Premium Technologies: EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS
Equipment failure at construction or mining sites is often attributed to poor-quality or malfunctioning machinery, whereas the root cause may actually be underlying soil subsidence.
Even minor shifts in the foundation level caused by soil subsidence can lead to the misalignment of machine components and mechanisms, resulting in uneven loading. This can significantly impact continuous site operations. Ignoring the issue over time can lead to equipment failure, resulting in downtime, costly repairs and maintenance, reduced productivity, and—in some cases—risks to worker safety.
EARLY SIGNS OF POTENTIAL FAILURE
Site operators are advised to inspect the technical condition of the equipment to detect early signs of deformation. These signs include:
- unusual noise coming from the equipment;
- accelerated wear of equipment—particularly conveyor belts—due to additional stress on guide rails or crane tracks;
- excessive wear of machine tracks and foundations, caused by vibrations that lead to settlement.
The most common causes of foundation settlement are drainage issues, uncompacted soil, and mechanical vibrations from equipment operation.
EARLY PREVENTIVE ACTION IS KEY
It is always advisable to address the consequences of foundation settlement before equipment failure occurs, as this can minimize downtime and repair costs. Modern soil engineering techniques offer a faster and easier solution, according to many experts. Premium Technologies’ geopolymer resin injection technology serves as a proven, convenient, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods such as silicatization or cement grouting. Premium Technologies’ process involves injecting geopolymer resin at low pressure to stabilize and strengthen loose or unstable soil and rock to the required level. The speed and efficiency of Premium Technologies’ solutions allow for soil stabilization and compaction work to be carried out under any conditions—even when site operations cannot be interrupted. Depending on the scope, a project can be completed within a few days and executed concurrently with other construction activities.
Premium Technologies also offers innovative materials designed to fill large voids or cavities. These lightweight yet durable resins provide a cost-effective and environmentally inert solution for a variety of geotechnical engineering challenges. Applications include the decommissioning of fuel tanks, water mains, sewer lines, and tunnels, as well as the bulk filling of large cavities and even abandoned mine shafts.