How does Concrete Lifting Foam Compare to Mudjacking?
Sometimes we receive questions or comments (mostly originating from mudjacking companies) regarding the polyurethane foam used for raising concrete. Some people asked how polyurethane foam compares to mudjacking. If a mudjacking contractor tells you polyurethane is “not strong enough”, too weak, or too mushy to be effective for concrete raising, this statement is not based upon science, experience or fact. Mudjacking contractor statements such as these are simply tactics used to misinform and ultimately sway a potential customer’s decision.
We are here to provide solid facts that polyurethane foam injection is engineered to outperform mudjacking, highly effective, and extremely strong.
Contact Acme Concrete to learn how our Smart Lift System uses polyurethane foam injection to raise and repair residential, commercial, and municipality concrete structures.
Polyurethane: Concrete Lifting Foam That Rises Above Competitors
Polyurethane concrete lifting foams are developed and manufactured for the specific purpose of raising and supporting concrete. Polyurethane concrete raising materials are very strong and have a long track record as high-performance repairs.
Is Polyurethane Foam Strong Enough for Highways & Municipal Structures?
Many Department of Transportation (DOT) projects required the use of polyurethane over any other alternative material. In fact, during the summer of 2014, right here in Chicagoland, portions of a 42 mile stretch of Illinois’ I-294 had dropped anywhere from 1/2″ to 5″. These heavily trafficked portions of the highway were repaired with polyurethane foam. This particular I-294 DOT project did not allow mudjacking as a repair option.
Is there a large parking ramp or car lot that needs to be leveled in your municipality? Are you worried about tripping hazards along high traffic sidewalks or steps? Acme Concrete provides non-invasive concrete repair solutions for local municipalities.
Just How Strong is Polyurethane Lifting Foam?
Polyurethane lifting foams create an abundant amount of lifting power to raise settled concrete. They provide enough strength to support a slab enduring just about any load. To demonstrate this, we selected various items you might find on a concrete slab. These items range from a typical person to a vehicle as heavy as a Sherman Tank.
Measuring the Strength of Polyurethane Lifting Foam
Acme Concrete looked at potential dimensions and weight of various items and then estimated the weight and size of the concrete slab required to support the item. Next, using the laboratory-verified performance specifications of our lifting foams, we calculated the actual weight the foam could support before failing.
| Average Person | Motorcycle | Car | Pickup Truck | Semi Truck | Sherman Tank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slab Dimensions (ft) | 1′ x 1′ | 3′ x 6′ | 6′ x 10′ | 6′ x 12′ | 8′ x 20′ | 9′ x 90′ |
| Slab Area (sqft) | 1 | 18 | 60 | 72 | 160 | 180 |
| Weight of Item (lbs) | 160 | 700 | 3,800 | 5,000 | 20,000 | 66,800 |
| Weight of Slab (lbs) | 50 | 1,350 | 4,500 | 5,400 | 12,000 | 17,982 |
| Total Load (lbs) | 210 | 2,050 | 8,300 | 10,400 | 3,000 | 84,782 |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) of Slabs Supported by 1-inch Polyurethane Lifting Foam | ||||||
| Slab Dimensions (ft) | 1′ x 1′ | 3′ x 6′ | 6′ x 10′ | 6′ x 12′ | 8′ x 20′ | 9′ x 90′ |
| RR-201: Residential Grade Foam | 4,320 | 77,760 | 259,200 | 311,040 | 691,200 | 777,600 |
| RR-401: Commercial Grade Foam | 12,960 | 233,280 | 777,600 | 933,120 | 2,073,600 | 2,332,800 |
The Facts About Concrete Lifting Foam From the Pros
1. Lifting sunken concrete with polyurethane foams formulated for raising and supporting concrete is a proven mature technology and safe to use on a variety of residential and commercial structures, including:
2. Polyurethane lifting foams are specifically required for many DOT projects.
3. Claims that polyurethane injections are not “strong” or long-lasting are not based on experience, fact or history.
4. Raising concrete with polyurethane is a smart choice when considering health, safety and the environment.
