GROUND FREEZING ADVANTAGES

How Ground Freezing Works
There are many ways to freeze the ground, including liquid nitrogen, brine, carbon dioxide. We use chilled calcium chloride brine circulating through a series of closed-ended steel pipe in the ground. The -10°F to -20°F brine circulates down along the outside pipe and up through an inside pipe thus freezing the soil around the pipes. It is a completely closed and tested system so that no brine goes into the ground. An illustration of a typical freeze system is shown below.

Our method of ground freezing is reliable and environmentally safe (calcium chloride is non-toxic and sprayed on icy roads in many states). Through numerous equipment improvements, we have made ground freezing more efficient than ever and very cost-effective. Frozen soil can be nearly as strong as concrete and is impermeable, making it ideal for shoring and groundwater cutoff.

Why Ground Freezing?

• Effectively cuts off groundwater.
  - Can eliminate dewatering and/or concrete seals for many projects.
  
• Works in all types of soil and groundwater conditions.
  - Running sand, clay, peat, cobbles, gravel, bedrock.
  
• Very low vibrations and noise during installation.
  - Excellent at sensitive sites near buildings or residences.
  
• Easily installed around and below existing buried utilities.
  - Allows continuous use of existing utilities without disruption of service.
  
• Can be completely removed after construction, if needed.
  - This returns site to pre-construction conditions after the soil is thawed.
  
• Less affected by power outages than dewatering.
  - Unlike dewatered sites, frozen shoring can remain stable for weeks without power.