Alchatek Infrastructure Repair Blog: Polyurethane Leak Seal Injection, Soil Stabilization, Concrete Leveling (65)

Introducing AP Microfine 10

Posted by Jim Spiegel on Sep 3, 2019 10:00:00 AM

A Microfine Cement from Alchemy-Spetec

AP Microfine 10 is a blast furnace slag ultrafine cement intended for use in specialty grouting applications. With a D95 particle size of ten microns and a D50 particle size of three microns, this microfine cement is able to penetrate very small openings such as soil pores and microscopic rock fissures in order to improve strength and reduce permeability.

Advantages

Excellent permeability.
Environmentally friendly.
Long-term durability.
Highly adaptable.
Brine tolerant.
Highly predictable.

Applications

Pre and post-excavation grouting.
Water cut-off grouting.
Dam and embankment grouting.
Foundation stabilization, new and existing.
Soil consolidation.
Oil and gas well remediation.
Hazardous waste containment grouting.
Maintenance grouting of existing dams and tunnels.

Packaging

44 lb (19.96 kg) plastic pail.
6 oz (0.17 kg) bottle of plasticizer included.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec Geotech products?

Topics: All Posts, Stabilize Soil

Showroom Floor Slab Repair

Posted by Michael Binyaminov on Aug 30, 2019 1:16:15 PM

Concrete Leveling & Stabilization for Showroom Floors

Do you own or manage a business with concrete showroom floors? Auto dealers, large wholesale stores, convention centers and other businesses need strong and stable floor slabs to function properly. Unstable slabs can put merchandise, customers and even ownership at risk. See our two-part blog series on trip hazards and litigation risks...
Concrete Leveling to Prevent Trip Hazards & Litigation Risks - Part 1
Concrete Leveling to Prevent Trip Hazards & Litigation Risks - Part 2

You should also understand the larger danger of complete slab collapse if the voids underneath your floor are large enough. See this stunning security cam footage from the National Corvette Museum for an example in action. Ownership was completely unaware of the large voids that eventually caused this showroom floor to collapse, taking all those Corvettes with it.

Concrete Leveling & Stabilization Contractors

Alchemy-Spetec can help you find a contractor to detect, level, and stabilize slabs at risk. Even if you aren't noticing any immediate problems, it may be worth getting your slabs tested for dangerous voids lurking beneath. Call us now at 404-618-0438 for help finding a contractor in your area!

Want more info on commercial & industrial slab repair?

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil, Fill Voids

Loading Dock Slab Repair

Posted by Andy Powell on Aug 28, 2019 9:37:02 AM

Sunken concrete slabs can be lifted back into place with two-component polyurethane foams designed to work in wet or dry conditions. The expansion force of the concrete leveling foam coupled with the pressure of a specialized pump generate enough controlled force to lift virtually any structure back into position with 1/8” precision.

- From the Alchemy-Spetec blog post Polyurethane Slab Lifting Explained. (Read more and watch an animation that explains the slab lifting process in detail.)

If you own or manage a facility with loading docks, it is essential to understand the dangers of unstable concrete. Warning signs include rocking, cracking, and unlevel seams between slabs. If you notice any of these red flags, you need to contact a professional concrete repair contractor immediately. (For assistance on that front, contact Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438.)

This very real risks of ignoring unstable loading dock slabs include:

Damage to vehicles and equipment.
Personal property damage.
Sudden slab collapse.
Trip hazards.
Employee injuries.
Limitless liability issues.

As industry experts consulting with contactors around the world, we've seen all these scenarios play out unfortunately. Here's a photo from a slab collapse that prompted the owners to call in a contractor to inspect and stabilize the rest of their slabs...

Collapsed-Slab

Don't wait for this to happen on your property. Contact Alchemy-Spetec at the first sign of any issue and let us help you find a contractor in your area! Call now at 404-618-0438.

Want more information on warehouse & industrial slab repair?

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Aug 23, 2019 10:30:04 AM

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

You still have a chance to sign up for Fall 2019 Training while there are still spots left. Don't miss this critical opportunity to turbo-charge your business!

October 9th & 10th, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Get ready for a thorough education in Leak Seal, Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization and the Alchemy-Spetec Deep Lift™ process. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

Wednesday - Leak Seal

Leak Seal Product Line Overview
Curtain Grouting
Permeation Grouting
Leak-Seal Product Mixing
Pump & Packer Overviews
Leak-Seal Accessories
Municipal Applications
Live Injection Demos
Open Discussions

Thursday - Geotech

Geotech Product Line Overview
Soil Stabilization
Geotech Product Mixing
Rig & Mobile System Overviews
Geotechnical Accessories
Slab Lifting Live Demo
Deep Lift™ Overview
Soil Testing with the
GPR & Penetrometer
Maintenance Discussions
Pricing / Estimating / Cost Savings
Open Discussions

Participants receive a Samsung tablet loaded with training material.

Your Instructors:

Stephen C. Barton (President/CEO), Jim Spiegel (VP Sales & Business Development), Andy Powell (Southeastern Regional Manager), Anthony Sandone (Eastern Regional Manager), Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager), and Michael Binyaminov (Western Sales Representative).

Topics: Repair Seawalls, Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, NSF Certification, Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips, Repair Cracks, Waterstop, Deep Lift, Floor Repair, Fill Voids, Engineer Resources

The Best Pump for Joint Filling

Posted by Jim Spiegel on Aug 21, 2019 9:15:41 AM

The Best Pump for Joint Filling

In this post, we'll profile the Alchemy-Spetec Joint Filling Machine, which is used with AP Joint Fill 800 and AP Fast Repair 850 for structural repair jobs. This article covers a lot of technical territory in a few short paragraphs. So, if it raises any questions for you, please call us at 404-618-0438.

Off-ratio product is probably the most prevalent issue with polyurea joint pumps. This typically comes down to just a few possible scenarios. Most commonly the material may be a bit too thick for the machine. For instance, many suppliers market their pumps as "joint filling", but fail to specify product choices for the pump. A small difference with the Alchemy-Spetec Joint Filling Machine (manufactured by US Saws) is the 1" throat from the bottom of the hopper leading to the rotary gear pumps. Most suppliers are using 5/8" or 3/4" throat.

Another common symptom you may run across with some pumps: Any time there is any build-up in the static mixer (which is common with material that sets in 30 seconds or less), there may also be back pressure put on the system, and the seals around the shaft for the sprocket/chain assembly may blow, and then you'll see material dripping from the shafts by the chain. This is another tell-tale sign that the pump you are using is not pressure rated high enough. And once a seal is compromised at all, the ratios go all over the place. Concentric seals do much better with this. Also be careful with your flushing agent here. If you're not using the Alchemy-Spetec Joint Filling Machine, ask your pump manufacturer what the seals are made of. PTFE seals typically hold up to solvents better than Viton, for example. A chewed up Viton seal caused by acetone flush can be a common cause of off-ratio product.

The reason we chose the pump we have for our line is because US Saws has it best figured out. Feel free to browse the US Saws link below for specifics on the machine...

https://www.ussaws.com/polymer-system-us-saw-joint-fill-polymer-pump

One of the things we really like with this pump is that they have a unique configuration of the chain/sprockets which keeps more teeth of the sprocket engaged, and that prevents any skipping of the chain when back-pressure is encountered. Also, the HDPE tanks are nice because you can see the levels of the material. With the steel tanks of other pumps, often times the applicator will happen to look into the tanks only to realize that the last 100' of joint fill he put down is off-ratio. It's much better to see this in real-time, all the time. This pump also has the wide throat and PTFE seals.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Repair Cracks, Floor Repair

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Aug 15, 2019 3:59:15 PM

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Sign up for Fall 2019 Training while there are still spots left!