By admin Blog • Foundation Lifting • Foundation Repair • Slab Jacking • • • 0 Comments

Analysis of Polymer Slab Jacking vs. Mud Jacking

We are often asked about the differences between mud jacking and the use of CST’s polymers for slab jacking. Below is a quick overview displaying what the key differences are between cure time, lift accuracy, footprint and lifecycle.

Production Savings:  Polymer Injection is 4 to 8 times faster than traditional methods and requires smaller crews.

Traffic Control Savings:  Total time required for closure is reduced 4 to 1 because of production savings.  Delay time before traffic may return to treated roadway after completion of injection is approximately 15 minutes.

Life Cycle Savings:  The Polymer Injection process has a minimum 4 to 1 advantage over conventional mud jacking’s life span of 1 to 2 years with a typical polymer 10 year warranty against shrinkage and deterioration.

CST Polymer Injection Traditional Mudjacking
PRESSURE OF INJECTION Low Pressure High Pressure
HOW IT LIFTS Chemical reaction creates expansion of polymer that lifts the slab. Fluid or Hydraulic pressure of grout lifts the slab.
CURE TIME Expands in less than one minute and reaches 90% strength within 15 minutes. Requires additional cure time of 4 hours or more to complete hydration.
ACCURACY OF LIFT Surgical precision lift to desired elevation is accomplished. An “over-lift” is necessary to compensate for water loss in the grout as it cures.
FOOTPRINT/PROPERTY IMPACT Small 5/8” holes, about the size of a penny, are drilled to inject polymer with no damage to existing concrete slab. Large 2 to 3 inch holes are drilled to inject high pressure grout. This can compromise the concrete causing breakout at the bottom of the slab.
LIFECYCLE OF REPAIR Permanent lift & stabilization is standard. Polymer material is guaranteed for 10 years. Longevity of lift/repairs is expected to last for approximately 1 year. University of Illinois Study 1985-1989.
COST IMPACT Savings over tear out and replace. One time cost. Ongoing cost due to need for rework/repair of same area.