What is Polyjacking in Construction?

What is Polyjacking in Construction?

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Polyjacking is a concrete lifting and leveling method that uses high-density geo-technical expanding foam to raise and stabilize concrete surfaces. A similar process with the same objective is the process of mudjacking, which uses mud instead of foam to lift the concrete surface to the desired level.

Polyjacking in Construction
Polyjacking in Construction
Image Credit: Pier Magic

This article discusses the major features and benefits of polyjacking in repairing concrete slabs.

Features and Application of Polyjacking in Construction

  • Polyjacking is also called polyurethane concrete lifting or polylift. In the process, holes are drilled over the settled concrete slab and high-density polyurethane foam is injected into the holes to fill the voids and cracks.
  • Once injected, the polyurethane foam expands to 7 feet under each drilled hole. This expansion facilitates the raising of the concrete slab while stabilizing the structure.
  • The foam used for the polyjacking process does not break down over time, unlike the mud or slurry used in the mudjacking process.
  • Polyjacking can be used for the following applications: 
    • Sidewalks
    • Driveways
    • Walkways
    • Garage and basement floors
    • Repair of office floors, sports arenas, warehouses, etc.
  • The holes drilled for the polyjacking process are smaller (⅝’’) compared to other concrete repair methods.
  • The polyurethane foam material used for the process is lightweight compared to the mudjacking slurry. Hence, they do not exert pressure on the underlying soil.
  • The process involves drilling fewer holes to inject the foam material.

Benefits of Polyjacking in Construction

The main benefits of polyjacking in construction are:

  1. Polyjacking prevents the replacement of concrete surfaces, which is a costly process. Hence, polyjacking is cost-effective.
  2. The curing process is faster and the surface can be used within a few hours.
  3. The process maintains the compressive strength and structural integrity of the concrete surface.
  4. It seals joints and cracks and prevents future heaves.
  5. Polyurethane is an environmentally friendly material composed of 39 to 49% renewable and recycled materials.
  6. There is no concrete or grout splatter during the process, creating a clean working environment. 

FAQs

What is polyjacking in construction?

Polyjacking is a concrete lifting and leveling method that uses high-density geo-technical expanding foam to raise and stabilize concrete surfaces.

What is the difference between polyjacking and mudjacking?

Polyjacking is a concrete lifting and leveling method that uses high-density geo-technical expanding foam to raise and stabilize concrete surfaces, while mudjacking uses mud instead of foam to lift the concrete surface to the desired level.

What are the applications of polyjacking in construction?

Polyjacking can be used for the following applications: 
1. Sidewalks
2. Driveways
3. Walkways
4. Garage and basement floors
5. Repair of office floors, sports arenas, warehouses, etc.
 

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