Deep Lock® is a specialized deep soil stabilization process developed by Alchatek. It involves injecting a structural polymer deep into the soil, where it expands and solidifies. This process enhances the stability and strength of the soil, making it an effective solution for various geotechnical challenges. One key feature of Deep Lock® is its ability to stabilize soil below the freeze/thaw line, making it particularly useful in cold weather conditions.
Applications of Deep Lock® in Cold Weather
- Foundations: Deep Lock® is extensively used to stabilize and strengthen foundations, especially in areas where the soil is compromised due to moisture or other factors.
- Under Sunken Slabs: For sunken slabs, where soil erosion or voids have occurred deeper down, Deep Lock® provides an effective solution to fill and stabilize these gaps.
- Settling Structures: Entire structures that are settling, not just the slab, can benefit from the deep soil stabilization offered by Deep Lock®.
- Interior Footings: In scenarios where exterior piers are used for stabilization, Deep Lock® can be employed for interior footings, avoiding damage to floors and providing a balanced stabilization approach.
- Brick and Stone Foundations: These types of foundations, which are challenging to stabilize with piers, can be effectively supported using the Deep Lock® process.
- Pre-construction Soil Stabilization: Before construction begins, stabilizing the soil ensures that the foundation rests on solid ground, a crucial step for long-term structural integrity.
- Culverts: Deep Lock® can be used for stabilizing and sealing culverts both from the outside (probe-grouting style) and from the inside by injecting the polymer just below the steel.
Why Deep Lock® is Used in Cold Weather
Cold Weather Performance: Deep Lock® can be performed even when the top layer of soil is frozen, making it ideal for cold weather applications.
- Addressing the Root Cause: By stabilizing soil deep below the surface, Deep Lock® addresses the underlying causes of structural problems rather than just the symptoms.
- Preventing Resettlement: It ensures that once slabs or structures are stabilized, they remain in place without resettling.
- Warranty Benefits: When employing the Deep Lock® process, contractors can offer better warranties due to effective and long-lasting stabilization.
- Ease of Process: The process is relatively easy to learn and implement, making it a practical option for a wide variety of contractors.
Deep Lock® offers a versatile and effective solution for a range of soil stabilization needs, particularly beneficial in cold weather conditions. Its ability to work below the freeze/thaw line and address deep-rooted soil issues makes it an invaluable tool in the geotechnical contractor’s arsenal.
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Unstable soils present significant challenges in civil engineering projects. Whether caused by erosion, improper compaction, freeze-thaw action, or decay of buried organic matter, loose and shifting soils undermine structural integrity. Together, these mechanisms prevent soil from remaining firmly in place. This necessitates methods to stabilize and strengthen the matrix. Geotechnical engineers must find solutions to reinforce the substrate and restore load-bearing capacity.
As a geotechnical engineer, you understand the importance of stable supporting soil around structures. When the supporting soil becomes unstable, the stability of the structure is at risk. Common causes of unstable soil include erosion, poor compaction, freeze/thaw cycles, and decomposition of organic materials within the soil. Fortunately, 
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Deep Lock® Overview
This post is part of the Alchemy-Spetec Contractor Lens series, featuring views, news & case studies written by our customers. This article was written by Casey Messer of 
Alchatek offers world-class custom-built pump systems for both slab lifting and soil stabilization applications. If you're looking for a 
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