Chemical Grouting

Chemical grouting is the least expensive means to seal joints and fractures. The chemical components are mixed to stop leaks in seconds, and they last for decades. They can be used to restrict leaks from slow drips to large flowing streams.

The process requires at least one of several options. Various materials, includes acrylamides, have different strengths, viscosities, and costs. The most common type is a gelation of sodium silicate used with a hardener.  Polyurethanes and acrylates compose the majority of the rest.

The process does not simply fill fractures; it is forced within each joint, crack, and into the soil where it solidifies to form a waterproof mass.

It can be used to reduce ground water intrusion through walls and around piping inlets. Holes are drilled and chemical grouting is injected along the flow paths, sealing cracks in the interior of walls and preventing water-flow through them.

There are two types of polyurethane materials: hydrophilic and hydrophobic.

Hydrophilic chemical materials incorporate large amounts of water in their structure, which creates a gel. This type of material can shrink if allowed to dry. Therefore, it is vulnerable to breakdown.

Hydrophobic materials use water as a reacting agent. The cured material is essentially water free, which makes it resistant to shrinkage. This type of grouting material remains flexible and is used in moving cracks.