Reinforcement and insulation of earth dams

Polyurethane grouting systems and grouting technologies are recently successfully applied at water constructions in flood areas. These constructions are strongly effected by destructive strengths caused by the flowing water. Water constructions in water courses or protective dams suffer from the effects of the water flow and permanently varying groundwater table level. Negative effects are also caused by biological and chemical contamination of water. In case of flooding, damages of the objects can be catastrophic.

Situation, water-gate Határmenti, River Zagyva:
During the time of catastrophic floods on the Tisza River, which occurred from February to March 2001, intensive water seepages occurred around the Határmenti water-gate on the Zagyva River by the town of Szolnok. The dam contains two concrete units with openings of 120x120 cm. Intensive seepages threatened the stability of the dam. When 3rd grade of the flood intensity announced , only the service personal can be present at the dam. Performance of works and entry of unauthorized persons can be allowed only on a basis of a special permit. In addition due to the floods, a state of danger was pronounced in Hungary. In these complicated circumstances, we were asked to give an immediate proposal for insulation of the dam body in the surrounding of the water-gate. The proposal was elaborated within 2 days. Insulation by outside grouting, using pushed-in grout needles at the water-side of the dam, was proposed.

Realization of the grouting works:
Permit for the works was issued by the Tisza River Administration Authority in Szolnok only for 1 day (March 28, 2001). Works were accomplished in cooperation of Czech and Hungarian companies.

Description of works:
Works were launched at 7.00 AM. After preparation of the technical equipment, grout needles were pushed in. Pushing in of the 1st needle was followed by immediate start of the grouting works. In total, 9 grouting needles were made. Grouting was done stepwise. Complete stopping of water seepages was reached at 17 PM. Works were successfully finished. In total, 600 kg of Geopur 082/350 polyurethane resin material was used. This successful application, under emergency conditions, resulted in gaining of several other projects.