SO WHAT IS TERRA-3000®?
TERRA-3000® - An Introduction
TERRA-3000® is a liquid form high concentrate, water-soluble ion exchanger used for ground stabilisation and solidification. Every soil particle possesses the natural characteristics required that enable it to be petrified. Under natural conditions, this process requires an extremely long time frame and sustained high pressure to occur. Treating clay based soils with TERRA-3000® significantly accelerates this natural petrification process. TERRA-3000® treated soils possess far higher load-carrying capacity and tightness. TERRA-3000® is not a new product, but it is relatively new to Australia. It is actually over 30 years old, and over this period it has achieved for itself a solid reputation throughout Europe, Russia and Latin America.
TERRA-3000® - A Short Technical Description
TERRA-3000® can be briefly described as an “Amine Compound Soil Stabiliser that facilitates an Electro-Physical reaction". Amines are derivatives of Ammonia [the odour that is emitted when TERRA-3000® is diluted during treatment]. The term “Electro-Physical” refers to the actual reaction that needs to be triggered once the soil has been mixed with TERRA-3000®. The ion-exchange [the “Electro”] is set off by heavy static compaction [the “Physical”], which is usually created by the use of a heavy roller.
TERRA-3000® - So How Does It Work?
TERRA-3000® works as a catalyst on soil particle surfaces. When used properly, it significantly reduces the surface tension of the water around the soil particles, so that the barrier film surrounding these particles is dispersed. The result is that the treated soil particles can then associate [or compact] much closer than normal. TERRA-3000® irreversibly changes both the chemical and physical properties of soil particles to enable them to exhibit much higher strengths and far better densities than ever possible with untreated soil particles. The future water absorption properties of treated soil particles are basically taken away by treating them with TERRA-3000®. Their natural ability to support the capillary action of liquid or moisture is completely broken down, or in some cases fully eliminated.
TERRA-3000® actively affects the pore and micro-pore range of the soils boundary surface. It heavily reduces the natural capillary discharge properties of the soil by breaking the detention water film open around the soil fine. Once properly triggered by heavy static pressure, TERRA-3000® works in the soil electro-physically [via an ionic-exchange]. The end result is an agglomeration of fines and the complete petrifying of parts of the treated soil.
By locking the capillaries, the soils permeability is heavily reduced. This leads to a highly increased resistance of the treated soil against water or moisture absorption, which prevents the swelling and shrinking behaviour normally associated with clay based soils. Treated soils resistance to frost is also highly increased.
TERRA-3000® Is NOT A Binder
TERRA-3000® is not a binder like cement, lime, asphalt or salt. Treated soils or sub-base layers are unbound and will still maintain and exhibit excellent flexibility properties without cracking, but at the same time still retain their very high strengths and densities. This is an enormous advantage over any traditionally bound pavement method, all of which are prone to cracking when put under high stresses.
TERRA-3000® treatment is a once-off, permanent and irreversible process. TERRA-3000® treated soils also continue to increase in strength over time.
TERRA-3000® is moderately acidic [pH = 6], and has an ammonia-like odour. It is a highly engineered and complex organic compound that is completely harmless to the environment, groundwater, livestock, flora and fauna.
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