Soil Stabilization

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In this extremely specialized field of soil stabilization and soil settling repair, chemical grouts are used to fill voids, stabilize soil, and create sub-grade grout barriers below roadways, in earthen dams, coastal seawalls, underground vaults, and tunnel boring operations. A major advantage of chemical grouting is the ability to strengthen existing soils without the need for excavation or disruption of facility operations. As the popularity of trenchless technology continues to grow, engineers and contractors are finding that they can use chemical grout to solve a multitude of problems caused by poor soil or excessive water conditions in Tampa, Florida or anywhere in Florida for that matter.

Prime Resins manufactures polyurethane resins for both permeation and compaction grouting operations. Permeation grouting saturates the soil with an extremely low viscosity resin (Prime Flex 910 injected neat or Hydro Gel SX mixed with water). Compaction grouting results from injecting a two-component, rapid set, highly expansive structural foam (Prime Flex 985 series) which fills voids and compacts soil by its expansive pressure.

Polyurethane Foam Stabilization and Lifting in Florida

Polyurethane is one of many chemical grout injection solutions provided by Foundation Professionals. For instance, concrete slabs that are settling or rocking can be stabilized by injecting structural polyurethane foam into the voids beneath the slabs. Slab lifting can put your foundation back to their original position using the Proprietary Precision Lift process.Soil Stabilization

Slab stabilization is accomplished by injecting structural foam such as Precision Lift 3.5# and Precision Lift 4.75# products manufactured by Prime Resins. The injected mixture flows into the voids and fills the cavities by expanding up to 20 times (depending on formulation). The foam will fully expand and will be traffic ready within 15 minutes (85% strength) of application. Often, it is necessary to lift a concrete highway, warehouse floor slab, or even a building due to settlement. This can be accomplished with a two-step process.

First, voids are filled and loosely compacted soil is consolidated. This can be accomplished by either compaction grouting or permeation grouting. Compaction grouting is a process by which rapidly expanding polyurethane foam (fully expanded in 30 seconds) is injected into the ground. The foam fills voids in the immediate area and compacts the surrounding soil using expansive pressure. However, permeation grouting is a process by which a much slower reacting foam is injected into the soil to permeate the soil matrix prior to expanding. The expansion is limited due to the low levels of catalyst. Once cured, the Prime Flex “glues” the soil particles together. Prime Flex 910 and 920 are the ideal product for permeation grouting.

Second, and after consolidating the subgrade, it is time for the Precision Lift process. For this process, a rapidly expanding foam is injected directly beneath the slab in short bursts. By speeding up the reaction with heat and by controlling the amount of material injected beneath the slab, we are able to control how much the slab is lifted.

Leak Repair Solutions in Florida

For leak repairs, polyurethane can also be used to stop leaks and fill voids WITHOUT EXCAVATION. Low viscosity injection resins are long-lasting solutions to leaks in manholes, utility vaults, meter boxes, tunnels, storage tanks, clarifiers, aeration basins, lift stations, pump stations, catch basins, elevator pits, below-grade walls, equipment pits, lateral connections, mainlines, dams, channels, flumes, swimming pools, concrete basements, and many other areas requiring waterproofing.

Soil StabilizationThe two types of leak repair resins we offer consist of hydrophilic and hydrophobic products. Hydrophilic grouts readily mix with water and seek out water to get an excellent “bite” into the pores of wet concrete. This is important when trying to seal a crack in a wet environment. Hydrophilic grouts are used to stop leaks through cracks and joints in underground structures. When cracks or joints open and close with temperature changes, a tight water seal and bond is maintained due to the flexibility of the hydrophilic grout. Hydrophobic grouts are typically used to fill voids and stabilize soils due to their low viscosity, high expansion rate, and ability to set up under wet conditions without diluting. When injected into wet loose soils, it repels water by expanding and filling voids, densifying the surrounding soils in the process. Hydrophobic material is virtually unaffected by fluctuation in the moisture content and retains its strength, size, and impermeability under almost all soil conditions. Contact our experts to discuss any of your specific needs.

Our experienced personnel will assist you with your soil stabilization and soil settling repair issues caused by organic soils, swelling clays, poor compaction, improper footing embedment, and erosion or runoff. Please contact any of our experts to discuss your specific needs. We look forward to working with you and being a part of your team. To learn more about foundation basics click here.