Soil layers are prone to expansion and contraction when their moisture content (and its aggregate state) changes. When reinforcing the foundation with concrete, a rigid structure is formed, which begins to rise and fall during periods of changing soil water saturation. In the process of constant vertical and horizontal soil movements, cracks appear, and the integrity of the base structure is destroyed. The heterogeneity of soil layers further enhances the dynamics of the destruction of the object.
Silicatization and injection of cement mortars are prohibited in some types of soils, for example, in loess, due to the presence of water in them, which makes it impossible for the materials to acquire the necessary properties. Depending on the chemical composition of the soils, silicate and cement mortars may not acquire the necessary strength and turn into pulp, which will further worsen the bearing capacity of the soils. Also, depending on the degree of soil acidity, the setting time of concrete mixtures and silicate mortars may be unpredictable. And another minus – cement mortars, subject to shock and vibration loads, turn into construction waste.
ADVANTAGES OF CEMENTATION (AND SILICATION AS A RELATED TECHNOLOGY IN TECHNIQUES OF WORK PERFORMANCE)
- this is a traditional engineering technique;
- it has wide engineering application, due to the high degree of technology testing.
DISADVANTAGES OF CEMENTATION (AND SILICATION)
- it can be a slow process, since the result is unpredictable even after the project is approved;
- “dirty” technologies due to technological features;
- frequent occurrence of emergency situations;
- this is a labor-intensive process that requires a lot of time, personnel and serious equipment;
- in clays and other mobile or changing over time soils, it is not applicable, because it does not essentially solve the cause of the problem;
- cannot be used in water-saturated soils;
- not capable of predictable leveling and lifting of structures.
Premium Technologies SOLUTION
This is a more modern and proven method of strengthening foundations and foundations of buildings (since 1978). It involves injecting environmentally neutral resin under the foundation, into the base through small holes (8-28 mm). The resin is fed into the soil and expands as it hardens. It also fills voids and cavities. As the resin injection continues, it will ultimately raise the house or structure higher. The process is carefully controlled by practicing technicians who control the injections with special highly sensitive laser instruments. The resin formula is carefully selected according to the unique weather, soil conditions and tasks facing the engineers.
Premium Technologies is free from all the disadvantages of cementation and silicateation, as it is elastic and does not interact (is not significantly affected) with the chemical environment of the base soils. Compared to the injection of cement (or silicate) solutions into the base, the Premium Technologies technology has elasticity in the approach and implementation of the project, which is a serious advantage.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES OF Premium Technologies
- all components required for the reaction are mixed during injection;
- the reaction time is predictable and controlled;
- the reaction process depends on external factors;
- one-way design interchangeability from cementation to Premium Technologies without loss of quality;
- cleanliness and tidiness: no need for excavation, which means no dirt and waste;
- efficiency and speed: most projects can be completed within two to three days;
- the client can continue to use the facility during work;
- It is a more than 40-year-old, globally proven method of strengthening foundations and foundations to protect the future of your most important asset.