Geopolymers do not react with water, they remain stable even in humid environment. This allows using geopolymers for levelling and strengthening of jetties, embankments and berths.
URETEK geopolymer resins are suitable for stabilising infrastructure objects of seaports and river ports. In order to lift concrete structures and stabilise them, geopolymers can be injected under the concrete slabs of jetties, embankments and berths as well as in water-saturated subsoil of these structures.
Strengthening the soil under jetties, embankments and berths
Construction of concrete jetties and embankments generally requires installation of a vertical support wall that would retain filling material necessary for installing concrete slabs. Due to constant water influences, surface water level changes dynamically, meaning that there are also changes in the moisture content of soil under the structure.
As a result of that, filling material can slowly become more compact and horizontal surfaces are subject to movement and uneven subsidence. Concrete slabs of jetties, embankments and berths are also affected by heavy duty vehicles, gantry crane, transporters, loaders and other additional loads. Total weight of port loader with transmission container reaches up to 100 tons. Naturally, such weight causes increased compaction of the filling material under concrete base and soil under the entire structure. Thus, different sections of concrete surface may suffer from uneven subsidence.
In order to level concrete slabs and stabilise the structure of jetties, embankments and berths, filling material and subsoil of the structures must be strengthened. Load-bearing capacity of soil is improved with geopolymers in stages and without disrupting port operation.
Lifting and stabilisation of concrete slabs
URETEK geopolymer resins are suitable for levelling and strengthening of parking lots and manoeuvring areas for heavy duty vehicles, loaders and gantry cranes. Furthermore, geopolymers can be used to repair concrete floors and covers of port warehouses and docks, the condition of which has deteriorated due to exposure to water.
Concrete slabs are levelled by using Slab Lifting method. For more efficient stabilisation of port structures, Deep Injection method is used. It enables strengthening of soil under the structure. Geopolymers force out excess water, thus increasing the load-bearing capacity of soil.
Advantages of URETEK methods
Formerly, repair of concrete surfaces meant removal of all cover slabs, compacting of filling material and reinstallation of concrete slabs. In that case, major repairs are similar to new port construction, involving not only high cost, but also long-term stoppage of port operations, causing additional costs and loss.
URETEK technology makes it possible to perform work without dismantling concrete slabs and interrupting port operations. Materials and equipment required for geopolymer injection fit in a single truck. For injecting geopolymers under concrete slabs and deep in soil, holes with diameter of 12–16 mm are drilled. These holes are simply closed later. Stabilised and repaired sections can be used 15 minutes after completion of works.
Renovation can be a very big project to take on, especially when it comes to renovating a commercial building or an apartment building. But it can also be a smaller type of work if only the concrete staircase of the house needs renovation. In this article, we will talk more about renovating old houses. The special focus will be on the renovation and restoration of old houses and log houses, which do not always mean the same thing, but often go hand in hand.
Renovating an old house into your dream home can be an exciting process – seeing the house change from floor to ceiling! However, there are many things to know before starting this project, in order to avoid unexpected surprises. How to start renovating or restoring your house?
We try to give a brief overview of what to pay attention to and in what order to start renovating and insulating an old house. It is helpful to have a plan in place on how to start the project or to help you decide whether to buy an old house that needs extensive renovation.
Old unrenovated houses are cold and harmful to health
Very often people choose to move into a house in need of renovation as soon as possible. Financially it might make sense, but the wind blowing from the cracks in the wall, the cold from the floors or the leaks of moisture may not show up until the first winter and spring arrive and lead to unexpected inconveniences. Therefore, when buying an old house, the first important step is to assess the condition of the house, regardless of the fact if you have planned to start renovating your small country house or a large wooden house, restoring a dilapidated farmhouse or an old log house.
Old homes may not only be uncomfortable to live in, but they may also be detrimental to people’s health. Potential unavoidable hazards in old houses can include subsiding of the house or foundation, structural problems, mold, house damage, and more. Subsidence of the foundation may require different approaches- concrete pressure lifting, concrete slab lifting, or precast panel lifting. Such risks do not only take a longer time to renovate but can also lead to much higher and unexpected costs in the budget. Therefore, it may be necessary to start demolition work before renovation or restoration work.
1. Renovating, insulating, and lifting the foundation
The roof and the foundation are very important, if not the most important parts of the house. In the event of problems, these areas must be looked at first, as defects in the roof or foundation can affect the rest of the house and its durability. Roof problems can also damage rafters and ceilings, as well as walls and floors can be damaged if the problem is ignored. That is why it is important to evaluate the roof structures and the beams, to see if a partial roof repair is sufficient enough or whether the entire roof needs to be replaced.
However, renovation should begin with repairing the foundation. The foundation is not only important as a base for the house, but it also keeps out moisture and insulates from the colder temperatures, which reduces heat loss and helps prevent moisture damage. Renovating and insulating the foundation of an old log house can bring up many questions. Is it necessary to insulate the old foundation and build a completely new one or is it necessary to raise the existing foundation? Pay close attention to this and get informed about the cases where a new foundation should be built and in which situation to choose to insulate the old foundation. Subsiding of the foundation is a problem that can also occur in new houses, and the most common problems that indicate this are cracks in the walls and gaps between the floorboards and the walls. All of these works need to be approached differently, and therefore it is necessary to assess the condition of the existing foundation of the house.
2. Renovation and insulation of the facade
Renovation of the facade is the next step after the roof and foundation have been taken care of. As the exterior walls of the house are exposed to different weather conditions – wind, rain and sun, it can reduce the appearance and durability of the facade. Renovation of the facade begins with the demolition of the old facade or removing the old cladding boards.
The renovation of the facade has several purposes. Insulation of the facade contributes to the thermal insulation of the house, the right materials prevent moisture from penetrating the house and the exterior facade gives the house a beautiful appearance.
With an old log house, the renovation of the facade begins with a decision on whether to insulate the house from the outside with wool, board, or some other material. Another option is to restore the existing logs. When restoring a log house, it is important to inspect the lower log rows, which have usually been the most damaged. Rotten logs should be noticed, even if they are covered, to prevent further moisture damage and rotting.
3. Renovating, building, and insulating a floor in an old house
Floor renovation may seem like one of the quickest and easiest jobs. However, this is usually not the case. The floor plays a very important role in keeping the house warm.
With low-quality floors, you should consider demolition and the construction of completely new flooring. The construction of a floor in an old house can be difficult if the renovation of the foundation has not happened. As with an old farmhouse or a log house, in general, the biggest enemy of the floor is moisture. Therefore, before insulating the floors, the waterproofing of the foundation must also be double-checked, so that the foundation does not get wet and will not damage the rebuilt floor in the future.
Floor insulation depends on the type of the house, the foundation, and the floor material. Insulation material, such as light gravel and polystyrene foam, between the beams should be placed under the beams of the wooden floor. When insulating a concrete floor, gravel is usually placed underneath. On top of that, a thin layer of sand expanded polystyrene and film. Then the preliminary work for pouring the concrete is done.
If the floor is well insulated, but there is a noticeable gap between the floor and the wall, it is not necessary to rebuild that floor. This may be a sign that the foundation is sinking and this problem should be approached differently.
4. Removing cracks from walls and final touches
Different problems indicate the subsidence of the foundation, which at first may seem like only a concern that needs interior finishing. Particular attention should be paid to the walls if you notice a crack in them. Any cracks, in both the interior and exterior walls, gaps between the floorboards and the wall, sloping or partially subsided floors, jammed windows and doors are issues that can indicate a serious danger to the entire house, especially if subsidence of the foundation is happening.
The subsidence of the foundation is something that needs to be addressed immediately to avoid further problems. The company URETEK Baltic, which has been operating on the Estonian market for almost 7 years, offers an easy way to raise the foundation without digging and disturbing everyday life. The service provided by URETEK’s specialists ensures fast, convenient, and environmentally friendly lifting of the building by means of innovative geopolymer injection technology. You can read more about foundation lifting and URETEK´s technology.
Renovation is easier if the walls are straight and insulated and only interior work is needed. The most common way is to cover the walls with boards, such as gypsum board or OSB, and then either wallpaper or paint. In the case of old log houses, the well-preserved log is often retained as an interior element to preserve its authenticity.
5. Insulation and interior finishing of the ceiling
Ceiling insulation is just as important as floor insulation. You will definitely need to invest more time and money in the ceiling if the roof has leaked or if there have been other problems with the roof and its beams. Usually, the ceiling needs interior finishing separately.
The fastest, most common, and also cheapest solution for interior finishing of ceilings is gypsum board and its over-plastering and painting. Instead of the usual white plaster ceiling, the ceiling can be given a new look with the help of wood, special tiles, or a suspended or stretched ceiling.
You have to take a different approach with the bathroom and kitchen ceilings. In the kitchen, it is recommended to use light gloss paint that can be washed on both the ceilings and the walls. The matte paint absorbs dirt, soot, and grease that can fly in the kitchen air and is difficult to clean. Due to the high humidity in the bathroom, strong paint should be used and enamel paint should be avoided, as the moisture that gets under the ceiling surface will start to bubble and crack.
Other important renovation work
Before renovating an old house, it is definitely necessary to review the aspects mentioned above. If necessary- call a specialist. However, renovating an entire house can certainly be an even longer process and often depends on a number of factors. Sewerage, ventilation, and heating also often need to be inspected.
Some houses need a lot of demolition and reconstruction, others want to keep the atmosphere of the old house with restoration. So the first step is to start assessing the condition of the house. Prioritize the pre-work and inspect each part of the house separately. Pay attention to the work that was discussed in this article, but be sure to approach each house individually and find the best solution for yourself and your house.
What will the whole cost of a house renovation be?
The cost of renovating a house can vary greatly depending on the size of the renovation and restoration work, materials, labor costs, and more. Restoring an old house can sometimes be more expensive than buying or building a new one. However, the new house does not have the historical value that a renovated house offers. Renovation and restoration work can also be spread over time, having a piecemeal approach and starting with the highest priorities. This will ensure the flexibility of the budget and spread costs over time.
When determining the price of house renovation, there are two options: 1. ask the construction company for a price offer for the desired work or 2. prepare the budget yourself. If you are ready to educate yourself and invest your time not only in preparation but also, for example, in getting the materials or construction work, you can save on the budget. Budgeting can start with foundation work. In order to evaluate the subsidence of the foundation, URETEK´s specialists offer free, on-site inspection and consultation, and after the initial evaluation, the project manager makes an offer from URETEK.
Older houses hold a special feeling, character, and history within them- something you can’t find in a new one. This is the main reason why people choose to renovate the old house. There are different ways to renovate- there are houses that will only need their windows replaced, stairs built and interior touch-ups, while some houses need to be built from the ground, starting with the foundation.
The foundation is the bottom layer of a house. Whether it be a foundation for a log house or a greenhouse– it carries the weight of the whole building. A secure and reliable foundation is a lot more than just the bottom of the house. It keeps away humidity, isolates the outside colder temperatures, and prevents the ground from moving around it, acting as an anchor between the framing of the house and the ground beneath it. That’s why the foundation of the house will be the first project to take on when you begin the renovation of your house.
Even newer houses have problematic foundations. Old houses often have been built using different techniques and materials that have not lasted through the test of time. It shouldn’t scare people, who would like to own an older house, but it is something to pay attention to.
There are different severe signs that show the necessity of foundation work. Such as cracks on the floors and walls, trouble closing doors and windows, unleveled flooring, heat loss, water running in, and as a result moisture damage.
Building a new foundation for an old house
Most people who buy an older house, take the need for a renovation into consideration. It’s a widespread practice to change out the roofing and windows. But building a brand new foundation is something that not many have heard of. Even though that is not the most regular choice, it is not a rare occasion where that step is necessary.
Building a brand new foundation for an old house is usually chosen by very reasonable concerns. It does require a bigger budget, more time, and thorough research beforehand. But if the old house has gotten serious damage then building a new foundation is the best and the only way you should start planning your home’s renovation, to guarantee the stability and longevity of the house.
Slab foundation, post foundation, or pile foundation
Once the decision to build a new foundation has been made, the next important choice has to be made. Which foundation should you choose? The classification of foundations is based on the construction, the way of working and building, the construction depth, and calculation methods. Let’s look at the three most used foundation types.
The slab foundation is very durable and covers the whole base of the construction, stopping it from moving and changing the house’s construction. A slab foundation is built above the ground with special L-shaped blocks and then it’s filled with reinforced concrete. You have to consider that to achieve the traction of the concrete, you have to reinforce it. A slab foundation works great with single-story houses and it doesn’t require too much digging work. This type of foundation has to be insulated.
The set-up of a post foundation is usually fast and simple. It works well even in low quality and softer grounds. Posts are inserted with certain techniques deep in the ground. Usually, a post foundation is used for smaller buildings, such as sheds, greenhouses, and garden houses. But it works great for a bit bigger summer houses and log houses.
Pile foundation is the most popular type of foundation in Estonia It requires good soil and ground, and a lot more digging work. In this case, reinforced concrete, stone blocks or limestone are built deeper than the freezing point, following the outer and load-bearing walls of the house. It works great for bigger and heavier houses, also buildings that need a basement.
There are more foundations – for example, a pile foundation or a foundation built of fibo blocks. The choice of a foundation depends on many factors – the soil, the size and weight of the house, but also the financial possibilities and time. There is a lot of information about different types of foundations, and if you are interested, you can find a lot about them on the Internet.
The price of the foundation
The prices for the construction of the foundation vary – whether you need a post foundation for a small cottage or a pile foundation for a bigger house. However, the price of a pile foundation is generally cheaper than, for example, a slab foundation. The price of a new foundation may also include soil preparation and excavation work, insulation of the foundation, installation of underfloor heating pipes, installation of sewerage pipes, and much more.
Based on the prices found on the Estonian Hange.ee website, the prices of the pile foundation for a smaller modular house start at 6,500 euros. The price of a slab foundation for a house of more than 100 m2, together with the additional work that goes into it, can be as high as 30,000 euros.
Insulation of an old foundation
If the construction of a completely new foundation is unnecessary during the renovation of an old house, the foundation works cannot be forgotten. Due to poorly or incorrectly insulated foundations and floors, the heat loss of a house can be as high as 20%. Therefore, insufficient insulation on the foundation means high heat loss and higher energy consumption for heating the home. A properly insulated foundation also reduces and prevents moisture from entering the house. However, moisture can lead to mold, rot, or even flooding. For these reasons, you need to pay attention to the foundation and, if necessary, instead of building a new foundation, the old foundation should be insulated. There are many tips on how to insulate a foundation.
In addition to the insulation of the foundation, the waterproofing and insulation of the external walls and floors, whether on the ground or not, must also be double-checked. Read more about the steps of renovating a house.
What should be used for the insulation of an old house?
The foundation is usually insulated horizontally, but nowadays it is also done vertically to ensure even better thermal insulation. There are several ways to insulate a foundation.
The easiest way to do foundation work and insulation are if the house is not on the foundation. In this case, the foundation can also be approached from above and covered entirely with insulation boards, such as expanded polystyrene boards, up to the freezing point. When renovating an old house, this option is not possible, in which case attention must be paid to the type of foundation.
PUR foam is well suited for insulation if the foundation is laid with earth- or limestone. In the case of a stone foundation, it is wise to approach the insulation from the outside, in order to keep moisture away from the stone wall with proper waterproofing layers. Whichever option has been used for laying the foundation, it should also be used for restoration and insulation work.
When deciding how and with what to start insulating the foundation of an old house, first of all, you have to look at what and how the existing foundation has been built. The location of the house, the surface, and the damage to the foundation must also be taken into consideration. In addition to insulation, attention must be paid to directing water and moisture away from the foundation and the house using waterproofing layers or drainage.
The price of foundation insulation
Just like the insulation of the foundation depends on many factors, so does the cost of it. Access to the foundation, the amount of heat loss, the material, the quality of the soil, and the size of the foundation are some of the factors that must be taken into consideration when finalizing the price. We can see from the hange.ee website that the insulation of the foundation pricing starts from 1000 euros and when combined with other work, it can reach up to 25,000 euros.
What if the old foundation has subsided?
Even if the foundation is new and well insulated, there can be unexpected problems with it. Subsidence of the foundation is a process in which the foundation starts to move downwards due to the environment (as a result of poor quality work or changes in soil properties). The cracks in the walls and the gaps between the floorboards and the wall indicate the subsiding of the foundation or floor of the house. If such changes occur in both the new and the older house, the foundation work cannot be postponed and must be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. Lifting concrete and finding leveling solutions and concrete raising systems are required. Concrete lifting solutions are needed to fix that problem. URETEK’s geopolymer technology is a great way to approach such problems easily and effectively. No need to lift concrete slabs, use heavy concrete slab lifting equipment, concrete slab jacking equipment, or concrete raising equipment. Using URETEK’s technology, it is not necessary to dismantle, dig, transport heavy, large-scale materials or use heavy trucks during the work process. Read more about lifting the foundation or ask for an offer from our website.
Cracks can occur in walls and floor of a house as a result of foundation subsidence due to weakening of subsoil.
In order to eliminate cracks, the reason why they occurred needs to be dealt with first, i.e. strengthen the soil and lift foundation to its designed height. This can be easily done by using URETEK geopolymers injection technology.
Among other things, the condition of a private house depends on the condition of the soil under the building. Foundation exerts pressure on the soil and may therefore gradually sink. The house remains stable as long as subsidence does not exceed permitted limits. If these limits are exceeded and foundation subsidence is uneven, it is necessary to take steps to solve the problem.
In case of foundation subsidence there is a danger of damaging floors, load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, ceilings and partition walls. These structures may crack, window apertures and doorways may bend, utility lines break, etc. In cases like these, patching cracks in floor and walls is ineffective, because it does not eliminate the reason why they occurred – in many cases it is due to weakening of soil under the structure.
Soil weakening may be caused by irresponsibly performed construction works, e.g. insufficient compaction of soil under the structure. Naturally, there are cases where soil properties are altered because of breakage of water and sewer pipes or underground reservoirs. Weakened soil may also result from changes in surface water level.
Strengthening of soil and stabilisation of foundation
Traditionally, heavy machinery has been used to strengthen the soil under the structure and lift the foundation. Residents had to move out for the time of repairs and extensive earthworks were required to access the foundation. In that case, works performed for strengthening soil and securing foundation take 1–1.5 months.
Now, due to URETEK geopolymers injection method, soil can be strengthened, and foundation lifted with only two to three days. Meanwhile, there is no need for repairs and residents can remain in the building. All works related to geopolymers injection are performed outside the building, around its perimeter or indoors without using heavy machinery.
Geopolymers injection
There are two methods of URETEK geopolymers injection used for eliminating cracks in floors and walls of private houses. Deep Injection method allows lifting the foundation and strengthen the soil at remarkable depth. Meanwhile, Slab Lifting method makes it possible to lift concrete slabs on the ground floor by injecting geopolymer resin directly under the concrete slab, between slab and soil.
After injection, geopolymer resins expand quickly, filling all voids and cavities, strengthening soil and exerting vertical pressure. Resin achieves its final structure and hardens within 15 minutes. If geopolymers are injected in excessively humid soil, they force moisture out and strengthen the soil.
The course of lifting structures and eliminating cracks is monitored by using laser level with only ±1 mm deviation. Injection is performed though technical holes with diameter of 12–16 mm, bored in the concrete floor on the ground floor or in the ground around the building.
Renovating an old house can be even seen as an exciting hobby with the same goal for the whole family – to restore a house that will be turned into their new home. This process often takes years, if not decades. When renovating, the list of things that need to be repaired is often long enough to leave the smaller things in the background. The priority of work seems to be divided. This is how a small crack in the wall may go unnoticed at a first glance. However, that small crack, which initially looks like a beauty flaw, can be a sign of something bigger – the foundation or floors of the house are subsiding. In that case, concrete lifting is needed. That may require different concrete leveling equipment depending on the project, such as concrete hoisting equipment, concrete lifting hooks, concrete pipe lifting equipment, precast lifters, precast lifting clutch or concrete panel lifting clutches. It is clear that this work needs professional help.
For the most part, owners of old houses have taken into consideration that unexpected and unpleasant setbacks may arise that will require immediate action and extra cost. Owners of new houses expect that the time and material costs will be much lower. However, the subsidence of the foundation and floors, unfortunately, more often than we assume – is also a concern for new houses. A decrease in the efficiency of underfloor heating in a new building may indicate the subsidence of the floors, but there may be other similar problems that also arise with old houses.
Help – my house’s foundation is subsiding!
Any cracks in the interior and exterior walls, gaps between the floorboards and the wall, sloping or partially subsided floors, jammed windows and doors are situations that can indicate a serious danger to the entire house – the foundation of the house is subsiding! The subsidence of a building is a process where the foundation of the building begins to move downwards due to the influence of the environment, as a result of poor quality work or changes in the properties of the soil. In this case, foundation or concrete lifting is necessary! There are many options for that. Lifting precast concrete, concrete floor lifting, cement slab lifting or precast lifting are just some of them.
At first, it might seem like raising and stabilizing the foundation is not needed because major damage and longer-term problems are not immediately apparent. However, urgent action is needed on this issue. The subsidence of the foundation will lead to more serious concerns over time:
damage to walls and floors will be more difficult or even irreversible to repair;
cracks that become larger over time allow wind and moisture to enter the house, creating mold over time;
heat loss increases, the house is colder and becomes less efficient;
water and heating pipes can break;
problems in electrical installations occur.
A lot of money is often spent on repairing the damage, but the core of the problem is not addressed and no foundation stabilization work is done. In this way, various worries start to reoccur, requiring more costs on house maintenance. The most effective way to protect a building from major damage is to stabilize it and restore the foundation to its former state. You can do that by hiring a professional to help you out. Special equipment is needed for cement lifting, foundation lifting, or concrete driveway lifting.
There are many reasons why the foundation and floors of a house have started to subside, and they often arise during the construction of the house. Here are some of the reasons:
no proper geological surveys were carried out before the house was built and the house was either built on weak soil or the soil was poorly prepared before the foundation was built;
the house was built without the installation of drainage;
the foundation is overloaded due to incompetence in the reconstruction;
water supply, sewerage or heating systems have weakened the soil;
in the event of the subsidence of the floor, the base surface has not been properly compacted during the foundation.
How to repair the subsidence of the foundation or the floor?
If it has been established that the foundation and floors of the house are subsiding, it is necessary to think about raising the building. For someone who has never heard of restoring and raising a foundation before, such work can seem like a very time-consuming and big project to take on. One may wonder if such a thing is possible at all and how big of a crane is needed for it? You might be left alone with a feeling that you have to choose between bad and worse. You can start with the tasks that are the most time-consuming and money-consuming or postpone solving the problem to an uncertain future while knowing that the situation is getting worse?
An easy solution would be to pour concrete over the subsided floor surface. This might seem like a good way to level floors. In reality, this can cause more damage, as fresh concrete adds new weight to soft ground and subsidence can continue even more intensively. Secondly, the building cannot be used while the concrete is drying.
Removing people or workers and things from the house and dismantling and reassembling the tools seem like a big task to take on. That is why raising and stabilizing the foundation should not be postponed.
What if restoring a foundation, raising a concrete floor or a log house, or stabilizing a building is actually a clean and quick process that does not require additional preparations such as moving out of the home? What if the cracked walls and cracks between the walls and the floor tiles could be fixed in one day, without having to wait for the new concrete to harden?
These are the questions that URETEK Baltic, a leading geopolymer soil remediation company in Baltic countries, has answers for. URETEK uses geopolymer injection technology, which allows for an innovative and convenient approach to the above-mentioned problems. URETEK technology has a wide range of applications and can be used to raise concrete floors, lift the entire log house or even an apartment building, level the ground, and stabilize the foundation. The technology offered by URETEK specialists ensures fast, convenient, and environmentally friendly lifting of the building, and the problem can be solved without disturbing the customer’s daily life and business.
How do URETEK geopolymers help to raise and stabilize the foundation?
Due to innovative technology, the work carried out by URETEK is a highly valued alternative for raising and restoring the foundations or floors of buildings. Such technology has many advantages over conventional methods, which are more complex from both a human and an environmental point of view. Geopolymeric injection differs from conventional building lifting procedures- it does not require excavation or demolition work, thus contributing to both human comfort and environmental protection. Also, URETEK technology does not cause vibration or disturbance.
When using the geopolymer technology offered by URETEK, the subsidence is stopped quickly. The essence of soil problems, which is the cause of the subsidence of the foundation and floors, is reached through a 12-32 mm wide borehole, and an ecologically neutral resin or geopolymer resin mixture is “injected” into it. The resin is introduced into the soil, where it expands until it hardens, filling in all gaps and cavities in the soil. During the resin injection, the house or other structure will rise higher if possible and return to its correct position. It is not necessary for people to move out of the house or even remove furniture from the building for this procedure. The building can continue to be used during the work process. It usually takes only one to three days to complete and the work area remains clean and free of dust.
The material that is used is a patented geopolymer resin blend. In order to increase the load-bearing capacity of weak soils, the unique expansion properties of the geopolymer resin mixture can be used, which quickly and efficiently restores the building to its original condition. Geopolymer is a strong, insoluble and time-resistant material that doesn’t damage the building’s structures. Geopolymer resins can fill any surface.
It may be thought that the polymer, as a chemical, could have a toxic effect on the soil or contaminate the water in the soil. URETEK technology has been used for more than 40 years. A number of scientific studies and experiments have been carried out on the safety of these materials. The results confirm that the fear of pollution is not backed up. The materials are safe for both humans and nature. Everything is regulated and certified according to European standards
URETEK technology is seen as an environmentally friendly approach. As URETEK technology does not require demolition or excavation to lift the foundation, does not require the transport of large materials or the use of large vehicles- it reduces CO2 emissions, saves resources and preserves nature. If there is a need to dispose of material, the process is no different from disposing of other building materials. Just like bricks, concrete or other construction materials, polymers are regulated construction waste that must be disposed of at construction waste collection points.
So it is confirmed that the procedure carried out by URETEK saves time and money and is an environmentally friendly solution to the problem of the subsidence of the load-bearing structures of the building.
Under standard conditions, URETEK provides a 2-year warranty for the work performed, and the material itself has a warranty of 10 years. At the same time, experience shows that objects stabilized 40 years ago remain solid and secure to this day.
The price of URETEK service depends on many factors, from the nature of the problem to the size of the foundation of the object. Visual assessment of the problem, consultation and initial underground inspection of the object are free of charge. After a visual inspection and inspection of the underground soil, a personal price offer is prepared for each customer.
URETEK team offers a free professional consultation to assess the condition of the load-bearing structures of the building.
URETEK Baltic compacts the soil
Stages of soil compaction:
Visual inspection and survey by URETEK specialist, during which, the initial survey and inspection are carried out in order to understand the size and nature of the problematic area. After the visual observation and survey by URETEK specialist, an initial price offer can be made for the client. Visual observation and survey are free of charge for the client.
If necessary, the soil under the flooring is inspected. In case, that the problem is more serious, a hole is drilled in the floor with the consent of the client, and a camera will find the empty spots under the floor, which have caused the floor and the building to subside. The initial underground inspection is free of charge for the customer.
Geological research is done if necessary – in some cases, it is also necessary to carry out geological research of the soil to map out the state of the soil, which can be ordered by the client or with the help of specialists of URETEK Baltic. A geological survey shows what soil is under the building, how deep is the problem, and what is the nature of it.
If the terms and the final quote work for the client, a time plan is agreed upon with the client, and work begins.
Compared to cement mixtures, URETEK materials are more elastic, which is a huge advantage.
As the soil expands and shrinks (depending on its moisture content), cement mixture crumbles and loses its properties, turning to dust. Use of cement mixtures and silicating is not possible in case of soil with porous structure and high content of organic substances. Depending on soil acidity and humidity, the time required for concrete and silicate mixture to harden can be rather unpredictable. Cement mixtures exposed to impact and vibration loads turn to dust. URETEK materials do not have these problems and they are not affected by chemical composition of soil. All components necessary for reaction are mixed together during the injection process, reaction time can be predicted and controlled, and reaction does not depend on external factors.
Soil layers can expand and shrink as their moisture content changes. When strengthening foundation with concrete, a rigid structure is formed, which rises and falls according to changes in soil water content. Constant vertical and horizontal movement of soil leads to occurrence of cracks and damage to the structure under the building. Uneven soil layers further increases the risk of site destruction.
Silicating and cementing is prohibited in various soil types, e.g. porous soils due to surface water, which makes it impossible to achieve required properties by using these formulae. Due to chemical composition of soil, silicate and cement mixtures might not achieve required durability and turn into powder, which further deteriorates the load-bearing capacity of soil.
Advantages of cementing (and silicating):
Presence of traditional engineering technology and knowledge;
Wide technical application, as there are many theoretical studies available since post-war years.
Disadvantages of cementing (and silicating):
it can be slow, because the result is not predictable even after project approval;
dirty work, because cement behaviour in its liquid state is not predictable. This can be seen when taking a look at the overalls of cementing technician;
labour-intensive process that requires numerous staff;
outcome – whether the solution works or not – can be checked only after a certain while. This means that it is a long-term project in most cases;
cementing is not an option in loamy or other soils that move and change over time, because it does not eliminate the reason of the problem;
outcome of levelling and lifting of structures is not predictable.
URETEK’s solution:
This is a modern and proven method for strengthening foundation (used since 1978). Method encompasses injecting ecologically neutral resin under the foundation through small holes (diameter of 12–32 mm). Resin is inserted in soil, where it expands and hardens, filling all voids and cavities. During resin injection the building or other structure is lifted higher.
Process is closely monitored by technicians who use very sensitive laser equipment. Resin formula is carefully chosen according to climatic and soil conditions and purpose of works.
Advantages of URETEK:
clean workspace: no need for excavation works, meaning that there is no dirt and waste;
operative and fast: most projects are carried out within two to three days;
works do not need major preparations and clients can continue using the site during works.
This method for strengthening foundations has been tested worldwide for more than 35 years and it will protect your object in future.
Concrete floors of large warehouses, supermarkets and logistics centres may also suffer from subsidence or tilting
Modern URETEK geopolymers injection method allows lifting concrete floor slabs and stabilise them without vacating the premises and disrupting daily work.
Floor slabs in large warehouse and commercial areas are designed in view of daily impact of stationary structures. Concrete floor must also handle loads caused by loading machinery and other warehouse equipment. In case of exceeding permitted maximum static or dynamic loads or in case of changes in soil properties under the structure (weakening of soil due to changes in surface water level, breakage of water or sewerage pipes), it is likely that floor slabs sink or tilt.
The damage described above can cause minor discomfort resulting from changed position of commercial and warehouse equipment, but it can also lead to accidents and situations that endanger human health and life.
Complexity of lifting and stabilising concrete slabs
Unfortunately, subsidence of concrete floor in a warehouse or commercial premises is not always noticed in time. Considering that restoration of concrete floor and strengthening of the soil under the floor requires dismantling of concrete slabs when using traditional methods, the repairs are often postponed as they cause major loss to the owners of premises resulting from long-term work stoppage.
Instead of applying systemic measures, owners often seek temporary solution by using all kinds of supports and bases. However, such an approach to the problem may obviously lead to unpleasant consequences.
Lifting and stabilisation of floor by using geopolymers
Sunken sections of concrete floor can be lifted and the soil under the structure can be strengthened by using URETEK geopolymers injection method.
In that case, there is no need for dismantling concrete slabs, involving heavy machinery or performing earthworks. In order to stop subsidence of concrete slabs and levelling them, geopolymer material has to be inserted deep under the floor in the soil under the structure (Deep Injection method) or in the space between soil and concrete slab (Slab Lifting method).
Immediately after injection, geopolymer resins expand and take up all vacant space in the soil under the structure, compact the soil and harden within only 15 minutes. URETEK geopolymers injection technology allows increasing compressive strength of soil up to 10.6 МPа.
Injection can be done without dismantling sunken slabs. It requires drilling just a few technical holes with diameter of 16mm in the concrete for pipes intended for inserting geopolymer material. Meanwhile, URETEK equipment can be located up to 120 m from the actual place of injection.
Geopolymer material is inserted in soil through special hoses that can easily be moved in the room between shelving and other equipment. Thus, it is not necessary to vacate premises from goods and equipment. Furthermore, the hardening speed of URETEK geopolymer resins allows lifting and stabilisation of concrete slabs at night. But warehouse or store does not have to stop work even if the floor needs to be lifted during working hours. Due to mobility and compact dimensions of the equipment, there is only minimum disturbance in daily operation.
Advantages of URETEK technology
The process of lifting and levelling sunken concrete slabs is monitored in real time. This is done by using special laser levels with measurement accuracy of ± 1 mm. Ground floor slabs can be lifted by maximum 20 cm. After restoration of former floor height, cracks can be eliminated in partition walls supported by sunken slabs. Restoring floors by means of URETEK method allows saving up to 25% compared to traditional methods.
Geopolymers are extensively used in repair and renovation of production and industrial facilities.
Geopolymer resins are suitable both for reinforcing the foundation of facilities that are already operational and for modernising unused facilities prior to introduction of more powerful equipment.
Many industrial and production facilities are regularly subject to overload. Depending on their specific nature, such overload may have both static and long-term dynamic impact.
Such loads result in compacted soil under the floor slabs of ground floor and various parts of the foundation. This is often accompanied by settlement of foundation and floor, causing damage to building structure. Settlement can be eliminated by using geopolymer resins injection method.
Eliminating structural damage of a building
One frequently recurring issue in the course of work is linked to using bridge cranes. When moving heavy loads, crane supports are subjected to uneven dynamic load. As a result, the soil under some supports may become more compact than under other supports, and entire structure faces uneven subsidence. If crane supports are also elements of load-bearing structure, it may lead to potential collapse of entire structure.
In order to strengthen the load-bearing frame of the building and stabilise the condition of bridge crane, it is necessary to insert geopolymer resin in the soil under sunken foundation support. This will most likely improve not only the condition of the crane, but of the structure as a whole.
Strengthening of the foundation of industrial facilities
Geopolymer resins can be injected for strengthening the soil under the foundation of industrial facilities without disrupting production cycle. Injection is performed by means of small mobile devices, inserting geopolymer material through technical holes drilled in the ground floor or surface adjacent to building (soil). Geopolymer resins injection exploits pipes with small diameter. Material expands and hardens within just a few minutes.
Increasing the capacity of undertakings
Re-commissioning of abandoned or unused industrial sites is often accompanied by the need to introduce more powerful equipment. This entails increased load on ground floor and foundation. If such loads exceed maximum limit, the soil under ground floor or foundation needs to be strengthened.
Strengthening foundation with geopolymers uses Deep Injection method, which allows inserting material deep in the soil. Additionally, when strengthening the ground floor, Slab Lifting method can be used for performing the injection. Injection can be performed both before and after installing new equipment. Geopolymer injection is continued until the load-bearing capacity of the soil under the structure corresponds to standard value.
Geopolymer resins can be used for waterproofing and strengthening of underground structures.
Furthermore, geopolymers allow waterproofing and restoring underground containers, wells, collectors, fuel tanks, pipeline, mines, cellars and other objects.
Such underground structures may develop microcracks, that can be penetrated by utility line liquids or surface water. In many cases the structure cannot be fully waterproofed by quick repairs, replacement of damaged components and patching cracks. The cracks may also develop in a structure due to changes in soil properties.
In the event that the walls of an underground structure have started leaking, it is rather likely that the soil has weakened or eroded or become less compact. Under such circumstances, besides patching cracks and restoring the site, soil needs to be strengthened. This can be done by increasing soil compactness by means of URETEK geopolymers.
Advantages of geopolymer resins
Major advantage of URETEK geopolymers consists in the fact that the material does not react with water. Geopolymers simply force water to the surrounding environment. When injecting geopolymers in weak humid soil, the water is forced out, while the soil itself becomes stronger and more compact.
Additionally, the soil strengthened and compacted by use of geopolymers has reduced water absorption capacity. Furthermore, when using geopolymers, structure will be waterproof in areas of injection.
Processing the walls in mines and tunnels
Tunnels, pipeline, mines and other similar structures are often assembled by using prefabricated elements. Geopolymer resins can be used to waterproof damaged components of such a structure and fill joints and connections between prefabricated elements. Resins are introduced by injecting them in soil that is in contact with damaged sections and connections between elements.
Injection can be made from the surface without excavating the damaged structure and directly inside the tunnel or mine (where possible). During injection, geopolymer material may even reach the mine or tunnel cavity – this indicates high work quality. Excess material can be removed from internal surfaces.
Reduction of water capacity of soil
Another reason for deteriorated waterproofing of underground structures (cellars, foundations, etc.) consists in substandard quality of compaction of soil adjacent to the walls of the structure. Such soil loses its waterproof qualities and becomes wet more often, which in turn affects the walls of the structure.
This process can be stopped by compacting the soil by using geopolymers injection. Geopolymers injection reduces water capacity of soil, indirectly making the structure waterproof.
The floors of industrial and utility buildings may subside over time
Covering consisting in concrete slabs are often damaged at joints or become curved due to large load. Thanks to geopolymers, concrete floors can be repaired without disrupting the operation of the facility.
Subsidence of concrete floor slabs in buildings is allowed only to certain extent. When building such floors, all appropriate preparation works must be performed prior to assembling concrete slabs. However, in case of defective floor assembly or excessive loads on concrete floor, the premises need urgent repairs. Otherwise, sunken, deformed and tilted concrete slabs will obstruct normal work process.
Strengthening and repair of concrete floors
Slab Lifting method is used for stabilisation, lifting and strengthening of concrete floors. This method enables complete repair of concrete floor with the shortest possible time. Furthermore, it does not require dismantling concrete slabs, shelving and installed equipment, which saves much more time and money compared to traditional repair methods.
Slab Lifting method stands out by the fact that when injecting geopolymer resins, the load on concrete floor slabs are no longer considered a disadvantage, but an advantage instead. In some cases, it is even recommended to install new equipment in the room and only then commence lifting and stabilising concrete floor slabs. When concrete floor is exposed to additional load, it is much easier to direct the pressure generated during injection of geopolymer resins into deeper soil layers. This allows better quality of soil compaction and strengthening of concrete slabs.
How concrete floor is levelled
Repairing concrete floor by means of Slab Lifting method allows quick commissioning of restored floor sections. There are no work stoppages that otherwise occur when dismantling and re-installing concrete slabs. Therefore, using this method has minimum effect on client’s business activities.
For lifting, stabilisation and levelling of concrete slabs, geopolymers are injected under the concrete surface through 1–142 mm holes. Geopolymer components are mixed in special compact devices at the time of injection. Almost immediately after reaching the soil, geopolymer components undergo chemical reaction which makes the material expand. The material fills all hollow cavities under the concrete, force liquid from the soil under a structure into other soil layers and expand towards the weakest parts of the soil.
Soil is strengthened at the distance of 500 mm from geopolymer injection point. A new layer with increased load-bearing capacity is formed in the process, which allows lifting the concrete slab. The process of lifting and levelling of the slab is monitored in real time with accuracy of ± 1 mm.
Stabilisation of floor in cold chamber
Cold chambers in warehouses stand out by strict requirements for insulation, including floor insulation. It is not always easy to insulate the floor when converting existing premises into cold chambers. Using geopolymers when levelling and strengthening concrete floor has an indirect effect of improving floor insulation.
The reason for that consists in the fact that geopolymer used for strengthening and compacting the soil spreads evenly under the concrete and forms a hermetic layer with low thermal conductivity. Thus, in addition to strengthening the concrete floors in cold chambers, geopolymers allow reduce the costs of floor insulation.
