underground infrastructure | URETEK

underground infrastructure

Repair of underground structures and waterproofing

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.

Keywords

advantages of geopolymer resins underground infrastructure waterproofing

Operative and efficient solutions that help to preserve and strengthen important infrastructure facilities

Local utility companies and government bodies are responsible for a large number of facilities from roads and bridges to water supply, sewerage and drainage systems. In order to ensure the safety and efficient uninterrupted servicing of residents, it is crucial to keep these facilities in good working order. Continuous monitoring and technical servicing is important not only for occupational safety and efficiency, but also from the aspect of long-term reliability.

According to a recent study, interruptions in the provision of main utility services such as electricity and water supply have great impact on both business and domestic activity. Additionally, deterioration of the condition of main and minor roads can reduce expediency of freight transport, increase costs related to servicing of vehicles and increase risk of accidents.

After realising the increase in the cost of maintaining and renovation of infrastructures, many European local governments and public bodies have recognised URETEK’s innovative technological solutions as fast and most sustainable method to maintain and restore various objects that often have complex structure.

When choosing suitable solution, it is important to consider factors affecting the safety, ease of use and durability of infrastructure objects. Examples of innovative solutions provided by URETEK for servicing infrastructures:

Stabilisation of public buildings and underground infrastructure

URETEK’s non-invasive resin injection technology was used when building Moskva City to fill large cavities and voids adjacent to heating main and restore the soil under a structure, increase load-bearing capacity of the soil and prevent its further subsidence. In the course of these works, heating pipeline was efficiently stabilised and supported within less than a week, without disturbing the functioning of adjacent pipelines.

Clients often address URETEK to stabilise state and public structures suffering from uneven land subsidence under the foundation. For instance, after discovering the sinking of the foundation and floor of a building belonging to local government used as a restaurant in Belgorod oblast, causing large cracks in the walls, URETEK managed to restore the building in an operative and sustainable manner. Lifting, re-levelling and supporting of the building took only ten days when using geopolymer resin.

Discarding of reserve pipes

URETEK light resin represents a tried-and-tested and innovative solution for filling bulky pipes and other technical reservoirs to be discarded. In Kuzbass region, URETEK technology was used to fill an underground water pipeline in the course of modernising a mineshaft. URETEK geopolymer is so-called flowing material, which can be pumped at great distances (when expanding, the material achieves incredibly high compressive strength at minimum density). Many clients have admired the material’s ability to fill large voids, cavities, pipes and reservoirs quickly and cost-efficiently.

Rapid expansion of the cities of the Russian Federation causes increasing burden on infrastructure. Thus, it is more important than ever to ensure durability of structures in long the long term, while also keeping in mind the impact that solutions and measures applied today have on the quality of structures intended for the future generations.

Keywords

stabilisation underground infrastructure

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