Keypoints
The main objective with this type of work is really quite simple. It is to locate and install the injection points at critical locations to allow for the pressure injection of the grout material at the correct depth intervals.
Limited access drilling capability can often be the determining factor of success or failure. If critical bearing elements of a structure cannot be adequately reached due to difficult access or restrictive obstacles (i.e. screen enclosures, or covered patios) the overall integrity of the repair may be compromised. CFI can offer solutions to these problems with a wide range of limited access drilling equipment. We even have an electric powered drill rig that can drive through a standard door to install points inside a building with limited overhead clearance. The fact that it is electric allows us to work indoors without the danger of carbon monoxide buildup from a gas-powered engine.
Drilling Methods vary and can play a critical role in determining whether the grout is injected at the proper depth. CFI drills it’s casing in with a single step operation. This approach helps to ensure that when we install our injection point, we are certain that the grouting will commence at the targeted depth. Some other 2-step methods may auger drill to the prescribed depth only to have the casing installed to a much shallower depth because their augured hole collapses before they can set the casing at the rock surface. It can be difficult to effectively treat the source of the problem (the upper surface of the Limerock) if the injection point is not set at the appropriate depth.
Grout Injection will help remediate the adverse affects from the sinkhole condition. Sinkhole activity has often been described as an upward raveling of the supporting soils, beginning at the limerock, and reaching up towards the surface. This action is similar to that of an hourglass, where the soils are allowed to ravel down into openings within the limerock. The grout material, when injected under pressure at the appropriate depth, will help fill these voids and cavities. Once these holes or solution pathways have been plugged, we can then begin to withdraw the injection point in controlled increments to help compact and densify the succeeding soil layers all the way up towards the surface. It is important to note that a delicate balance is sought when trying to achieve maximum re-densification of the loosened soil zones beneath your building. The injection pressures should be closely monitored during this phase to avoid over pumping, and to help ensure that the supporting soils are being adequately compacted.
Clean up — We recognize that your property is probably the biggest investment that you have. We train all of our personnel to be aware of this fact and to respect your property. We also remind them that their actions are being evaluated by not only you, our customer, but also by your neighbors as well. **Note: When asked “How did we do?”, an overwhelming majority of our past customers surveyed rated our workmen courtesy and cleanliness as “Excellent/5” on a scale of 1 to 5.
