Built on an Ancient Riverbed
The University of Missouri’s iconic Memorial Union, commemorating 117 Mizzou alumni who lost their lives in WWI, has been slowly sinking. The foundation was built on an ancient riverbed of sand, clay, and fine rock. Over the years the soil has eroded due to water leaking from steam pipes creating large cavities up to four feet across. This has caused many of the concrete floors to become uneven and if left unattended may lead to more serious problems with the foundation and overall structure.
"Mudjacking” vs. “Polyjacking”
After a team of engineers, including some Mizzou alumni, investigated the problem, they determined the traditional solution, “mudjacking”, would not be the best solution to restore the historic building's foundation. "Mudjacking" involves drilling large holes or completely removing concrete slabs and pouring a dense cement-based grout into the empty spaces and could damage the historic structure. Instead, they recommended implementing a newer system utilizing polyurethane foam, called “foamjacking” or “polyjacking.” Polyjacking adds to the long-term stability of the soil adjacent to the voids because the foam is stronger, lighter and more water-resistant than mud grout and applies less pressure to the surrounding soil.
Calling in the Polyjacking Experts – Pro Foundation Technology
It was an easy decision to give a call to Joe Morgan, CEO of Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. (PTFI). The Kansas City firm had pioneered the use of foam in the U.S. and had more than 47 years of experience using the proven technology. Joe Morgan also understood the significance of the building and commented, “I’ve seen the names of the 117 alums that died for us all in WWI inscribed on the walls. That building is the heart of Mizzou."
How Pro Foundation Saved the Union's Foundation
Morgan described how they focused on the primary area of concern, a 1,200 sq. ft. section under the building's offices. Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. pumped 375 cubic feet, 1,500 lbs., of TerraThane Geotech foam, the “best in the industry”, through a series of 5/8 inch holes. Morgan added, “The product is so easy to use, not all the mess of the old mudjacking process, it's simpler to use, cures in no time at all, is cleaner, doesn’t require the building to shut down, and takes a lot less time start to finish.”
Mizzou Applauds Pro Foundation's Polyjacking Project
The TerraThane solution costs only 40% of other repair methods and resulted in additional savings through minimal downtime, fast curing time, and quick clean up time. Kevin Johnson, construction project manager at the University of Missouri, had nothing but praise for Pro Foundation Technology, “It only took two days and no disruption of the building occupants or students.”
For further information on Pro Foundation Technology's polyjacking technology click here or contact our experts.
Filed under Common Structural Problems, Concrete Leveling, Foundation Repair
Tags: aging foundation, concrete leveling, foundation problems, Foundation settlement, Memorial Union, Mizzou, mudjacking, mudjacking vs. polyjacking, polyjacking, sinking foundation, Univ. of Missouri, Water seepage