Slab Lifting via Pressurized Air and Dried Sand Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for raising and leveling sunken slabs, such as concrete slabs, are inefficient and often require extensive removal or use of wet mud or sand jacking, which may not provide long-term stability.
Innovation Solution
Injections of dried sand carried by pressurized air are used to lift the slab, followed by water injection to stabilize and seal the sand, ensuring the slab is lifted and leveled effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wet mud is pumped under the slab to raise it, then the slab can be lifted to its original position, but the method lacks long-term stability and requires extensive material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the filling material from wet (mud) to dry (sand), and introduces a sealing agent (epoxy or polyurethane) that transforms the loose sand into a stable, water-resistant structure. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both stability and material efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining dry sand with a sealing agent (epoxy or polyurethane). This composite structure provides both the volume-filling capability of sand and the stability/water-resistance of the polymer sealant, eliminating the need for extensive wet mud while ensuring long-term reliability.
2Reliability
If dried sand and pressurized air are injected under the slab, then the slab can be raised and voids filled, but air can pass through the injected sand compromising stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing agent (epoxy or polyurethane) as an intermediary substance that binds the dry sand particles together. This intermediary material fills the voids between sand grains and creates a continuous matrix that prevents air passage, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the lifting and filling benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the sealing agent locally to the critical areas where air passage would compromise stability. The sealant is injected to specifically target and seal the voids and pathways in the sand structure, providing localized stabilization where needed most while maintaining the overall structure integrity.
3Reliability
If sand jacking is used to level the slab, then the voids can be filled, but the method does not provide adequate sealing to prevent future settling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filling function (dry sand) with the sealing function (epoxy or polyurethane) into a single integrated process. The sealant is injected along with or after the sand, combining both functions in one treatment, which prevents future settling without requiring separate complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the filling material by incorporating a polymer sealant that transforms loose sand into a bound, water-resistant structure. This parameter change provides both filling and sealing capabilities, preventing future settling while avoiding the need for separate complex sealing systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a stable and efficient means to lift and level sunken slabs by filling voids with dried sand, which is then stabilized with water, preventing air passage and ensuring long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
dried sand is carried in a stream of pressurized air and injected underneath the slab
Implementation Method 2
dried sand and pressurized air are injected under the slab to raise and level the slab
Implementation Method 3
Water is then injected underneath the slab for a predetermined period of time to wet the injected dried sand which stabilizes the injected sand
Implementation Method 4
stabilizes the injected sand and seals the injected sand to minimize or prevent air from passing through the injected sand
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for raising a slab, such as a concrete slab, that has sunken and needs to be raised. In one injection, dried sand is carried in a stream of pressurized air and injected underneath the slab. The pressurized air raises the slab, and the dried sand is dispersed over a broad area and great distance underneath the slab to fill voids underneath the slab. Water is then injected underneath the slab for a predetermined period of time to wet the injected dried sand which stabilizes the injected sand and seals the injected sand to minimize or prevent air from passing through the injected sand. After the water injection, additional dried sand and pressurized air is injected underneath the slab to continue the slab lifting and filling of the void(s) underneath the slab.