Since the mid-1990s the technology has been applied to a wide range of industries and environments to address an equally diverse array of technical challenges

1. sm
An Introduction to AquaBlok : ®
A Unique, Patented & Highly Versatile Bentonite-Stone Composite

2. Objectives
 Introduce AquaBlok – the original invention, its history,
and the evolution of associated products
 Discuss key technical advantages – focusing
particularly on VERSATILITY
 Explore various application scenarios – relating
primarily to sealing/containment
 Field preliminary questions

3. BENTONITE: 101
Not Your Average Clay
 Naturally Occurring – weathering volcanic ash
- composed mostly of montmorillonite
- classified by dominant elements (e.g. Na and Ca)
 Known for Swell
- ionic interaction between water and mineralogy create
“shingle effect” when exposed to water
 Recognized for Low Permeability
- used for generations in sealing and water proofing
applications in a broad range of commercial and
environmental settings

4. BENTONITE: 101
Swell + Compaction = Low Permeability
powdered bentonite
with adhesive binder
solid aggregate core
+ =
sodium bentonite crushed limestone AquaBlok® bentonite-stone
powder composite particle

5. Composite Particle System
+
PONDSEAL
TM
ORGANOCLAY
HoleBlok
TM
SALTWATER

6. PONDSEAL
TM
Material Composition
sodium bentonite and adhesive binder
expands when hydrated
average
particle
1/4 - 3/8”
(dry)
solid aggregate (limestone) core
not to scale

7. PONDSEAL PONDSEAL
1 min post time 24 hr post
hydration hydration

8. PONDSEAL
TM
Values & Technical Advantages
 Technically Effective – extreme low permeability a
result of reliable swell and self-compaction
 Offers Targeted Placement – even through water
- will not drift or dissipate, minimal dusting
 Easy to Handle – behaves much like stone aggregate
- installed by hand or using a broad range of standard
construction equipment
- no need to mechanically compact the material
 Durable
- Self-healing (even through drying and re-hydration)
- Self-supported (thanks to internal aggregate core)

9. PONDSEAL
TM
Values & Advantages, cont . . .
 Eco-friendly – comprised entirely of earthen ingredients
- Does not detrimentally alter water chemistry
- Evaluated by EPA in projects throughout US & beyond
 Aesthetically Pleasing – looks like natural clay
 Adds Safety – reduces exposure and manual labor
 Versatile – available in two convenient package sizes to
address a broad range of technical challenges in and
around aquatic environments
THINK “NATURE’S DUCT TAPE” . . .

10. PONDSEAL
TM
Before Hydration time After Hydration
Layer of water
PONDSEAL column
particles
immediately
following
placement
PONDSEAL
sealant
sealant “blanket”
layer
substrate
not to scale

11. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Sealant “Blanket” Lining

12. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
PONDSEAL
substrate
not to scale
sand/gravel lens
Sealant “Blanket” Lining

13. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Sealant “Blanket” Lining

14. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
seep
BEFORE
PONDSEAL
substrate
AFTER barrier
Vertical Barrier Trench Construction
not to scale

15. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Vertical Barrier Trench Construction

16. PONDSEAL
TM
Application Rates
Blanket Application Examples –
(Typical application target: 0.75” – 1.5” dry thickness)
5-lbs./ft2 @ 0.75” dry thickness (500-lbs./100 ft2)
6.9-lbs./ft2 @ 1.0” dry thickness (690-lbs./100 ft2)
10-lbs./ft2 @ 1.5” dry thickness (1,000-lbs./100 ft2)
Vertical Barrier Trench Application Examples –
(Assume 12” of surface soil backfill)
Trench Dimension: 0.5’W x 6’D x 25’L = 5,200-lbs.
Trench Dimension: 1’W x 8’D x 25’L = 14,525-lbs.
*** Bulk density of dry material = ~85 lbs./ft3 ***

17. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
reinforced overflow structure anti-seep plug
repaired muskrat lodge
torn synthetic liner
substrate
remnant tile
Preferential Pathways
not to scale

18. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Reinforcing/Bedding Control Structures

19. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Anti Seep Collar/Plug Installation

20. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Plugging Remnant Field Tiles

21. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Torn/Compromised Synthetic Liner

22. PONDSEAL
TM
Applications & Usage
Repairing/Discouraging Animal Damage

23. Geotechnical Applications
Sink Holes

24. Geotechnical Applications
Anti Seep Collars & Trench Dams

25. Trench Dam Application Rates
W Examples:
3’L x 1’W x 3’H = 810-lbs*
5’L x 1’W x 5’H = 2,250-lbs*
L * Less volume occupied by pipe, example:
10’L x 1.5’W x 8’H dam with 36” pipe
H
bedding = 120 ft3 (trench dam) – 10.6 ft3 (pipe)
= 10,800-lbs – 950-lbs = 9,850-lbs
AquaBlok
*** Bulk density of dry material = 85-90 lbs./ft3 ***

26. Other Geotechnical Applications
 Wastewater Lagoon Linings/2° Containment
 Landfill Applications
 Gas Pipe Sealing
 Stream Bank Stabilization
 Manhole Spacers/Risers

27. PONDSEAL
TM
Packaging Options
50-lb. bags
48 bags/pallet (2,400-lbs.)
Durable 3-ply paper bags
Available singly and by the pallet
Bulk bags
2,400-lb (1cy) per
Water resistant poly with
discharge snout

28. Geotechnical Data
 Dry State Characteristics
 Permeability
 Percent Swell
 Shear Strength
 Erosion Resistance
 Swell Pressure
 Bearing Capacity
 Compaction All testing conducted by
independent, AASHTO-
 Freeze/Thaw Response certified soils lab