Method and apparatus for preventing mud slides
US4671701A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02D17/205
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Method and apparatus for preventing mud slides comprising determining an area of soil to which to apply heat to evaporate water accumulation therein; determining, as a function of water drainage and water accumulation, a desired rate of water evaporation to maintain rigidity of the soil; and applying the determined amount of heat to the soil thereby to prevent mud slides. A series of electrical heating units are deployed strategically in the soil, and are energized by controlled amounts of energy in accordance with the level of a feedback signal from respective sensors located in the respective heating units. Mud slides may be prevented by determining a specific pattern in the area subjected to mud slides in which to deploy a series of heating units so as to form a rigid barrier which holds in place compliant soil in proximity to the rigid barrier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.