Soil Stabilization Success: URETEK Reinforces 4-Story Apartment Construction

Problem

In Clermont, Florida, the construction of six 4-story apartment buildings faced significant soil stabilization challenges. Multiple retaining walls, designed by Paverscape, required a 25-foot cleared level area behind them. The site's topography and existing conditions made traditional methods like sheet piling impossible without risking damage to an existing retaining wall. The construction schedule was at risk due to these complications.

Analysis

URETEK swiftly identified the core issue: unstable soil conditions that traditional methods couldn't solve. A thorough geotechnical assessment revealed that other companies failed to offer viable solutions due to the complexity of the site. URETEK's unique approach and cutting-edge technology enabled us to design a tailored, effective solution.

Solution

Leveraging our unmatched expertise and the proprietary URETEK Deep Injection® (UDI) process, we proposed a cutting-edge solution. Our team injected high-density polyurethane into the soil, starting 25 feet behind the proposed wall face. This method stabilized the soil mass, ensuring it could support the required structure. Using slope stability software from Rocscience, we meticulously calculated the safety factors essential for the project's success. As a licensed engineering firm in Florida, we provided the signed-and-sealed design plans mandatory for commencement.

Execution

Despite the South Florida rainy season posing challenges, URETEK's team executed the solution efficiently and within the tight project schedule. Coordination with Paverscape and site grading contractors ensured compliance with our rigorous engineering plan. As a result, the stabilized slope retained the soil effectively, providing the necessary 25-foot setback for the permanent retaining wall construction.

Results

URETEK's solution delivered robust, long-term stability, eliminating the need for intrusive and vibration-heavy methods. The high-density polyurethane injections minimized disruption, offering a cost-effective, durable, and environmentally responsible solution.

  • Reliability and Safety: Our engineered design and slope stability analysis instilled full confidence in the project's safety and durability.
  • Non-Intrusive: The UDI process negated the need for heavy machinery and mitigated the risk of structural damage to existing buildings.
  • Time-Efficient: Rapid implementation ensured adherence to the strict project timetable, even under adverse weather conditions.

URETEK Deep Injection® (UDI)

Widely referenced throughout our industry, UDI involves the injection of structural polymer into base and sub-grade soils to increase the load-bearing capacity. This is achieved by injecting the polymer through small holes drilled directly through the pavement structure to depths determined by site-specific analysis. Our URETEK 486 Star® material flows easily into voids and weak zones within the soil mass below. Through a controlled chemical reaction, the expanding polymer compacts surrounding soils and applies a controlled pressure on targeted areas of the affected pavement above. If needed, a multi-injection design plan is utilized to gently return the pavement to its original grade. The composite material quickly cures into a strong, dimensionally stable, and water-resistant geo-material, providing years of reliable service.

URETEK 486 Star®

URETEK 486 Star® polymer is a two-component, high-density, expanding thermoset polyurethane system. It was developed to be the ideal solution for under-sealing, void filling, lifting of settled pavement, stabilization and stiffening of weak soils, and for encapsulating and sealing buried infrastructure. URETEK 486 Star® is environmentally inert, non-toxic, and resists underground water erosion or weakening due to its industry-leading hydrophobic properties.

URETEK's Commitment to Excellence

At URETEK, we exemplify innovation and reliability in soil stabilization. Our solutions are designed to meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and long-lasting results. With our pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence, we continue to safeguard and extend the life of our communities' critical structures.

For more information on URETEK's innovative solutions and to see how our expertise can support your next project, visit URETEK's The Process and About Us pages.

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