Increasing the load-bearing capacity beneath concrete structures
URETEK FLOORLIFT®
URETEK is recognised worldwide as a specialist in high-quality technical solutions for the repair of subsided concrete floors and foundations.
A level floor is essential for smooth business operations and comfortable living. The URETEK FloorLift® method was developed to level and raise subsided concrete floors, particularly in outbuildings and sheds, but also in infrastructure such as (asphalted) roads, concrete slabs, level crossings and protective slabs on bridges and viaducts.
How it works
With the patented URETEK FloorLift® method, a two-component expansion resin is injected directly beneath the subsided concrete floor. The expansion resin expands beneath the floor, causing its volume to increase (up to 30 times its original volume). The significant expansion (up to 50 tonnes per m²) increases the tension in the subsoil (in a controlled manner) and reinforces it. As soon as the stress exceeds the weight of the structure above, there is a minimal upward movement of the structure. The concrete floor or foundation slab is now levelled. By further increasing the stress, the structure can be raised.
With the aid of a high-precision laser measuring device, the injection process can be precisely controlled, allowing the structure to be raised to the desired level with millimetre accuracy.
Technical data:
- Volume expansion of the expansion resin up to 30 times
- Expansion force of up to 50 tonnes per m² (500 kN/m²)
- Weight of the expanded resin: just 70–120 kg per m³
- Excellent dimensional stability; shrinkage of less than 1 per cent every 10 years
- Height adjustments with tolerances of less than 5 mm
- Load-bearing capacity of at least 20 tonnes/m²
- Can be walked on immediately; 90 per cent of final strength after 15 minutes
- The expansion resin contains no CFCs, formaldehyde or radon
- Average coverage of 300 m² of floor area or 200 m¹ of expansion per working day
Injection
Using a template prepared in advance, injection holes with a diameter of 12 mm are drilled into the concrete floor. An injection lance is then inserted into these drill holes using a specially designed injection gun. The two components are thoroughly mixed within the injection gun and injected beneath the floor surface at low pressure.
Expansion
The two components react immediately after injection, causing rapid and vigorous expansion beneath the floor surface, which can reach up to 30 times the original volume. Initially, the strong expansion leads to a horizontal increase in stress (minimum resistance). As the stress increases, there is a vertical increase in stress. Any voids present are filled.
Expansion
As soon as the stress in the subsoil exceeds the weight of the structure above, an upward movement of the ground structure is achieved. The grouting process is monitored using a high-precision laser measuring device. By increasing the pressure in a controlled and careful manner, the ground can then be raised millimetre by millimetre. This method is also suitable for the preventative treatment of ground and concrete structures.
Benefits of URETEK FLOORLIFT®
- Minimal disruption
- No pile driving or breaking up the floor
- The refurbishment is completed in just a few days
- Quick and cost-effective
- Ready for use immediately
- Low dead weight, so the subsoil is subjected to only minimal stress
- Environmentally friendly, so it can be used anywhere
- Flexible access to the construction site