Compaction Grouting Services in Arizona

Pressure grouting will stabilize soil around your home

Compaction grouting is a type of pressure grouting that increases density and compacts soil that is in need of stabilization. In relation to foundation repair, this technique is most effective in stabilizing non-point load bearing structures like swimming pools or flat pads and pavements (interior floor pad). This process can be performed either top down or bottom up.

Flat structures generally settle because the soil is too heavy to support itself. A weak layer underneath 10 feet of soil with compress, bringing the structure down with it. This creates problems for the structure, such as cracking and uneven surfaces.

The compaction grouting process

1. First, the injection casing is driven to the proper depth. The easiest method is hammering the casing down with an air powered driver or a hydraulic powered hammer. Pre-drilling can be required when penetration through harder soils is needed, followed by the use of a down-in-the-hole hammer.
2. Once the proper depth has been reached, grout is injected. For compaction grouting (pressure grouting), a very stiff mix with in internal high friction is used. For true compaction grouting, a 2” diameter or larger casing is required. Any casing less than 2” is not true compaction grouting. Grout pressure and volume should not be large enough to fracture the soil.
3. Once a volume, pressure or ground movement marker has been met, the casing is raised 12 to 24 inches and the same grouting process is repeated.
4. The grouting and lifting procedure is repeated until the surface is reached. The finished work results in successful soil stabilization.

Key compaction grouting facts to know

• Compaction grouting should also be done with the supervision of a geotechnical engineer who has no affiliation to the contractor performing the work.
• Deep soil testing from an expert soil testing engirneer is essential. After tests are completed, a grouting plan that considers the effect of layers of soil and their densities can be designed. Placing grout in the wrong place can actually make the problem worse.
• Geotechnical borings should be done in advance of any grouting to help the engineer make sound decisions.
• The engineer should then inspect the process to insure that his parameters are followed and sign off and stamp the project on completion.
• In a manner similar to slabjacking, we drive the tube to the correct depth and pressure grout the weak soils. This is a great option for filling voids in rocky soils where piering may not work.

Stabilize the soils around your foundation with compaction grouting

Arizona Foundation Solutions of Tucson is the leading contractor for underpinning in Arizona, and we have helped thousands of residents stabilize and raise their sunken foundations.

We have successfully grouted pavements, building slabs, bridge approach slabs, house floors, pools and other similar types of infrastructures. Our crew is experienced, hard working, and careful. As you run into soil problems of any type, please call and challenge us to bring you the right solution to each problem providing durable soil stabilization.