Bladder / Curtain Injection – Curtain Wall Grouting Method
Curtain Injection Injection Training with Leak Sealing Cube
The objective is to seal below grade block wall and concrete wall structures by the membrane forming, permeation and consolidation capabilities of hydrophilic and hydrophobic injection grout products.
Training is performed using our Leak Sealing Cube mock-up, followed by on the jobsite injection.
The SealBoss Leak Sealing Cube is designed to provide the contractor with an intricate insight into the injection process and chemical grout behavior. Plexiglas equipped cross-sections allow for watching the process from the ‘other side’ – normally hidden in real curtain grouting wall injections on the jobsite.
With the ability to follow the processes during injection on the positive soil-side behind the wall, the trainee gains a good understanding of the injection method and technology.
Procedure Outline
Identify the water source and pattern of moisture intrusion. Most block, stone, and brick leaks are caused by failed positive side membranes. Block walls are often unfilled which also creates voids and pockets for water intrusion. Drill Grid Pattern Drill 3/8 or 1/2 inch holes along the water marks at 2 feet intervals. Moving up the wall, continue to space the holes at 2 feet intervals creating a grid pattern of injection holes as seen in the image. These drill holes are to penetrate the substrate at full depth creating a channel in the wall through which chemicals can be injected.
Packer Install
Once the grid pattern is created, mechanical packers may be inserted into each one. In the case of block walls that are not filled adequately, longer packers are recommended providing a full length channel which ensures that material reached the back side of the wall. it is not recommended to simply fill the blocks with materials – block wall curtain injections require material travel through the entire wall. In the case of older and disturbed stone or brick structures, however, it is also common to inject the structure itself as seen to the right.
For high volume applications, Plastic Button Head Packers are available.
Injection Products and Pumps
Today we focus on SealBoss ® 1510 Curtain Injection Foam and SealBoss ® 15X Accelerator. The single component SB 1510 chemical injection grout is catalyzed with SB 15X Accelerator at variable percentages to either create ‘low foamer expansion’ or ‘high foamer expansion’ properties. Percentages added can vary from 2 percent to 25 percent.
Based on the jobsite and application, a variety of products, such as hydrophobic SealBoss 1510 / 1570 Foam, SealBoss FlexGel hydrophilic polyurethane gel, or SealBoss® 2400 SLV acrylic gel, are available.
Application Considerations
Because backfill and soil consolidation behind the structures are often unknown, applicators must monitor flow rates and material consumption closely.
In scenarios where substantial voids are anticipated behind structural walls, a strategic approach involving the use of expansive hydrophobic polyurethane grout, like SealBoss® 1510 Water Stop Foam, is advised. This material can be injected first to fill these large voids, creating a solid and stable mass that serves as an effective backdrop for subsequent hydrophilic gel injections.
The Stage Grouting Technique
The stage grouting technique is often recommended in such situations. This method involves injecting the product in measured stages with reduced volumes. Each stage is given adequate time to react and form a natural barrier, prior to injecting the next grout stage. This strategic layering and controlled application enhances the overall effectiveness of the grouting process, ensuring comprehensive coverage of product along the outside of the wall and optimal stability.
If you like training or assistance on the job, please contact your SealBoss ® Technical Rep at any time for further information. Or please call the main office at 714-662-4445 with any questions you may have.
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