
A major culvert restoration project was recently completed by Geotech Services Inc. in Ohio. The Este Ave culvert is a concrete storm sewer that runs about 1000 feet from 4861 Este Ave to Mill Creek. The culvert includes 200 pipe joints, the majority of which are not watertight, and is 108 inches in diameter. A few of the sealed joints in the culvert have failed, leading to enhanced infiltration at downstream joints. The groundwater infiltration ranges from modest seepage to major leaks. Although there aren't any voids easily seen at the surface, it's expected that some channeling has happened along the pipe's bottom. In 2008, grout was injected to seal several joints near the intake and to fill voids around the outside of the pipe. Controlled density fill was then used to fill voids at the surface around the wing wall. Since that time, the wing wall has remained stable. Unfortunately, the culvert's sealed joints have degraded, leading to more infiltration at downstream junctions.
Powerful Polymer
Geotech Services used Spetec PUR GT500 to seal all the pipe joints in the culvert and to fill voids around the outside of the structure. Spetec PUR GT500 is NSF/ANSI 61 approved for contact with drinking water. This single-component polyurethane resin is designed to penetrate and seal off leaks in cracks, joints, and pipe penetrations. As a hydrophilic polyurethane, it chases down water and gets into the microstructure of the concrete, forming a flexible seal and a mechanical bond with the wet concrete.

Painless Procedure
Every joint in the culvert's bottom half was leaking and allowing groundwater to seep in. Geotech Services drilled one injection hole in the middle of the culvert joint at the bottom and injected the GT500 until the joint was completely sealed. Additional holes were drilled, based on how the material was traveling. About 3500 gallons were injected overall.
Rapid Result
The entire 1000-foot culvert was sealed in just under 30 days.





Tony Gomes brings over 20 years of scaling company growth while ensuring organizational excellence. Tony has a deep passion for people, building teams, and leading them to success. With over 12 years of construction experience under his belt, he has become adept at most facets of the construction space. The client is put at the center of everything he does and although he loves to win, helping the team achieve its goals gives him his greatest joy and satisfaction.

Ryan Reavis is an experienced professional with over 20 years in the geotech industry. Prior to joining Alchemy-Spetec, Ryan held various leadership positions in the industry, including Project Manager with Keller, Operations Manager for McKinney Drilling Company, Project Development Manager for Rail at GeoStabilization International, and Operations Manager for Eclipse Foundation Group.
Alchemy-Spetec is pleased to announce the promotion of Brian Oeder to the role of Chief Marketing Officer. Previously the VP of Sales & Marketing, we congratulate Brian on his new executive position in recognition of his extensive experience and contributions to the company's growth since joining us two years ago.

Join an Alchemy-Spetec Specialist to Present to Local Organizations
Using social media to market yourself and your contracting firm is essential as the world becomes more connected. Consider a LinkedIn profile to be your very own personal branding page. LinkedIn can play a significant role in your strategy for locating new clients and contacts in your field. Your name, photo, and headline are frequently the first things visitors see before even clicking on your profile. A professional headshot photo is essential for your profile page.
Premier On-The-Job Technical Support
Commercial/Industrial Slab Issues
