Waterproofing and Soil Stabilization in Waverly, IA

Project Background

In the fall of 2024, the VA in Waverly reached out to Concrete PolyFix for assistance with soil stabilization and waterproofing on their private lake. The lake featured a wall and concrete apron around the dock area, which had begun shifting due to soil pressure and water erosion. The increasing movement of the structure posed a serious risk, as continued displacement could ultimately lead to wall failure and collapse. The VA sought a long-term stabilization solution to preserve the integrity of the lake’s infrastructure and prevent further erosion.

Scope of Work

Concrete PolyFix was tasked with executing a two-part solution to mitigate soil movement and structural instability:

• Soil Stabilization and Waterproofing:
  • Reinforce the soil behind the wall and apron to prevent further movement and erosion.
  • Establish a waterproof barrier to reduce water infiltration and protect the underlying soil.
• Structural Stabilization:
  • Secure and stabilize the apron and wall to prevent collapse or continued displacement.
  • Ensure long-term durability against hydrostatic pressure and environmental conditions.

Challenges

The project presented several technical and environmental challenges:

• Soil Stabilization: The underlying soil had already experienced significant erosion, requiring a specialized injection approach to restore stability without excavation.
• Injection in a Water Environment: Working within an active water body required precision in material selection and application to ensure effectiveness without contamination.
• Structural Integrity: The wall and apron had already shifted, necessitating a solution that would not only prevent further movement but also reinforce the existing structure.

Solutions

To address these challenges, Concrete PolyFix implemented an advanced polyurethane injection system:

1. Injection into the Apron for Structural Reinforcement:
   1. Technology Used: Hydrophobic Single-Component Polyurethane Foam
   2. Method:
      1. Injected beneath and into the apron to prevent further movement and stop erosion caused by water infiltration.
      2. The foam filled voids and strengthened the apron’s connection to the surrounding soil, creating a durable foundation.
2. Injection Behind the Wall for Soil Stabilization and Waterproofing:
   1. Technology Used: Single-Component Non-Expanding Polyurethane Foam
   2. Method:
      1. Injected behind the wall to create a waterproof seal, preventing additional soil erosion and water penetration.
      2. The polyurethane formed a protective layer, reinforcing the brick wall while ensuring long-term structural stability.

Results

• Enhanced Structural Integrity:
  • The polyurethane injections effectively stabilized the apron and wall, preventing further movement and mitigating collapse risks.
• Long-Term Soil Stability:
  • The waterproof barrier prevented ongoing soil erosion, ensuring the long-term durability of the lake’s infrastructure.
• Minimal Disruption:
  • The injection process provided a non-invasive solution, avoiding the need for extensive excavation or costly structural replacements.
• Cost Savings:
  • By addressing the issue with polyurethane technology, the VA avoided significant reconstruction costs while ensuring a long-lasting fix.

Conclusion

Concrete PolyFix successfully delivered a targeted stabilization and waterproofing solution for the VA’s private lake in Waverly. By utilizing advanced polyurethane injections, the project effectively reinforced the soil and infrastructure, preventing further movement and ensuring long-term durability. This case study highlights Concrete PolyFix’s ability to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions for complex stabilization challenges in aquatic environments.