The polyurethane grout, SealGuard II, was needed to mine forward in this tunnel. The tunnel was in a fault zone, and all the voids were to be filled with concrete. However, when injected, the concrete leaked out of the face. To contain the concrete, polyurethane grout was injected to provide a buffer. SealGuard II reacts is about 3 seconds and produces a rigid foam (900 PSI compression strength). With the concrete contained in its intended location, advancing was able to commence. SealGuard II is manufactured by SealGuard, Inc. and the grouting was performed by Sub-Technical, Inc.
This underground mine, which is 1,100 feet below the surface, mined into a core hole taken from the surface. The core hole was dumping significant amounts of ground water into the mine. To stop the water inflow, a high-pressure probe and polyurethane grout was implemented. Grouting contractor Sub-Technical, Inc. used their specially designed probe to insert into the core hole. The probe contains a port where polyurethane can then be injected to permanently seal it off. The polyurethane used was SealGuard II, which is manufactured by SealGuard, Inc. SealGuard II is a dual component polyurethane grout that reacts in about 3 seconds to produce a rigid foam. The cured foam has a 900-psi compression strength.
Groundwater was leaking through the joints of these underground chambers at a wastewater treatment plant. Injecting polyurethane grout from inside the structure would provide an ideal fix to stop the groundwater from infiltrating. However, these chambers have various pipes and support structures that would make entry and performing the work nearly impossible. The solution was to still inject polyurethane grout, but from the outside. This method, often called soil grouting or curtain grouting, utilizes metal pipes driven down the outside of the structure to the problem areas. The pipes contain several holes that the grout can be expelled from when pumped. Groundwater will then carry the grout throughout the leak path, then react into a foam, thus stopping the inflow. The grout used was Hyperflex, manufactured by SealGuard, Inc. Hyperflex is a moisture activated, hydrophobic material that is NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 approved for contact with potable water. The grouting was performed by Sub-Technical, Inc.
Water was leaking out of this lake because it was flowing under the spillway instead of over it. Polyurethane grout injection was used to remedy the situation. Holes were drilled on the face deep enough to reach the backside of the spillway. Mechanical packers were then placed in the hole. The installed packers are now an injection port to hook up to the grout pump, which pumps the polyurethane to the back side of the spillway. The grout used was Hyperflex, a moisture activated polyurethane. Once in contact with the water, it foams to fill the voids and seal the leak paths. Hyperflex is NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 approved for contact with potable water and is manufactured by SealGuard, Inc. The grouting was performed by Sub-Technical, Inc.
This elevator shaft was leaking groundwater in between the floor and the first course of concrete filled block walls. Although this shaft has a drainage system, it needed to be dry to pass the final building inspection. To stop the unwanted inflow, polyurethane grout was injected to seal the leak paths. The grout used was Hyperflex and was injected by a pump and mechanical packers. Hyperflex is a single component, pre catalyzed, moisture activated polyurethane that is NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 approved for contact with potable water. Hyperflex is manufactured by SealGuard, and the grouting was performed by Sub-Technical, Inc.
A view of the tail seal brushes on a tunnel boring machine. In this situation, the tail seal brushes needed replaced and there was water flowing through seams in the tunnel segments. To control the heavy flow of water, polyurethane grout was injected around the leaks. The grout used was SealGuard II, which is manufactured by SealGuard, Inc. SealGuard II is a dual component, fast reacting material that can be easily applied with a dual component caulking gun. The grouting was performed by Sub-Technical, Inc.
Water intrusion can cause serious structural damage to buildings, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. That’s why selecting an effective water sealing solution is crucial for any construction project.
Precast concrete structures have low permeability rates, which means they can effectively prevent water intrusion and provide reliable and durable sealing. Moreover, they are a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious builders as they can be constructed from recycled materials.
This article will discuss precast concrete water sealing methods, including joint sealing, using hydrophobic admixtures, and surface coating.
Precast Concrete Sealing Methods
Several methods are available to ensure reliable and effective water sealing. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method typically depends on various factors. These include the structure’s location, the type of water exposure, and the desired lifespan of the sealing system.
Here are some of the most popular precast concrete sealing methods:
Joint Sealing
Joint sealing involves filling and sealing the gaps between two adjacent precast concrete elements using specialized sealants. It is a popular sealing method due to its effectiveness and durability. The sealant’s flexibility also allows for the elements’ natural movement due to changes in temperature and humidity without compromising the water seal.
Using Hydrophobic Admixtures
Hydrophobic admixtures are designed to make the concrete itself water-resistant. They are often added to the concrete mixture during the batching process, and they work by reducing the water’s surface tension. They also provide a permanent, water-resistant barrier integral to the concrete. This means that there is no need for additional waterproofing materials or coatings.
Surface Coating
Surface coating entails applying a waterproof layer to the surface of the concrete. The coating functions as a barrier, keeping water out and preventing structural damage. This method creates a long-lasting, water-resistant shield that can tolerate harsh environmental conditions. Most coatings are also easy to apply and be customized to meet the project’s specific requirements.
Waterstopping
Waterstops are specifically designed materials to be placed at joints or seams in concrete structures to prevent water from penetrating them. They are highly dependable and are often utilized in underground construction such as tunnels, basements, and swimming pools. They can also give long-term protection against water penetration and are available in various materials, including rubber, PVC, and metal.
Injection Grouting
Injection grouting is a widely used method for sealing cracks and voids in precast concrete structures, making it an effective water sealing technique. The process involves drilling holes at the site of the damage and injecting grout material under high pressure into the opening. Various grout materials — such as cement-based mixtures, polyurethane foam, or epoxy resin — may be used depending on the project’s needs.
High-Quality Sealing Products From SealGuard
SealGuard II, HyperFlex, and X-Seal from SealGuard are highly effective sealing products to prevent water from penetrating concrete structures. These products are applied in their oil-like raw form, and each has a unique way of sealing precast concrete. SealGuard II is a polyurethane-based grout that reacts with a catalyst to expand and form a foam-like substance.
HyperFlex and X-Seal are hydrophilic polyurethane-based grouts ideal for precast concrete sealing applications. They work by reacting with water to expand and form a foam, filling the gaps and voids between the segments. The foam created by these grouts has excellent adhesion properties and can effectively prevent water infiltration.
Partner With SealGuard for Exceptional Sealing Solutions
SealGuard is a leading polyurethane grouting material manufacturer for water management, sealing, and adhesion of precast concrete sections and other constructions! Our products are of the highest quality and effectiveness, making them ideal for various sealing applications. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!
Manholes are essential to any urban infrastructure, providing access to underground utilities such as water, sewage, and electrical systems. However, they can deteriorate, crack, or collapse over time due to constant exposure to heavy traffic, weather conditions, and corrosive materials. These failures can cause accidents, traffic disruptions, and even sewer backups, resulting in significant damage and costs.
Effective manhole repair and maintenance can mitigate the high costs and significant disruptions of system failures. By adopting appropriate repair methods, utility chambers can last longer and avoid potential issues down the line. This article will discuss the key aspects of manhole repair, such as the different methods available and best practices.
How Do Manhole Systems Work?
Manhole systems have a vertical chamber or shaft from the surface to the underground utility network. Their upper portion is protected by a durable cover that can be removed when repairs are necessary. Furthermore, their purpose is to enable workers to enter the underground network, examine and clean the pipelines, and perform repairs or enhancements.
In addition to providing access for maintenance and repairs, utility holes also serve other functions in managing urban water systems. For example, they act as entry points for testing and monitoring the quality of water and sewer systems. This is essential for ensuring the water supply is safe for human consumption.
Different Methods for Manhole Repair
Various factors, including natural wear and tear, environmental conditions, and poor installation, can cause utility hole failures. Listed below are the different repair methods:
Structural Lining
Structural lining creates a new interior wall within the existing structure. It involves cleaning and preparing the interior surface of the utility hole, then applying a specialized material to the walls. This creates a smooth, durable lining that can restore the structural integrity of the manhole and prevent further deterioration.
Cementitious Grouting
Cementitious grouting injects a cement-based grout into the voids and cracks in the structure. The grout material is typically made of cement, sand, water, and additives to improve the mixture’s flow, strength, and durability. This is an effective and relatively inexpensive method for repairing utility holes with minor to moderate damage, such as cracks or voids.
Epoxy Injection
The epoxy injection uses epoxy resin to fill the cracks, voids, and other structural defects. The material is typically a two-part system consisting of a resin and hardener mixed before injection. This process can seal leaking joints or prevent water infiltration into the hole. However, it may not be suitable for severe damage or structural issues that require more extensive repairs.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
Polyurethane foam injection utilizes a two-component polyurethane foam to repair the voids and gaps in the structure. The foam is a mixture of a polyol component and an isocyanate component combined at the time of injection. It can fill gaps around pipes and other penetrations in the structure, preventing water infiltration and improving the stability of the utility hole.
Best Practices for Repair and Maintenance
Maintaining and repairing manholes are essential for ensuring underground utility networks’ safe and efficient operation. Here are some of the best practices and strategies to keep in mind:
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance are critical for identifying and addressing issues in utility holes before they become major problems. This includes visually inspecting manhole covers, frames, and surrounding areas to check for signs of wear, damage, or deterioration.
Utilization of High-Quality Materials
Using high-quality materials and equipment is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and longevity of manhole repairs. This encompasses selecting materials compatible with the conditions and requirements of the utility hole, like temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure.
Compliance With Safety Standards and Regulations
Compliance with safety standards and regulations are essential for protecting the safety of workers and the public during repair and maintenance activities. This includes adhering to proper procedures for confined space entry, ventilation, and personal protective equipment.
Collaboration With Qualified Professionals and Contractors
Partnering with qualified professionals and contractors ensures the quality and effectiveness of utility hole repair and maintenance. This entails working with experienced engineers and technicians to assess the condition of manholes and develop appropriate repair strategies.
Experience High-Quality Sealing Solutions With SealGuard
SealGuard offers various high-quality repair products and solutions to help keep your manholes leak-free and your system running smoothly! Our products are known for their unmatched quality and effectiveness in protecting surfaces from damage. Moreover, our experts can guide you in selecting the right product for your application and recommend its effective use.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!
Water leaking around pipe intrusions can be stopped with polyurethane grout. In this instance, a hole was drilled at an angle to reach the annular space in-between the pipe and the concrete. SealGuard II, a dual component polyurethane grout, requires a static mixer to mix properly. The mixer gets inserted into the drilled hole, then the grout is injected by using a dual caulking gun. SealGuard II reacts within a few seconds, creating a rigid foam, which seals off the flow.
When water is encountered during directional drilling, the most common method to try and stop it is pumping concrete. However, if there is a large volume of water, the concrete simply washes away and doesn’t seal the leak. Concrete also shrinks as it dries, so new leak paths are formed. In this instance concrete was tried and did not work, so polyurethane grout was injected 150 feet into the problem area. The grout used to stop the water flow was Hyperflex, a moisture activated hydrophobic polyurethane that is NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 approved for contact with potable water. Hyperflex is manufactured by SealGuard, Inc. and grouting was performed by Sub-Technical, Inc.
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