Product Info
TerraLoc is a Patented Synthetic Resin Hydrocarbon Ground Glue Binder and is constituted on site. The mixture is added to crushed stone, natural gravels or sand to form a water resistant, elastic and robust layer. It improves the compressive, tensile and shear strength of all gravel and also the abrasion and water resistance of the particulate materials for construction and cable protection. It is insoluble in water and therefore does not leach.
TerraLoc encases HV, MV and LV cables and selected accessories (including bedding and blanket soil layers) to prevent theft. Terraloc does not affect thermal resistivity of surrounding soil or heat dissipation from cable. There is a simple means to remove encasement for instance where the client needs to perform maintenance. It is important to note that TerraLoc is most effective if the whole length of cable is encased and not just portions.
The important point to remember that in any technology, it is relatively easy to provide a product to achieve some kind of result but experience provides insight in what not to do. Cement based products have unique properties and should only be used in those applications where it is well suited such as providing high compressive strengths. It does not adsorb heat well and is difficult to remove in the event of cable repairs or fault tracing. There are some costly water based polymers that could add load bearing properties to soil but soften when wet. These products are not well suited for this application.
Terraloc has been used for many years and experience has adapted its formulation and patents to suit adequate load loading strengths in most kinds of soils especially tailored for this application. In the event that a cable needs to be replaced the treated soil remains pickable and most important is that the excavated soil can be treated again without any remedial requirements. The hardness of the treated soil does require mechanical assistance and time to remove a cable that is not normally available to parties to remove the copper for personal gain.
Terraloc is a unique product that has not been equaled in more than twenty years. It is the only product that could achieve an interim Agrément Certificate (2015/496) for the use of an additive in soils as stabilizer to harden most materials. It is the only product to provide a wet-strength as it is insoluble in water after curing. Due to its ability to harden most kinds of soils its performance remains consistent and is enhanced in sandy soils. It is important to note that the thermal properties of the substrate will remain consistent under most climatic conditions.
TerraLoc Underground Asset Protection meets with the following requirements:
- A Patented Synthetic Resin Hydrocarbon Ground Glue Binder.
- TerraLoc is used for the purposes of creating solid bonded soil and gravel.
- TerraLoc is constituted on site through a chemical reaction by mixing bitumen emulsion, patented synthetic resin, water and a proprietary catalyst.
- The mixture is added to natural gravels or in-situ material to form a water resistant, elastic and robust layer.
- TerraLoc will improve the compressive, tensile and shear strength of the soil, including abrasion and water resistance.
- The product is insoluble in water and will not leach.
- The mixing ratios and application rate (mix design) depend on the site-specific material.
- The Synthetic Resin Hydrocarbon Ground Binder is manufactured under license in South Africa and internationally patented and carries an Agrement SA Certification.
- The Synthetic Resin Hydrocarbon Ground Binder is conductive to heat.
- TerraLoc will not harm the insulation around any cables.
- TerraLoc is environmentally friendly and has a 4 – 8 hour initial curing period with total curing after 24hours
- TerraLoc has a Thermal Resistivity rating that is safe and will not damage cables up to and including 132Kva.
Downloads
TerraLoc Brochure (download pdf)
TerraLoc Ecobond Erosion Control Brochure (download pdf)
TerraLoc proof of concept article 1