Laserfiche WebLink
114 February, 1968 SA 1 <br /> SA 1 <br /> terioration of structural materials. Some of theproducts of organic decompo- <br /> sition are highly corrosive, such as organic acids and hydrogen sulfide gas consi <br /> in the presence of water. Materials such as cinders react with water to form in the <br /> Ga <br /> weak acids which attack metal and can cause deterioration of concrete. Some <br /> industrial wastes are detrimental to the piles and structural materials. the f: <br /> 1r nothir. <br /> Steep is the most seriously affected. In one case, steel pipe was used be- <br /> 'fi neath a one-story building placed on the sanitaryland fill. mock <br /> actions reduced the pH of the material' to approximately 4T The electrical touch <br /> ' Str <br /> resistivity of the soil-fill mixture beneath the structure ranged between <br /> 800 ohms and 3000 ohms per cu cm. (By way of comparison, the research memb <br /> work of the U. polyetl <br /> S Bureau.of Standards indicates that soils are highly corro- v <br /> sive when their electrical resistivity is less than approximately 2000 ohms fill, <br /> per cu cm.) Within a year the galvanizedremov <br /> piping was so badly pitted that most <br /> of it was unserviceable. Because it was under the structure, replacement fill ha: <br /> involved a considerable cost which, incidental) was aid tively, <br /> fill architect and his mechanical engineer. Steel it i by the designing design <br /> g piling driven through sanitary <br /> fills has been subject to severe pitting and deterioration although there is beneat, <br /> no record of their failure from corrosion. In one instance, however, a'steel precau <br /> sheet piling wall was so badly attacked that it was weakened to the point of <br /> partial failure. <br /> The organic acids present in decomposing garbage,wood,and paper inhibit <br /> ,r the setting of portland cement. When concrete is poured in mass, this does <br /> not appear to be destructive. However, when cement is mixed with the soil to <br /> form a soil-cement road base, the organic materials can prevent the develop- <br /> Con, <br /> meet. of the necessary strength in the mixture. Concrete deteriorates rapidly conside <br /> in the presence of the sulfate ion. There are no published records of this irregul <br /> d occurring in sanitary land fills, although it maybe a serious problem in some materia <br /> ' <br /> industrial wastes. The acids• present in many sanitary land fills can cause as autc <br /> surface deterioration of the concrete. If acid concentration is sufficient, the the use <br /> reinforcing steel will be exposed, and thereupon rapid deterioration will Deep e <br /> follow because of the expansion of the corroding metal. earthen <br /> Piping and foundations which are in contact with the waste materials and shovels <br /> with the soils immediately in contact with the waste must be designed for sizes n <br /> resistance to deterioration. Steel piping must be properly wrapped with cavatior <br /> corrosion-resisting coatings. If possible, steel piling should be avoided unless A ma <br /> it is encased in concrete within the fill. Concrete piling should be adequately As soon <br /> protected by a liberal cover of reinforcing steel with high-density concrete vated an <br /> ing prof <br /> and, where necessary, sulfate-resisting cement utilized. <br /> Gas Generation.--Gases are generated by organic decomposition and, in An exca <br /> rare cases, by chemical reactions within the fill. The principal gas formed had rep <br /> by biologic decomposition is methane, although, in some cases, hydrogen work in <br /> sulfide is produced in the early stages of decay. Because of the porous nature of the we <br /> of the' fill, gas will accumulate within it and slowly escape through the soil In on. <br /> cover. There are usually numerous pockets and openings in and around strut- fide in <br /> tures where the gases may accumulate. and present a serious explosion hydroger. <br /> hazard. Gas accumulation in the soil can have a poisoning effect on landscape strong tk <br /> vegetation. In fact, stunted vegetation can be an indication of gas release. In Found <br /> one case, the presence of gas killed expensive shrubbery which was placed obstructi <br /> around a structure. Finally, gas in a fill can present a health hazard. In one tion is c <br /> instance, the occupants of the first floor of a small apartment building on altogethe <br /> -sanitary land fill developed a sickness which could not be diagnosed. After blasting <br /> ing sligI <br /> : a <br />