초록 ▼

Systems and methods for protecting a subterranean structure. The method can include, but is not limited to, removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation; depositing an isolation layer above the subterranean structure; and depositing at least a

Systems and methods for protecting a subterranean structure. The method can include, but is not limited to, removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation; depositing an isolation layer above the subterranean structure; and depositing at least a portion of the removed earth, a fill material or both to at least partially cover the isolation layer.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for protecting a subterranean structure, comprising: removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation;mixing water with the removed earth in an amount sufficient to provide a dirt mixture having a reduced shear strength compared to the

1. A method for protecting a subterranean structure, comprising: removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation;mixing water with the removed earth in an amount sufficient to provide a dirt mixture having a reduced shear strength compared to the removed earth alone;depositing a plastic sheet coated with a lubricant and the dirt mixture having the reduced shear strength on the foundation to provide an isolation layer; anddepositing any remaining removed earth, fill material, or both to at least partially cover the isolation layer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subterranean structure is disposed beneath a body of water. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plastic sheet comprises polyethylene, neoprene, or a combination thereof. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the isolation layer extends at least one meter from a perimeter of the subterranean structure. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the subterranean structure comprises a pipeline, a hydrocarbon production equipment, a communication line, an electrical line, tunnels, storage facilities, or any combination thereof. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the pipeline transports oil, gas, chemicals, water, or a combination thereof. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the communication line comprises a telephone line, an internet line, video line, a fiber optic line, or any combination thereof. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the dirt mixture further comprises a softer soil. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the softer soil is mud. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the softer soil comprises clay, peat, silt, or any combination thereof. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the isolation layer comprises a plurality of discrete layers. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the fill material is present, and comprises concrete, crushed concrete, or shell. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the lubricant comprises greases, liquid hydrocarbons, vegetable oils, liquid soaps, powders, or any combination thereof. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the subterranean structure is disposed beneath a body of water and one or more weights are used in the plastic sheet, on the plastic sheet, about the plastic sheet, or a combination thereof to cause the plastic sheet to be neutrally buoyant or negatively buoyant within the body of water. 15. A method for protecting a subterranean structure, comprising: removing earth to provide a recess beneath the surface;depositing a subterranean structure within the recess;depositing a dirt mixture comprising a softer soil, the removed earth, and water to provide an isolation layer, wherein the water is present in the dirt mixture in an amount sufficient to reduce the shear strength of the dirt mixture compared to the removed earth alone, wherein the softer soil is mud; anddepositing any remaining removed earth, fill material, or both above the isolation layer. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising disposing at least a portion of the removed earth, the fill material, or both above the subterranean structure before disposing the isolation layer above the subterranean structure. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the subterranean structure is disposed beneath a body of water. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the subterranean structure comprises a pipeline, a hydrocarbon production equipment, a communication line, an electrical line, tunnels, storage facilities, or any combination thereof. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the isolation layer extends at least one meter from the perimeter of the subterranean structure. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the isolation layer comprises a plurality of layers. 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the isolation layer comprises a plurality of layers and wherein the layers are different.