What is Polyurethane Lifting?

Polyurethane lifting is an innovative and efficient technique used in construction and engineering to address foundation issues. It is particularly effective in addressing unevenness, uplifting buildings, and providing a strong base for structures. This method has gained popularity in Europe and the Americas, where it is widely recognized for its effectiveness in foundation reinforcement and building adjustment.

Working Principle

The polyurethane lifting process involves several key steps that work together to achieve the desired results:

1. Drilling: The first step in the polyurethane lifting process is drilling. Holes are drilled around the foundation or slab where adjustment is needed. This allows access to the soil beneath the building.
2. Inserting Pipes: Once the holes are drilled, grouting pipes are inserted into them. These pipes serve as channels for the injection of the polyurethane material.
3. Grouting: The next step involves injecting two-component polyurethane foam into the foundation or under the base of the building. Polyurethane is a versatile and durable material that offers excellent structural support.
4. Reaction and Solidification: Upon being injected, the two components of polyurethane react quickly. This reaction leads to rapid solidification, creating a strong, flexible, and durable base beneath the foundation.
5. Expansion and Lifting: As the polyurethane foam reacts, it generates expansion pressure, which gently lifts the building or slab. This process allows for precise adjustments, ensuring that the structure is level and stable.

Advantages

The polyurethane lifting method offers several advantages over traditional techniques:

1. Efficiency: One of the key benefits of polyurethane lifting is its speed. The material solidifies much faster than cement-based grouts, reducing construction time and increasing productivity.
2. Precision: This technique allows for precise adjustments to building heights. It ensures that the ground or slab is accurately levelled, which is crucial in various applications such as roads and bridges.
3. Strength and Durability: Polyurethane forms a strong, flexible base that can withstand the test of time and varying weather conditions. It provides excellent support and stability for buildings and infrastructure.
4. Environmental Friendliness: The use of polyurethane foam is considered environmentally friendly as it has low environmental impact compared to other materials like cement.
5. Versatility: Polyurethane lifting is applicable in a wide range of settings, from residential to industrial and infrastructure projects.

Applications

The applications of polyurethane lifting are diverse and include:

1. Roadways and Bridges: The method is widely used in road construction and bridge repairs to level the ground and provide a stable base for the structure.
2. High-Speed Rail Tracks: In high-speed rail projects, polyurethane lifting ensures that tracks are perfectly level, which is essential for smooth train operations.
3. Building Foundations: It is commonly employed in building constructions to correct unevenness and provide a strong foundation for the structure.
4. Preservation of Historical Buildings: The technique is also used in the preservation and restoration of old buildings and historical landmarks. It helps in stabilizing the base without affecting the architecture significantly.
5. Industrial Floors: In industrial settings, polyurethane lifting ensures that floors are level and can support heavy machinery and traffic.

Conclusion

Polyurethane lifting is a remarkable advancement in construction technology. Its ability to quickly solidify, provide precise adjustments, and offer strong durability makes it an excellent choice for various applications. It not only enhances the stability of structures but also contributes to the sustainability of our built environment by being environmentally friendly. The next time you encounter foundation issues or need to level a building, consider the benefits of polyurethane lifting!