Polyurethane in Infrastructure Repair

Foamjacking is a popular solution for soil stabilization, void-filling, and concrete-raising. In this article, we’ll examine how foamjacking is used in infrastructure repair applications.

Foamjacking has become an increasingly popular solution for soil stabilization, void-filling, and concrete raising. This process, which involves injecting specially formulated polyurethane foam into soils beneath concrete slabs, has a wide variety of applications from foundation and sidewalk repair to roadway and sewer infrastructure. In this article, we’ll examine how foamjacking is used in these types of infrastructure repair applications.

What Makes Foamjacking a Good Solution for Infrastructure Repair?

Prior to the advancing popularity of foamjacking, traditional infrastructure repairs were time consuming, messy, labor-intensive, and disruptive processes. Foamjacking offers the advantages of being a quick, cost-effective, non-invasive, and minimally disruptive process.

Foamjacking is a minimally disruptive and non-invasive process, requiring no excavation. Dime-sized holes are drilled, and the polyurethane material is injected. Once the process is complete, the small holes are patched and often barely noticeable. The polyurethane foam mixture is capable of traversing through soil taking the paths of least resistance, deeply penetrating, and binding with weak soils to fill voids and create a dense, stable foundation. Unlike soil on its own, the polyurethane solution will not erode and is resistant to moisture.

The polyurethane expands to fill cracks and voids in all directions. The material is also incredibly lightweight, preventing it from sinking into the ground or adding additional weight. Polyurethane foams also retain their shape once cured, allowing the material to create a seal around leaking pipes. Because polyurethane foam materials are resistant to moisture and freezing temperatures, it works especially well in sewer infrastructure applications, as well as roadways, bridges, and similar structures.

Foamjacking is commonly used in the following types of infrastructure repair:

Roadway and Railway Rehabilitation

Over time, paved roadways can sink and crack, creating hazardous conditions for the vehicles that travel on them. Foamjacking is commonly used to repair and stabilize roadways when these events occur. The polyurethane material is injected through dime-sized holes and rods to penetrate deep into the soil below the paved surface. The material goes to work expanding and packing in the soils, binding with loose soil to increase overall density. After filling the voids, the material continues to expand and restores the paved surface back to its original level. The polyurethane infused soil also restores to the roadway’s load-bearing capacity and extends its life. Similar to roadway applications, foamjacking can also be applied to railway systems to stabilize, densify, and realign beds and tracks

Sewer Infrastructure Rehabilitation

Foamjacking is a powerful solution when it comes to sewer infrastructure repairs. Polyurethane injection is effective for sealing leaky joints and cracks in lateral lines, culverts and manholes, as well as void filling and stabilizing support soils around the structures. The process is fast, effective, and highly adaptable to the unique circumstances of sewer infrastructure. Specially formulated polyurethanes have hydrophobic properties that actually repel water, making them ideal solutions for preventing inflow and infiltration problems within sewer systems.

Many NCFI Geo contractors provide foamjacking infrastructure repair solutions. Contact Us so we can connect you to a contractor in your area.