Chemical grouting (also known as permeation grouting, cement grouting or pressure grouting) fills cracks in soil and rock with flowable grouts to create a cemented mass. When done properly, chemical grouting can transform soft granular soil into sandstone-like masses.
It’s used in all sorts of different construction projects and rehabilitation projects in areas where the ground is too soft or unstable to support a building or structure. Chemical grouting is also an option when foundation repairs need to be made in massive structures.
The chemical grouting process
Chemical grouting is performed by first drilling a hole into the ground and placing a sleeve port pipe into the soil. Next the chemical grout is injected under pressure through the ports. As the grout comes out, it fills in any gaps in the soil, expands and hardens. The newly-grouted soil has increased strength and stiffness as well as reduced permeability.
The advantages of chemical grouting
Chemical grouting is the preferred method for stabilizing soil for a variety of reasons. Here are a few advantages of chemical grouting over other applications:
- Lower cost: Compared to removing and replacing the soil entirely, chemical grouting is extremely budget- It’s a much faster process, saving companies tons of money on labor costs. Plus, it doesn’t require the use of massive excavators.
- Easy access: The excavators and other heavy machines typically used to stabilize soil can have difficulty accessing construction zones, particularly in urban areas. Chemical grouting only requires one machine to inject the cement, making it the go-to method when space is an issue.
- No disruption: Anyone who’s ever needed to remove and replace soil knows that it’s extremely disruptive and time-consuming—that’s not the case with chemical grouting. It can be performed without disrupting normal facility operations or delaying other components in a construction project.
How to find your chemical grouting specialists
Just like hiring any construction team, it’s never a good idea to go with the first company you find online. Here are a few things to look for in reputable contractors:
- Experience: The first thing to look at is the company’s experience. If the company hasn’t been around for very long or if their crew members don’t have much real-world experience, it’s probably not in your best interest to work with them.
- Machinery and materials: As we mentioned above, chemical grouting doesn’t require the same types of machinery as standard excavation, but you still want to ensure they use up-to-date machines to pour the grout and high-quality cement to support the ground below your structure.
- Rates: If you’re going with chemical grouting to save some money, be sure to get a few estimates to ensure you’re not overpaying for the process. Some companies may charge a higher fee than others.
If you need a team for chemical grouting that checks all the boxes above, look no further than ACMS Group. Contact us today to get an estimate for your next project or to learn more about all of our services.