A below-grade warehouse loading ramp had water infiltration at the slab-to-wall cold joint. Hydrostatic pressure forced water and sandy soil through the joint during rainfall, clogging the French drain and requiring manual removal after each storm.
Initial Assessment
The cold joint leak allowed water and sediment infiltration. Soil erosion created voids beneath the slab. Traditional solutions proved impractical. Slab replacement entailed demolition at 5–6 times the cost. Exterior waterproofing required excavation below the water table. And interior drains merely treated symptoms, not root causes.
Proposed Solution
Spetec PUR HighFoamer was selected for its 50x expansion ratio and hydrophobic properties. This single-component polyurethane resin reacts with water to create a curtain grout while filling voids. Safe for potable water contact with NSF/ANSI 61-5 certification, it delivers a rapid 15-minute cure time.
Procedures
- Drilled 3/8" injection holes at 2.5' spacing along the cold joint.
- Installed threaded nylon packers with zerk fittings for controlled injection.
- Initiated injection at the lowest elevation using a gas-powered hydraulic pump.
- Injected foam progressively upward, monitoring emergence at adjacent ports.
- Sealed ports after 15-minute cure.
Results
- Eliminated 100% of water infiltration and sediment transport.
- Achieved 80% cost savings versus traditional slab replacement and 75% savings versus exterior membrane installation.
- Completed in one day with zero operational downtime—the facility remained fully functional.
- Eliminated recurring French drain maintenance.
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