Reinforced Earth Caps over Soft Industrial Sludges
The construction of earthen caps over industrial sludges presents many challenges, most of which are related to the inherently soft, low shear strength nature of the sludge. Successfully placing men, equipment and fill material over sludges that often will not support a man’s weight requires both engineering calculation and judgment. The challenge is further increased by the sensitive nature of most sludge, resulting in an ever changing and weakening material. Failure to accurately determine the shear strength of the sludge, and to accommodate its sensitive nature, has led to dramatic cap failures endangering both workers and equipment.

SES engineers have extensive experience in working with a wide variety of industrial sludges as indicated by the project summaries presented in Appendix B. Since the shear strength and sensitivity of the sludge are the driving elements of a successful design, an accurate determination of these parameters is critical. The techniques developed by SES engineers for the determination of these important parameters is state-of-the-art and can be accomplished safely and quickly at significantly lower cost than conventional techniques.

Kerr McGee Chemical Company
Hamilton, MS

Dow Chemical Company
Freeport, TX

Engelhard Corporation
Attapulgus, GA

Atlas Coporation
Moab, UT

Log Sort Yard
Tacoma, WA

Uranium Tailings Impoundment Closure
Falls City, TX

Conversion of Waste Impoundment to Wetlands
Mobile, AL

WCRSA Lagoon Closure
Greenville, SC

Gas Recovery Closure
International Falls, MN