Identify the Problem and Fix It with HMI’s Soil Link™ Grout and Polyurethane Foams
Storm drains and culverts are the unsung heroes of modern infrastructure, quietly managing stormwater and preventing flooding in our communities. But like any structure, they’re vulnerable to wear and tear over time — especially cracking. Left untreated, even small cracks can lead to serious problems like erosion, sinkholes, and costly repairs.
Fortunately, innovative repair solutions like HMI’s Soil LinkTM Grout™ and polyurethane foams provide fast, effective ways to seal cracks and restore structural integrity without the need for disruptive replacement projects.
What Causes Cracks in Storm Drains and Culverts?
- Soil Movement: Fluctuating water tables, natural settling, freeze-thaw cycles, erosion and shifting soils can stress rigid pipes by not providing adequate support.
- Aging Materials: Concrete, metal, and other materials deteriorate over time, losing strength and flexibility.
- Hydrostatic Pressure: Water pressure from the outside can cause internal stresses that crack the structure.
- Heavy Loads: Repeated traffic loads or nearby construction activity can strain pipes and culverts.
The Risks of Ignoring Cracks
While a small crack might seem harmless at first, it can quickly escalate into a much larger problem:
- Exfiltration: Water escapes through cracks, washing away surrounding soils, increasing the potential for flooding and destabilizing the ground. . Leaking waste water or fuel can potentially cause ground water contamination.
- Infiltration: Groundwater and debris can infiltrate the pipe, clogging systems and leading to backups.
- Increased treatment expenses: When groundwater infiltrates a septic system, the additional water flows through the water treatment process causing unnecessary treatment costs.
- Erosion and Sinkholes: As soil erodes around a cracked pipe, voids form — often resulting in dangerous sinkholes above. This can also lead to settlement of unsupported structures and slabs above the impacted area.
- Structural Collapse: Severe cracks can weaken the culvert or drain to the point of collapse, requiring major repairs or full replacements.
HMI’s Solutions: Soil Link™ Grout + Polyurethane Foams
Traditionally, repairing a cracked storm drain or culvert meant excavation, removal, and costly replacement. Today, trenchless repair technologies like Soil Link™ Grout and polyurethane foams offer smarter, faster solutions.
HMI’s Soil Link™ Grout is a specialized injection grout designed to seal cracks, fill voids, and stabilize soils around failing infrastructures. Here’s how it works:
- Flexible Application: It Grout flows into cracks and voids, expanding to fill gaps fully.
- Strong Bonding: Soil Link™ Grout forms a tough, water-tight seal binding soils together that resists further erosion.
- Soil Stabilization: It strengthens surrounding soils, preventing future movement and damage.
- Minimal Disruption: Repairs can be made with minimal surface disturbance, saving time and money.
High-performance Polyurethane Foams complement Soil Link™ Grout, especially when lightweight, rapid expansion is needed.
- Quick Expansion: Foams rapidly fill larger voids and cracks.
- High Strength, Lightweight: They stabilize the area without adding significant weight.
- Waterproofing Properties: Certain foams repel water, making them ideal for active leaks.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for complex repair environments like culverts under roads or near sensitive structures.
By using HMI’s Soil Link™ Grout and Polyurethane Foams, municipalities, utilities, and contractors can:
- Extend the life of existing infrastructure.
- Avoid costly excavations and service disruptions.
- Minimize environmental impact compared to full replacements.
- Strengthen and stabilize surrounding soils for long-term protection.
- Deliver faster, more affordable repairs that stand the test of time.
