SULPHUR ACTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 27

SULPHUR ACTION.

DRAIN PIPES AFFECTED. PROBLEM AT ROTORUA. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, this day. The highly thermal nature of some of the ground through which the trenches for the new stormwater drain"g® system pass, has created some difficulties for borough workmen carrying out the job. Difficulties were not unforeseen and steps are being taken to safeguard pipes as far as possible from the eff?c(s •of thermal manifestations. This is being clone by surrounding the pipes, which are of a special earthenware preparation, with concrete. Sections of concrete removed from thermal ground after having been subjected to its effects for a period of quite thirty years, demonstrate that concrete has very valuable resistant qualities for this purpose. An inspection of the deep cut at present being constructed across Fenton Street shows how heavily impregnated with sulphur this area of .ground is. In places the sulphur is almost solid, while the whole of the soil is heavily sulphurised. Further difficulties have also been encountered in Ertiera Street owing to the presence of "soft ground." In these soft j 'aces it has been found necessary to consolidate sections uround the pipes. In spite of tlit*e obstacles, Iwc-.-av, it is considered that very satisfactory progrese is being made with the work.