Optimization of clay-polymer mixtures for soil conditioning

Soil modification with soil conditioning chemicals is routinely used in the tunneling practice to improve the excavation process with Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). Aim of the research was to produce a standardizable and intelligent procedure for testing soil mixtures conditioned with polymers and foams and to improve the understanding of the chemical-mechanical interactions. This can contribute for the development of more efficient, economic and environmentally friendly chemicals used in tunneling.