Waterloo Barrier Inc.
Waterloo Barrier Inc. was established in March 1994 to commercialize a groundwater containment wall technology developed at the Waterloo Centre for Groundwater Research at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. The Waterloo Barrier (R) is formed of steel sheet piling with a specially designed sealable joint that limits lateral migration of groundwater and/or soil gases. The patented specialty piling is manufactured under license by Canadian Metal Rolling Mills in Cambridge, Ontario. The quality assurance/quality control and sealing of the containment wall system is currently carried out by three licensed installers located in Canada and the U.S. Pile driving is generally conducted by local contractors.
Waterloo Barrier Inc. provides technical support to end users and consultants, and manages all aspects of the technology. As of December 2005 the Barrier has been used at more than 65 commercial sites, most of which are located in the U.S. Clients include large chemical and/or manufacturing companies, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and municipal and federal governments.
The Barrier also functions as a water-tight structural wall for excavation of contaminated soils.
Waterloo Barrier Inc. is actively marketing its technology in Canada and the U.S. and is interested in developing international partnerships.
Company Details
Year Established:
1994
Company Information
Robin Jowett
Title:
Manager
Telephone:
(519) 856-1352
Fax:
(519) 856-0759
Email:
Click Here
Products
Environmental Products And Services
Waterloo Barrier (r) Containment Wall.
A containment wall system formed of steel sheet piling with joints that can be sealed after the sheets have been driven into the ground. The Barrier can be installed to prevent the off-site migration of groundwater contaminants or to isolate sites while remedial actions are in progress. The Barrier can also be used to prevent lateral migration of methane gas at landfill sites or as a watertight structural wall for excavations.
It has a high degree of quality assurance and control over its construction. A sealable cavity that is incorporated into the interlocking joint between sheet piles is flushed clean with pressurized water after driving and inspected. Video inspection equipment can be lowered into each clean cavity to provide a permanent visual record. A grouting hose is then lowered to the bottom of the cavity and sealant is injected from bottom to top. Sealants are selected to be chemically compatible with both the site contaminant and groundwater chemistry. Bulk wall hydraulic conductivities of 10-8-10-10cm/s are typically achieved. Because the Barrier is sealed in place in the ground the continuity of the cut-off wall can be verified.
The Barrier is also easily removable where applications are temporary.
Services