An innovative way for the construction of PRB’s

The concept of permeable reactive barriers (PRB) is being considered with increasing interest for polluted groundwater remediation, as an alternative to conventional physical barriers. The construction of a PRB using the excavation/backfill concept is generally difficult and expensive. A new approach to the problem examines the application of high-pressure water jets for the creation of this kind of barriers. The papers deals with the research activity being carried out at DIGITA’s Waterjet Laboratories and the results obtained during a study aimed at evaluating the volumes of soil involved in the process as a function of the operating parameters. Then the envisaged technology for the construction of reactive barriers or curtains is described. In conclusion some considerations concerning the industrial application and the economic feasibility of the method are reported