When it comes to the construction and transportation industries, polyurethane is one of the most versatile and flexible materials in the world.
In sewer infrastructure repair, polyurethane has several useful applications. Polyurethane foam can be used to treat inflow and infiltration issues in manholes, pipe joints, laterals, culverts, and outfalls.
How Does Polyurethane Work?
Polyurethane works by entering a space as a liquid and leaving it as a solid that fits exactly.
The material is pumped in as two components that react on contact, or as a single component that reacts with moisture already present in the ground. Either way the liquid travels where water travels — into hairline cracks, through soil pores, around pipe joints — and then expands as it cures. What went in as a liquid becomes a closed-cell solid bonded to everything it touched on the way.
Two properties make that useful underground. The material is waterproof, so it stops the water that is usually the cause of the problem. And it is light, so it fills and supports without adding load to ground that is already struggling to carry what sits on it.
That combination is why the same material is used to lift settled slabs, stabilize loose soil, seal leaking structures and rehabilitate sewer infrastructure.
When it comes to the construction and transportation industries, polyurethane is one of the most versatile and flexible materials in the world. In its various forms, polyurethane has many applications from coatings, sealants, and adhesives to void filling, structural support, and insulation. As such, polyurethane’s use within the construction industry has steadily grown especially in sewer infrastructure repair projects.
In sewer infrastructure repair, polyurethane has several useful applications. Polyurethane foam can be used to treat inflow and infiltration issues in manholes, pipe joints, laterals, culverts, and outfalls. It can also seal off and prevent water intrusion to utility boxes, wet wells, and pump stations. Hydrophobic polyurethanes perform exceptionally well in wet conditions, making it the perfect choice for these types of repairs.
Using polyurethane for infrastructure repair has many benefits. The material is lightweight, affordable, and fast curing. Despite its light weight, this closed-cell foam has strong structural properties. It’s also minimally invasive and environmentally inert. Polyurethane repair projects require zero-excavation, which results in a small project footprint.
Application Process
Polyurethane injection is a trenchless solution used to seal leaks and stabilize soils around sewer infrastructure. The process begins with identifying areas of infiltration, followed by drilling small injection points to access the affected zones. Polyurethane is then injected into the surrounding soil, where it reacts and expands to fill voids, densify loose soils, and form a watertight barrier. This method restores structural support and stops water intrusion without excavation, minimizing disruption and keeping systems in service.
