URETEK ICR Gulf Coast uses a hydrophobic and closed-cell geopolymer. The geopolymer will expand regardless of water’s presence and, unlike other polymers–URETEK’s geopolymer won’t soak up water, but will instead displace it. Often times, oversaturated soil or water infiltration is the root cause of sinking slab, so it is important that our material is invulnerable to water.
PolyOne noticed multiple shifting panels at one of their distribution centers. After contacting their contractors at 3-J Ryan, Inc., it was determined that the panels were settling because of water infiltration at the expansion joints. Through time and general wear and tear, the expansion joints degraded allowing water to infiltrate and create a water-filled void below multiple areas between the expansion joints. To avoid further shifting, water infiltration, and serious slab damage, 3-J Ryan needed a solution that could displace the water, fill the void, seal the expansion joints, and stabilize the soil. They called URETEK ICR Gulf Coast to repair all the issues.
Utilizing their hydrophobic closed-cell geopolymer, URETEK ICR Gulf Coast pumped below the slabs to displace the stagnant water. As the geopolymer expanded into the water-filled voids, it pushed the water up and out through the expansion joint and stabilized the soil. After displacing the water, the polymer sealed the expansion joint from further infiltration. Due to the characteristics of their unique geopolymer, URETEK ICR Gulf Coast was able to simultaneously displace stagnant water, fill a void, and seal an expansion joint.
As URETEK technician begins to pump geopolymer, water becomes displaced as the geopolymer fills its place.