Introduction
Voids beneath concrete or involving pipelines can cause major structural concerns. Most of these voids occur from natural erosion and wear through the years. No matter what causes the void, though, it is imperative that you get it filled and taken care of. Otherwise, you may be facing bigger issues. Those voids will eventually break down the concrete or pipeline and cause it to fail. Voids can be found with concrete, around pipeline structures, and in many other capacities as well.
Advanced Pipe Repair has your trusted solutions for void filling. No matter what caused the void, we can help you fill the space and reestablish a steady foundation for your pipelines and other systems.
What Causes Voids?
What Causes Voids?
Voids can be caused by many things. The most common cause is erosion of the ground. Freezing and thawing, rain and water flow, and many similar issues will erode the soil surrounding your pipelines and concrete. This happens beneath foundations as well as surrounding concrete pipelines, such as storm drainage.
Some of the most common causes of voids are:
- Shrinkage of soil
- Erosion
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Soil shifts
- Animal digging or burrowing
Erosion may result from heavy rainfall and will slowly move soil away from your concrete structure. Shrinkage comes from high heat with dry weather or the effects of thawing and drying in the soil. Hydrostatic pressure is also typically related to the weather and refers to extra pressure within the soil that pushes against your concrete or pipeline and may cause cracks or voids.
These things typically can’t be avoided. However, you can take action when they start to affect your foundational structure, whether it’s a sidewalk, storm drain, concrete slab, or something else entirely.
Animal digging can rarely be avoided as well. This generally results from wild animals or even reptiles that are burrowing and finding homes.
Void Filling for Pipelining Structures
Void Filling for Pipelining Structures
When you need to fill a void around an existing pipeline, there are several different ways this can be done. Thanks to technology, we can typically work through void filling without having to bring in heavy excavation equipment.
In terms of a pipeline void, this is the need to fill void space where the ground or other materials are typically supporting the pipeline. The voids from erosion and other effects mean the pipeline is no longer properly supported.
Another issue that needs to be addressed for pipelines is when there is void space between a slip liner or CIPP tube, leaving open air or space that needs to be filled in. This is an annular space. While it might seem insignificant, that space could affect the flow of your pipelines.
At Advanced Pipe Repair, we primarily work with pipeline structures, so our void filling services are related to pipelines. Whether it’s filling in voids around an existing storm drainage, filling in annular voids like we just mentioned, or filling in a void where a pipeline has been removed, it still needs to be done correctly.
Why Void Filling Is So Important
Why Void Filling Is So Important
Void filling is not something you can avoid. If you ignore a void that was once part of a pipeline or that affects an existing pipeline, it will eventually cause your pipeline to collapse or fail. These voids cause weakness in the structures and materials of your pipelines, so filling those voids is absolutely essential.
Whether the pipeline is still in use or not, you don’t want to risk a collapse that could affect other pipelines or nearby structures. In this case, you would insert other materials to help fill the void.
Void Filling – The Process
Void Filling – The Process
Our process for void filling is simple. We will assess the needs of the pipeline in question to determine the best approach. CIPP solutions can be used for void filling, but there are times when other options may need to be used.
Depending on the nature of the pipeline and the nature of the void, we will make an educated decision on the best approach to filling your void and ensuring your pipeline structure remains steadfast.
Some voids can be filled with polyurethane or a foam substance. Others may need filling using a cured-in-place pipe and then adjusting or adding to fill necessary voids. Soil may need to be moved around as well to refill places that have been affected by soil movement and change. Before moving soil, we can take steps to fill the void or seal any cracks or breaks that the growing void may have caused.
Filling Voids with CIPP
Filling Voids with CIPP
When we tell you that CIPP is one of the most versatile pipelining solutions around, we mean it. CIPP is most often associated with making repairs for cracks, leaks, holes, and similar issues. However, it can also be used to fill voids, and it’s a cost-effective and lasting solution.
CIPP has been known to last 50+ years, providing repairs and filling voids with ease. This approach to filling voids allows us to satisfy a need without requiring extensive trenching to get it done. Because this liner cures and hardens, it is like placing a brand-new pipe, but the process is so much easier since it is inserted into the existing pipeline structure.
Trust Advanced Pipe Repair for Your Void Filling Needs
Trust Advanced Pipe Repair for Your Void Filling Needs
Advanced Pipe Repair takes great pride in offering innovative solutions for your pipelining needs. Whether it is void filling or making other necessary repairs, we can help you get things done without unnecessary digging and excavation to do it. Our services are available to many industries and many different pipeline structures as well. Count on a company that has decades of experience working with CIPP and pipeline repairs.
If you need void filling or any other type of pipeline repair, we can help. Contact us today to get a free estimate and get started.