sean, thanks for both your contributions. No, it's not too late because those involved are still scratching their chins, wondering which is the best way forward, and the ponds have been inspected by a geotechnical expert who has a lot of experience. Unfortunately, he is working for the client's team rather than the contractor's, so Rooke yes I'd be very grateful for a copy of the specs you mention. My e-mail address is richard.moss@wyg.com

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

 

[Sean2]

I'm sure you are already aware, but please note that GREAT attention MUST be paid to the details of the butyl rubber lining. The details need to be tolerant of expansion and contraction during and following installation.

It IS nice to hear a follow-up on the problem. Thank you for taking the time to post it.

 

[gwbar]

Hi Richardm
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

 

[Mavenius]

Here is a site that has quite a bit of information about volclay:

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

 

[Mavenius]

Oh yeah, here is a place that talks about the diff. ways to actually apply it.

http://www.aquaticsystems.net/leaks.html

_____________________________________________________

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
-Steve Prefontaine