Rapid remediation using polyurethane foam/resin grout in Malaysia

Abstract

Consolidation and collapse settlements are common threats to existing highways and buildings around the world. With the emergence of various ground improvement technologies, lightweight materials are alternative solutions for filling embankment settlement, ground repair and resolving settlement issues of roadways and building structures. This alternative solution has become effective and rapid in terms of performance and time. In the polyurethane resin (PUR) injection method, the liquids, polyol and isocyanate, are injected in small drilled holes without the need for excavation. This method is fast and provides additional strength to the ground with reduction in the void ratio, hence reducing the compressibility of the soil. In fact, its lightweight and impermeable characteristics are advantageous to ground experiencing inundation and groundwater table fluctuation where it triggers the buoyancy effect. This paper presents the chemistry of PUR, the concept of PUR grouting, the properties of PUR and case studies conducted in Malaysia for rapid ground remediation.