Case Study - Preventing Tripping Hazards in a Parking Garage Entrance

One Atlanta Plaza experienced significant settling of sidewalks and approach slabs around the perimeter of the building, creating safety hazards for pedestrians and visitors. The multi-story structure includes underground parking levels supported by piles, which remained stable, but the transition areas connecting to surrounding sidewalks were built on compacted fill. Over time, differential settlement occurred between the pile-supported structure and the soil-supported approach slabs, with some areas dropping approximately half an inch. Building management had previously attempted fixes by creating concrete "ramps" at transition points, but these temporary solutions continued to deteriorate as settlement progressed.

Initial Assessment

Engineers inspected the site and identified that the compaction difference between the soil immediately adjacent to the building foundation and the surrounding area was causing uneven settlement. This resulted in cracking of curbs, trip hazards at entrance points, and visibly sagging pavement sections, particularly noticeable at the approach to the parking garage. The most affected areas showed clear separation between the stable pile-supported structures and the settling exterior slabs. Entrance points where the differential settlement created ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance issues, and potential liability for trip-and-fall incidents were of particular concern. This problem stemmed primarily from inadequate soil compaction during the original construction.

Proposed Solution

Alchatek recommended a two-phase approach to address both the underlying soil conditions and the visible settlement. First, AP Soil 600, a single-component polyurethane product designed for soil stabilization and permeation, would be injected to densify the loose soil beneath the affected slabs. Following soil treatment, two-component polyurethane foam, AP Lift 475, would be used to lift the settled concrete sections back to their proper elevation. This non-invasive approach would eliminate the need for demolition and replacement of concrete, allowing for minimal disruption to building operations while providing a long-lasting solution.

Procedures

1. Technicians established injection points in a grid pattern, spacing them approximately 3-4 feet across the affected areas.
2. Saw cuts were made at key joints to free slabs from binding against adjacent concrete, allowing for controlled lifting without creating additional stress.
3. In the initial phase, AP 600 was injected through small drilled holes to stabilize the underlying soil and prevent future settlement.
4. After the soil stabilization phase, AP 475 was injected in multiple passes, starting from the areas closest to the building and moving outward.
5. Elevation was carefully monitored throughout the lifting process using zip levels and dial indicators to ensure proper alignment and prevent cracking.

Results

The rehabilitation project restored proper elevations at all transition points around the building, eliminating tripping hazards and improving aesthetics and safety. The lightweight polyurethane material added minimal load to the treated areas while effectively compacting and stabilizing the underlying soil.

From a financial perspective, this approach delivered significant cost savings compared to traditional repair methods. Concrete replacement would have required demolition, disposal, and new concrete installation, which is why the two-phased remediation project resulted in a 90% reduced cost compared to traditional replacement methods.

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