Concrete Lifting on Bear Creek Bridge in Rochester, MN

Challenge

The City of Rochester observed a void developing at the side of a bridge abutment slab. Further inspection showed that the visible void lead to even more wash-out under the slab. The concrete slab had not yet started to settle, but the main concern was filling the void to stabilize the slab before damage occurred. 

Solution

American Waterworks solved the problem by drilling through the abutment slab and injecting Polylevel – a two part high density polyurethane foam. The holes were drilled in a grid pattern to allow full coverage under the slab. The foam was carefully injected to compact soils, but not lift the slab. 

The void was completely filled with high density foam that will not wash out or absorb water. The expanding foam not only filled the void, but also brought support back to the concrete abutment slab. The city of Rochester then covered the exposed Polylevel foam with soil. 

Project Summary

Installing Contractor: American Waterworks

Project Manager: Tom Webbles

Products Installed: PolyLEVEL 400