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Structural Polyurethane Foams For Hurricane Season

Posted by Andy Powell on Jun 26, 2017 2:01:11 PM

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hurricane-blog.pngA few weeks ago, the start of "hurricane season" was officially recognized. Per usual, meteorologists predicted a higher than average degree of activity for this year. It’s easy to pile on the pressure for accuracy from the weather people, but last year they accurately predicted and tracked two storms that affected our coasts.

Hurricane Matthew and tropical storm Hermine both caused significant damage in the gulf and on the east coast. Matthew especially caused a tremendous amount of flooding as opposed to wind damage because of the way it tracked parallel to the coast for so long before making landfall.

Thanks to meteorologists, the death toll from those storms were kept to a minimum. If you didn't know, water and flooding are responsible for 88-90% of deaths from hurricanes. The worst on record being the Galveston hurricane of 1900 where between 6,000 and 12,000 perished. The property damage, however, is unavoidable no matter what the time period.

Last year after the hurricanes, we saw scouring/erosion underneath building footings and parking lot slabs. We saw stairways undermined, as well as historical buildings with huge voids underneath them. Not to mention, roadways, sidewalks, marinas, and infrastructure equally impacted from erosion of soil. A few of the contractors we work with were hired to do void filling underneath some of these buildings, but in a lot of cases these repairs are not addressed immediately - leaving a lot of the market still open.

The AP Lift series of structural polyurethane foams can be used to fill voids caused by scouring, to support suspended slabs by preventing further damage from settling, and to lift concrete that has sunken due to erosion from water. Not only can these products be applied rapidly, they can be pumped into places other products like concrete can’t reach. Displacing water as they react, and having the ability to support loads within 15 minutes, polymers are ideal for these types of repairs. Additionally, polymers are the only product you can shoot under an overhanging slab or footing that will expand and fill up completely.

If you call on people from FEMA or other local emergency management agencies this year, or insurance companies for that matter, let them know there is a solution that is readily available, permanent, and can prevent further damage from occurring to an undermined structure. We can assist with preparing and giving presentations in many cases.  Just give us a call at 404-618-0438.

Want more information on slab repair with polyurethane?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

Concrete Repair Equipment

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Jun 5, 2017 2:40:40 PM

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In this post I'll provide an overview of the concrete repair equipment that we offer, including slab lifting pumps, crack injection pumps, air compressors and accessories.

Hydraulic Proportioners Customized for Lifting  

PMC plural component proportioners are used to inject AP two-component structural polyurethane foams for slab lifting and soil stabilization.  Rugged and dependable, these pumps utilize relays and circuit breakers instead of circuit boards, vastly increasing reliability and preventing maintenance problems.  Read more...

Airless Sprayers Customized for Crack Injection  

Modified for injecting Alchemy-Spetec leak seal and soil stabilization resins, the world-class Titan pumps we offer are essential tools for sealing both small and gushing leaks as well as filling voids behind and below structures.  Read more...

Air Compressors

The FS Curtis series of air compressors we offer are the go to choice for powering your PMC drum pumps and air powered proportioners.  Dedicated to their customers, this brand name is synonymous with legendary reliability.  Read more...

Custom Slab Lifting Gun

We also manufacture an injection gun designed specifically for slab lifting. It is custom built to handle back-pressure. For detailed information, read this blog post: MixMaster Pro- The Reliable Slab lifting Gun.

Accessories

See the table below for an overview of additional acessories we offer...

Button Head Fittings

Designed for high volume flow of lubricant and provide a smooth working surface for easy coupler engagement & removal.

Flush Wand

Use this essential tool to flush concrete dust from the holes you have drilled for crack injection.

Packers

For injection of chemical grouts into stable or deteriorating concrete for a professional result.

Hammer In Ports

For injection of chemical grouts into new or stable concrete.      

Couplers

Provides an airtight seal when paired with packers or hammer-in ports.

Oakum

Seals cracks and slows down gushing water during leak repair. Oakum can be used alone or in combination with AP Seal 500.

High Pressure Crack Injection Valves

Control resin flow at the point of injection and turn an airless sprayer into an injection pump.

 

Want more detailed information on Alchemy-Spetec equipment?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil

MixMaster Pro - The RELIABLE Slab Lifting Gun

Posted by Andy Powell on May 22, 2017 11:30:00 AM

mixmaster-1.pngThink you can use a spray foam insulation gun for slab lifting? Well think again. If you've tried it, you know insulation guns become an expensive proposition with the constant need for replacement parts. They're also tedious to use, which can slow down production. And they often leak foam at the port when used for slab lifting. This is why we designed a gun specifically for the slab lifting industry. 

The MixMaster Pro slab lifting gun is built to last. It easily handles back pressure and has a leak proof port connection. It boasts an efficient design with minimal replacement parts. With an average cleaning time of 10 minutes, this gun is designed for ease of use. Spend less time repairing and cleaning your gun, and more time pumping foam!

Want more information on this reliable slab lifting gun?

Download an Info-Packed MixMaster Pro Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

Purchasing A Polyurethane Slab Lifting Rig

Posted by Andy Powell on May 19, 2017 11:30:00 AM

Polyurethane Slab Lifting Rig (2).pngIn this blog post, we’ll take a look at the basic costs of buying a polyurethane slab lifting rig and the packages that we offer. These configurations usually fit the bill for many of our interested customers. However, we also have the ability to put together a custom rig package for you.

Investment

Slab lifting trailer rigs usually start in the upper 40K range and go up from there. We have many configurations but have found that three different packages generally cover the needs of most contractors. Each rig is packed with unmatched quality and a plethora of features. These include but are not limited to; insulated walls and ceilings, AC/Heat, diamond plated floors, breaker panels, ramp doors, and a work bench.

Entry-Level Rig

This rig features an air powered PA-25 proportioner. Don't get me wrong, entry level is not the best choice of words because this setup is also good for residential and commercial projects. It's in a 16' v-nose trailer and has a gas powered air compressor and generator. We have many contractors with this set up doing everything from residential to D.O.T work.

Mid-Level Rig

This rig can either be a 18' or 20' trailer that happens to be built around the best selling PH-25 proportioner. This setup is made for the contractor who wants stellar result in an affordable range that features a hydraulically powered proportioner. This is also the best selling machine package, it boasts a 22 KW diesel powered generator and electric air compressor.

Advanced Level Rig

This rig is similar to the mid-level rig with larger PH-25 and PH-40 proportioners. These rigs come in 20' and larger trailers and are powered by 35 KW Stateline Diesel (John Deere) generator sets and also include electric air compressors. This setup is suitable for huge insulations jobs or larger buildings.

Optional Hands-On Quality Training

The best way to get “real world” scenario training is for one of our guys to come out to locations where you have potential jobs and train on site. This is a fool proof way to learn your new equipment and get paid while doing it. This is a good way to learn useful evaluation and estimating skills for the next job ahead.

Want more information on polyurethane slab lifting equipment?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

Stabilizing a House with AP 475

Posted by Andy Powell on Apr 26, 2017 12:51:22 PM
Eroded soil and voids underneath a structure can result in settlement and damage to the structure. These dangerous voids can be filled with high strength polyurethane foam that supports up to 14,000 pounds per square foot. In this video, Stabilizing a House with AP 475, you'll see the back half of a residence resting on nothing but its frame and thin air. Installation of AP 475 foam secures the structure and prevents potentially catastrophic damage. (AP 475 can also be used for lifting if the unstable soil has already caused the slab to sink.)

Watch the video below...

For more videos like this, be sure to subscribe to the Alchemy-Spetec YouTube channel.

Want more in-depth info on slab stabilization and lifting?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil

Commercial and Industrial Slab Lifting

Posted by Andy Powell on Apr 21, 2017 11:30:00 AM
Sunken concrete slabs can be lifted back into place with our two-component polymer foam 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. Polyjacking and concrete lifting can be accomplished at a fraction of the cost and time required for replacement using our AP Lift series of resins.

Watch this video for a quick demonstration...


This video contains footage of a commercial/industrial slab lift outside of a warehouse. If you're a contractor looking for lifting jobs, consider focusing on this sector. Commercial/industrial clients will usually have more square footage of slab in need of repair than your typical residential customer. In addition, they tend to have more income at their disposal. After you complete your first job for a commercial/industrial customer, keep in touch with them regularly so that you're top of mind when their next concrete repair problem arises.

For more videos like this, be sure to subscribe to the Alchemy-Spetec YouTube channel.

Want more in-depth info on warehouse and industrial slab lifting?

Download an Info-Packed Warehouse & Industrial Slab Repair Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Business Tips

Concrete Leveling with AP 430, 440 and 475

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Apr 19, 2017 12:06:26 PM

Concrete leveling (3).pngIn this post I'll provide an overview of AP Lift 430, 440, and 475. Each product in the AP Lift series has its own distinguishing attributes.

What are AP Lift Foams?

AP Lift Foams are two component, high strength, high density, and hydro insensitive polyurethane foams designed for concrete leveling. AP Lift Foams are among the most resilient and dependable slab jacking foams available.

What are the applications and advantages?

AP Lift polyurethane foams are able to lift concrete slabs, stabilize soil, fill abandoned pipes, fill voids, and also supplement sinkhole remediation. These polyurethane resins exhibit very high strengths. In addition, they work in wet environments by displacing water. Also an advantage, AP Lift foams can be traffic ready in as little as 15 minutes.

Specific descriptions of each foam in the AP Lift series:

AP Lift 430

Two component, high strength, high density, hydro insensitive structural polyurethane foam.  2.75 to 3.25 pounds per cubic foot.

AP Lift 440

Two component, high strength, high density, hydro insensitive structural polyurethane foam.  3.75 to 4.25 pounds per cubic foot.

AP Lift 475

Two component, high strength, high density, hydro insensitive structural polyurethane foam.  4.5 to 5.0 pounds per cubic foot.  Also available in a slow version.  Certified to NSF 61-5 (Approved for contact with drinking water).

Want more information on concrete leveling?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

Polyurethane Slab Leveling Allows Omaha Warehouse to be Repurposed

Posted by Andy Powell on Mar 10, 2017 11:55:45 AM

Polyurethane Slab Leveling Allows Omaha Warehouse to be Repurposed as Office Space (1).png

Sometimes lifting concrete slabs with polyurethane is about more than just making something structurally sound and level again.  In every town there are buildings sitting empty because the floors are not in sufficient shape for use by a business.   Imagine the service a concrete leveling contractor can provide by bringing slabs back into tolerance and allowing an empty space to become a revenue stream for the building owner.  This is what our contractor in Omaha Nebraska,The Rite Touch, did recently.

In downtown Omaha there are a lot of historic buildings.  Located on the site of the old stockyards, there is a building constructed in 1911 that had been used as a parts depot for many years; including parts for World War II era Jeeps.  Some of those are still there.  The owners of the building have converted some of it into a commercial laundry equipment distribution facility, but there was a section with sagging floors that really couldn’t be used effectively.

Some research on the internet led them to our customer in Omaha, The Rite Touch.  They have been doing concrete lifting and leveling for a few years now (in addition to spray foam and polyurea flooring systems).  This particular lift was a little tricky because the concrete literally had a belly, or sag, down the center.  The owner’s idea was to create an office space with partitions / cubicles for small businesses.  However, the current floor condition would have everyone’s office chair rolling to the center of the building.   Not good!  How would the floor react as they tried to bring it up a couple of inches?  I was onsite as a consultant to help them find out!

We gave ourselves a reward to shoot for if the lift was successful; a big slab of Omaha prime rib.  With that as a motivation we got to work slowly working our way across the floor and back.  Using zip levels, dial indicators, and instinct developed from other jobs, we slowly brought the old floor back into tolerance.  The product we selected for this project was AP Lift 430 and it worked beautifully.  The new MixMaster Pro injection gun performed as advertised and allowed for an efficient installation of the poly foam.  Although we had to drill multiple holes for the targeted injections, we only used three total injection ports.

Now the final touches are being added to this soon-to-be office space.  The owners will have multiple tenants paying rent and a once unusable space as a revenue generating property.  If you’re a property owner with a similar issue, call us to get hooked up with a contractor who can help.  If you’re a contractor, keep your eyes peeled for similar opportunities.  They are all over the place.  Now, about that prime rib….

Want more info on polyurethane slab lifting?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

The MixMaster Pro Slab Lifting Gun In Action

Posted by Andy Powell on Jan 23, 2017 11:30:00 AM

While consulting with a customer on a recent job, I happened to capture a great video clip of the MixMaster Pro slab lifting gun in action. I've included the footage at the bottom of this blog post. It's important to note that this video was NOT sped up. You'll see a slab lifted in real time by the MixMaster Pro.

This two-component resin injection gun is manufactured specifically for lifting concrete slabs, and is designed to handle back-pressure. 


Want more info on the MixMaster Pro?

Download an Info-Packed MixMaster Pro Brochure!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs

Polyurethane Concrete Repair for Large Scale and International Projects-1

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Jan 13, 2017 11:30:00 AM

Since we haven’t discussed it very much in our blog posts, you may be surprised to learn how much we have to offer on large scale and international projects. In this post I’ll share a list of recent examples to provide a sense of how we can assist in these types of situations.

New York City, New York - Metropolitan Transit Authority

AP Seal 500 leak seal resin was used to repair thousands of feet of cracks through­out new subway tunnels.photo.jpg

Toquepala, Peru - Southern Peru Copper Mine

On this job, we provided the crew with AP Lift 440 rigid polyurethane foam to stabilize loose soil beneath a concrete building. We also provided on-site consulting services.

Guangzhou, China - Guangzhou Highway

We provided AP Lift 475 foam and on-site consultation for soil stabilization and the lifting of a bridge approach slab.

Saskatchewan, Canada – MGM Seed and Grain

AP Lift 440 was used to level 900,000 lbs of interior sunken concrete slabs. We also provided on-site technical consulting. Later, 24” thick slabs supporting grain silos were raised and stabilized.

Tijuana, Mexico – Federal Courthouse

On this project, AP Soil 600 stabilization foam was used to shore up the foundation beneath a sinking multi-story concrete building.

Cincinnati, Ohio – Cincinnati Zoo

In the African Lion Exhibit there was a leak in the concrete moat that surrounds the enclosure. AP Seal 500 was applied to the problem areas to stop the water flow and prevent the unnecessary loss of water.

Conclusion

Regardless of the location or size of your job, we’re here to help. We have extensive experience consulting on locations all over the globe and our products are proven performers on the largest, most challenging projects.

Want more in-depth info on AP products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil