PROCESS OF ELECTROCHEMICAL STRENGTHENING OF ROCK Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: mining industry, driving of underground workings in flooded unstable rock, strengthening of ground in foundations of buildings and structures. SUBSTANCE: in correspondence with invention strength index and specific electric resistance of specimens of rock saturated with strengthening solution of adopted composition and concentration of it in process of hardening of solution are measured. Interrelation between them is established. On completion of electroosmotic pumping under pressure electric pickups are placed between electrodes-injectors and effective specific electric resistance of rock mass is measured. Change of strength of rock is evaluated by established dependence. Mining and construction operations start after rock mass achieves required level of strength. If required level of strength is achieved before planned time more than 20% faster then less concentrated solutions are employed at next sections, lesser level of current density or shortened periods of electric treatment are used. If time necessary for rock mass to achieve required level of strength exceeds planned period by more than 20% repeat pumping is needed and operation mode is corrected in backward direction. Electrodes-injectors are utilized in the capacity of electric pickups. EFFECT: shortened construction period, reduced labor input, consumption of electric energy and usage of materials, exclusion of presence of weak zones in strengthened rock mass. 3 cl, 7 dwg, 2 tbl