Aging sewer and storm water systems across the country are plagued by infiltration and inflow; especially in areas with high water tables and sandy soils. Over time, compacted soils around catch basins, manholes, and culverts relax and result in deflection of joints and pipe connections. The end result is infiltration of ground water into the storm and waste water systems. This infiltration erodes the soils surrounding below grade drainage structures resulting in sinkholes, settling roadways, and property damage; not to mention the extra cost of treating that uninvited ground water.
The solution is a combination of sealing leaking joints both from within the drainage structures and through point grouting from street level. Expansive polyurethanes such as AP Seal 500 and AP Fill 700 produced by Alchemy-Spetec can be injected directly into pipe and manhole connections where they react with infiltrating water and expand to seal off leaking joints. Additional point grouting from street level fills voids and permeates loose soils. This relieves hydrostatic pressure from the structures and strengthens the ground to support the above roadways and sidewalks.
For below grade structures that a man can safely enter, direct polyurethane injection is the best option. Holes can be drilled directly into the joints or leaking cracks, injection ports are then installed, and AP Seal 500 is directly injected to permanently seal active leaks.
If interior access is limited, point grouting technique can be implemented. This involved driving pipes into the vicinity of the active leaks on the outside of the structures and injecting AP Fill 700.
If you would like to discuss either of these products or procedures, please call us at 404-618-0438.