How to concrete in water: filling the foundation using special technologies

Concrete is frequently the preferred material when constructing a sturdy foundation. However, what occurs when it becomes necessary to lay the foundation underwater? That is the application of unique concrete technologies. This post will discuss the cutting-edge approaches and strategies for filling foundations with water that guarantee stability and longevity even in harsh aquatic settings.

Because of the possibility of washout and poor bonding, traditional concrete pouring techniques are not appropriate for use in underwater environments. But thanks to developments in construction technology, there are now specialized methods made especially for placing concrete underwater. By using these techniques, builders can establish solid foundations beneath the water’s surface that will provide dependable and robust support for their structures.

Making sure the mix is placed and consistent is one of the most important things to take into account when pouring concrete underwater. Concrete can be improved by adding specific admixtures and additives to shorten its setting time and increase workability. Controlling the flow of the concrete mixture and keeping it from dispersing in the nearby water also requires meticulous planning and coordination.

Typically, cofferdams or forms made specifically for the purpose are used in underwater concrete placement to hold the concrete in place while it sets. By erecting these temporary walls around the construction site, workers are able to pour and shape concrete underwater without being disturbed by the surroundings. The cofferdams can be removed after the concrete has dried, leaving a sturdy foundation that is prepared to hold the planned structure.

Although placing concrete underwater poses special difficulties, it also provides a chance for inventiveness and creativity in building. Builders can overcome the challenges of working below the waterline by utilizing specialized technologies and techniques, which will ensure the foundation’s integrity and longevity for many years to come.

Is it possible to pour concrete solution into water

A common construction method for both private homes and commercial and residential buildings is concrete in water. Because the site is not always pre-drained and the water outflow is frequently reconfigured, you frequently have to operate in more challenging circumstances. There may occasionally be a liquid in the ditch or pit that cannot be pumped out. Furthermore, hydraulic structures are frequently constructed in industry, requiring the direct pouring of concrete solution into water.

Even in these severe concrete filling circumstances, modern technologies enable the construction of dependable structures. You can prepare a waterproof solution and perform underwater concreting by strictly adhering to the procedures.

While some of the techniques are more common in low-rise building, others are better suited for large-scale industrial development.

The effect of water on the foundation

Subterranean waters are those that are found below the surface of the earth. They have a negative impact on the soil; they alter its capacity to saturate moisture and decrease its density. Groundwater has an equally detrimental impact on the foundation’s condition. When it gets cold and starts to freeze, the moisture content rises, causing all of the micro-focus and cracks where it entered to enlarge. As a result, the foundation lasts shorter because it deteriorates and is destroyed every year.

Numerous issues are also brought on by water in the form of surface flows and precipitation. Everything that stands in her way has been swept away by her. Concrete structures develop pores, caverns, and other flaws when they are directly exposed to moisture. Concrete erosion processes happen even more quickly when there are a lot of contaminants in the water, such as oil or other harsh substances. The building crumbles and crumbles until it loses strength. We must carefully consider the unique conditions of the area when determining the best layout for the foundation.

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Pile method

With this method, specific piles that fill with water all the way to the bottom of the pit are used. Puzzle locks hold the sturdy reinforced concrete columns, or piles, together. Many other flooring materials are joined with laminate using similar compounds. Such a castle allows moisture to seep inside because it does not provide the joint with its full tightness. However, because special semi-ready concrete is used for this technique, concreting in water is possible.

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Proper preparation of concrete

Saturated and unsaturated concrete solutions are used for filling. The proportions of the components are what separates them. In the first solution, seven parts crushed stone and two parts cement are added; in the second, six parts crushed stone and one part cement are added. Both solutions can withstand airborne temperatures until they partially solidify, enabling them to withstand the effects of water and lowering the possibility of mass erosion.

For approximately three hours, a rich solution is kept on the street beneath a tarpaulin and canopy; it is left unsaturated for five hours. The compositions need to be shielded from the sun and wind during the exposure time. When they lie down quite tightly and stop spreading in the liquid, they are said to be ready for filling. Rallying the solution creates a dense monolith that is impervious to groundwater and precipitation’s effects.

Pouring rules

The unequal strength of the saturated and unsaturated solutions is a major difference. Saturated concrete is used for laying close to the formwork because it is the most dependable and strongest type. A solution that is unsaturated makes up the structure’s middle.

The procedure is broken down into multiple phases, each of which is closely regulated. The first to flow, or half-dead, concrete mass should not be fully hardened. The solution that is poured down must inevitably collide with the one above. Should the latter have solidified into a single stone, any variation may result in fractures on the docking line. They will eventually grow to the point where the design is no longer functional.

Preparatory work

A specific level of training is required for concreting in a humid environment; otherwise, the quality of the finished product will suffer. It is crucial to investigate the reservoir’s bottom (pit and ditches), which will be concreted, before beginning any work. In order to prevent stone inclusions, the base needs to be sturdy. If there are any remaining stones, a thick layer of crushed stone covers them entirely.

Additionally, a unique dense fabric (tarpaulin, canvas) is placed over the bottom as a precautionary measure to stop the solution from passing through the layer of crushed stone. A portion of the cloth is laid out to cover the formwork. This technology works best in locations with weak water flows.

We explore the creative approaches and strategies used to pour concrete foundations underwater in our article, "How to concrete in water: filling the foundation using special technologies." We examine the difficulties presented by submerged building and the specialized tools and techniques used to solve them. This guide offers helpful advice for carrying out underwater concreting projects successfully, from comprehending the significance of appropriate concrete mixtures to putting effective placement strategies into practice. This article provides insightful guidance on how to create strong and dependable underwater foundations, regardless of your level of experience as a professional contractor or do-it-yourselfer.

Cessonus method

Caisson technology is used when concreting soil at a depth of 50 meters in the presence of waves and an active underwater flow, despite the challenge of lowering groundwater levels. In the beginning, a metal formwork is made. A completed design that is brought in in its final form and lowered to the bottom is appropriate for a small section. The caesson is assembled on the spot for large-scale work. A floating crane, impromptu pipes with valves, cable-hung anchors, and a concrete pump will also be needed.

Installation of formwork

Establish a monolithic foundation for the future structure first. This is accomplished by placing numerous concrete coolers at the bottom of the pit, which will eventually freeze. Further around the territory’s perimeter are metal piles that are covered from the inside with either 1 cm or 5 cm thick pieces of metal or wood. To create slopes, the piles are fixed with a slight incline on the outside, and to add rigidity, metal rods are used to connect them. They are fastened to the bottom using anchors and cables.

Pour the solution

Concrete is poured using pipes that have special valves on both ends of them. When the concrete is submitted, the upper valves open, and the lower valves open during the supply to the filling place, if the upper valves remain closed. The concrete is squeezed out of the pipe after it is formed inside the pipe cavity. Thirty meters is the ideal depth for such a system to function at.

The method of ascending solution (BP)

Using this method, the pit is first filled with stone or crushed stone, and then concrete mixture is poured in afterwards. The total amount of voids between stones should make up at least 45% of the volume. The solution enters through pipes with a cross section of 3.7–10 cm, fills the spaces, and removes moisture. Each pipe needed to feed the composition is determined separately. Concrete is poured using two different techniques: pressure and unpunition.

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Pressure or injection method BP

Here, a layer of stone or crushed stone is directly on top of the pipes. When concrete is compressed, it rises to the pit’s bottom, freezes, and forms a monolith with filler. The pipes are still inside; only their protruding ends are removed.

In water technology, concrete provides creative ways to fill foundations under difficult circumstances. Construction projects can move forward even in situations where traditional methods would be impractical or impossible by using specialized techniques and materials.

The ability of concrete to keep its structural integrity when submerged is one of its main benefits in water technology. For projects involving underwater construction, like bridges, dams, and offshore structures, this makes it perfect. The proper placement and compaction of concrete underwater can be ensured by engineers through the use of techniques like tremie pouring or preplaced aggregate concrete, which will produce a strong and long-lasting foundation.

Furthermore, by lowering the requirement for dewatering and preventing possible contamination of nearby water bodies, concrete in water technology reduces its negative environmental effects. This is especially crucial in delicate ecosystems where using conventional building techniques could endanger aquatic life.

Furthermore, the workability, strength, and durability of concrete are all improved by the addition of specialty admixtures and additives. These additives aid in preventing segregation and guaranteeing appropriate curing, two problems caused by underwater placement.

Conclusively, the utilization of concrete in water technology signifies a noteworthy progression in building methodologies, permitting the proficient and successful filling of foundations in aquatic surroundings. Engineers can minimize environmental impact and ensure the long-term stability of the built infrastructure while overcoming the challenges associated with underwater construction by utilizing specialized techniques and materials.

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