Those of you that have been working with geotechnical polyurethanes for a long time have seen the product evolve dramatically. The applications have advanced beyond the lifting of a sidewalk or driveway fulfilling the imaginations of engineers and contractors across the globe. It’s a common story amongst our customers, that when they conduct lunch and learns, the engineers, building owners, cities, and general contractors are impressed by the broad range of applications that polyurethane can be used.
The adaptability of geotechnical polyurethanes provides contractors, cities, and government agencies with the ability to install structural systems that conform to the space within hours. Whether filling voids, creating uniformity in gaps and crevices, or providing stability for high-risk areas (such as the image shown below), the product allows engineers and designers to think outside of the box on how to get an area stabilized quickly and cost-effectively. Here are a few examples of creative applications of Geotechnical Polyurethanes.
Cavity Filling
Prepping areas where large structural voids are present can be a headache, but polyurethane has been being adopted to help engineers and contractors overcome the challenges of structural integrity, construction timelines, materials to be used, etc. Here are some examples:
Louisville Stormwater Overflow Cavity Fill
In Louisville, KY a large pit was having problems with substantial voids in the walls after large chunks of rock fell out of place and into the pit. After consulting NCFI, the contractor used Strata-Fill 24-023 to fill these voids totaling approximately 4,000 cubic feet so the project could proceed with minimal interruption. Click here to read the full case study.
EagleLIFT Oroville Dam Road Stabilization
This project is an excellent example of how geotechnical polyurethanes can help feed engineer’s creativity and love for problem solving. In 2017, the collapse of the Oroville Dam spillway in California due to heavy rainfall was the center of national news. Along with the compromised spillway, a portion of the maintenance road leading to the dam had also failed due to a shear cliff wall that had collapsed. Since there wasn’t an effective method for building a base to support the new road, USACE worked with EagleLIFT to build a platform of polyurethane to build the road from. EagleLIFT formed a 8ft high by 22ft wide by 8ft deep structure using the Strata-Fill™ 24-023 low-exotherm polyurethane. The goal was to create a solid structure that filled the cavity and that a geogrid wall could be built vertically from. USACE was able to rebuild the service road from this new base and saved months in construction time when there was no real solution available.
Wyoming Natural Gass Pipeline Riser Stabilization
Pipelines use risers which are vulnerable to axial displacement due to the high pressure and sudden directional changes. LOENBRO took an innovative approach and used Strata-Fill 24-023 to stabilize their pipeline, resulting in a highly stabile pipeline that is easier to service and expected to have longer lasting integrity. Click here to read the full case study.
Richmond Culvert Sealing
Underground infrastructure such as sewers, culverts, and other underground utilities are necessary for a lot of our daily routines but over time they can sometimes run into issues. A common problem a lot of underground infrastructure runs into is soil destabilization and voids. These can be caused by water and erosion over time. Occasionally this can cause leaks, buildup, and loss of structural integrity. Thankfully, polyurethane can efficiently help remedy this issue quickly, cost-effectively, and without excavation.
The City of Richmond was planning a major roadway expansion when they were roadblocked by severe soil loss in the joints of their system of culverts in the area. They then contracted SlabJack Geotechnical to inject TerraThane 24-042 through the walls of the culvert to fill the voids, stabilize the soils, and seal the joints to prevent future soil loss. Click here to read the full case study.
