SAP Savings Potential in Tunneling
Rapidly solidify wet muck, cut hauling and disposal costs, and keep crews moving with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).
Rapid solidification of tunnel/drill muck to reduce transport costs.
Seamless integration into existing muck conveyance and handling.
Have more questions? Contact a Tunneling SAP Specialist here.
Wet Muck Is Costly—
SAPs Make It Manageable
SAPs Make It Manageable
Tunneling generates saturated muck that’s expensive to move and dispose. Traditional amendments like quicklime can be inefficient and add volume. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) rapidly immobilize water in the muck, creating stackable, compliant solids, often with lower dose rates and fewer truckloads.
How SAPs Reduce Your Costs
Rapid solidification
Captures free liquid quickly, improving handling and disposal.
Lower amendment mass
Minimal dose rates vs. commodity absorbents mean less material added.
Operational efficiency
Faster site turnover, fewer interruptions to conveyance.
Why ZapZorb for Tunneling & Drilling Applications
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High absorption performance: Engineered to rapidly solidify wet soils and drill/tunnel muck.
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Eco- and crew-friendly: Inert, low-toxicity profile; safe handling in typical use.
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Cost-effective dosing: Achieve target solids with minimal amendment rates vs. cementitious/commodity absorbents.
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Fits your process: Easily applied during muck conveyance without disrupting operations.
What Contractors
Typically See
Typically See
- Fewer truckloads from reduced free water and lower amendment mass.
- Faster handling with solid, stackable material.
- Flexible strategies: SAP can also complement quicklime for challenging conditions.
Application Workflow
Where SAP Fits in Your Tunnel Operation
1) Identify wet zones
2) Dose SAP inline or at muck pile
3) Blend/condition
4) Verify pass criteria
5) Load, haul, dispose
The result? Drier material, fewer loads, lower total cost.
FAQ
Zappa Stewart manufactures, supplies, and supports SAP applications—and we know tunneling. We’ll help you tune dose rates, run the calculator, and evaluate SAP-only or blended approaches.
Are SAPs safe to use underground?
Yes—SAPs used here are inert with very low toxicity; standard jobsite PPE is usually sufficient.
Can SAPs replace quicklime?
Often, yes; SAPs can also be blended with quicklime to improve curing and reduce lime usage.
How do I choose a dose?
Start with a bench test; then dial in with field checks and our calculator.
Zappa Stewart is a wholly owned brand of Chase Corporation. To learn more, visit www.chasecorp.com