Geostabilization and Differences in Resins

Mixing Methods, Water Conditions, and Temperature and Their Impact on the Effectiveness of Geopolymer Injection

How Does ResinBau GeoPolymer.55 Handle Water in a Stabilization System?

GeoPolymer .55 is a high-performance stabilization system designed to strengthen soil, eliminate voids, and lift settling structures. Its reaction time is 8 seconds, allowing precise control over the expansion process. The number 55 in its name refers to its free expansion density of 55 kg/m3, which translates into more than an 18-fold increase in material volume.

We often receive questions about how water and soil moisture affect geopolymer reactions. The answer is not straightforward – it all depends on soil conditions, the injection method, and the component proportions. To provide a thorough understanding of our system’s performance, we have prepared a detailed analysis and a test video demonstrating how the resin behaves in different water conditions.

1. What Mixing Method Should Be Used?

Proper Mixing of Components (Polyol and Isocyanate) – The Key to a Stable Reaction

One of the most crucial factors in effective injection is the thorough mixing of components. ResinBau GeoPolymer.55 is a two-component system in which polyol and isocyanate must be mixed in equal volumetric proportions (1:1).

To ensure optimal properties, the components must be delivered through a two-component pump with a static mixer. This is the only way to achieve full homogenization and a proper reaction process.

? What Happens If the Components Are Not Well Mixed?

? Local variations in proportions – some parts of the material may have an excess of isocyanate (resulting in an overly hard, brittle structure) or an excess of polyol (leading to weaker bonds and lower strength).

? Uneven expansion – in some areas, the resin may expand too quickly, while in others, it may not fill the space properly.

? Incomplete reaction – without proper mixing, the chemical reaction may proceed unevenly, causing imperfections in the structure.

?? Recommendation: ResinBau GeoPolymer.55 should only be applied using a two-component pump with a well-matched static mixer. This is crucial for achieving full stabilization efficiency.

2. How Does Water Affect the Reaction of GeoPolymer .55?

Disturbed Isocyanate-to-Polyol Ratio in Extreme Conditions

The presence of water in the soil can affect the polymerization process and foam expansion. It is essential to differentiate between moist soil and waterlogged conditions.

? Moist Soil – Does It Affect the Reaction?

? If the soil is only slightly moist, the amount of water in the soil is small compared to the resin being injected, so reaction disruptions occur only on the surface.

? The foam structure remains stable, and the reaction occurs similarly to dry conditions.

? Groundwater and Water Streams – A Challenge for Injection

? If water streams or large water-filled voids are present in the soil, the reaction proceeds differently – the key is the resin injection rate to push water into other layers.

? Thanks to the hydrophobic properties of GeoPolymer .55, the resin effectively displaces water instead of reacting with it.

?? It is always advisable to conduct a test injection on a small area to assess soil conditions, estimate material consumption, and adjust the injection rate.

3. Application Temperature and Injection Efficiency

The temperature of the components affects their viscosity and reaction time, so it is important to consider optimal temperature ranges.

? How Does Temperature Affect the Reaction?

? Heating the components to 35–40°C accelerates the reaction and improves the final material properties.

? If the pump shows pressure fluctuations, the temperature can be adjusted:

? Polyol (A) can be heated 5°C higher than isocyanate (B), which balances viscosity and facilitates mixing.

?? Optimal Component Temperatures:

? Isocyanate (B): 30–40°C

? Polyol (A): 35–45°C

?? However, GeoPolymer .55 performs well even at +20°C with the popular Wiwa 14025 pump.

As for A and B component labeling – in Europe, isocyanate is labeled as component B, while in the USA, the labels are reversed. It’s a bit like traffic rules – the British have the steering wheel on the left, but that doesn’t mean their cars drive incorrectly!

?? Still, GeoPolymer .55 works efficiently from +20°C with a Wiwa 14025 pump.

Similarly, the labeling system for A and B components differs: in Europe, isocyanate is B, while in the U.S., it’s the opposite. It’s a bit like the metric system – as a European, I understand meters, but inches confuse me. But that doesn’t mean the imperial system is worse! Just like British cars have the steering wheel on the left – they drive differently, but they still work fine.

4. Comparative Tests – Additional Materials

? To help evaluate the material’s properties, we have prepared a video demonstrating different mixing scenarios.

?? The video showcases:

?? GeoPolymer .55 without water

?? GeoPolymer .55 + 10% water

?? GeoPolymer .55 + 20% water

?? GeoPolymer .55 + 50% water

?? GeoPolymer .55 + 100% water

?? GeoPolymer .55 + 100% water, pre-mixed before application

Video: https://youtu.be/Jbg13Xf67jo?si=OWfNNug2FwCKXpH4

?? The video is 2 minutes and 34 seconds long – some sections are sped up by up to 8x, and lengthy sequences such as syringe filling and static shots have been removed for a more dynamic review of the reactions. Our goal was to illustrate foam expansion in relation to moisture levels under test conditions, without specialized laboratory mixing.

Summary and Recommendations

?? Mixing:

This product is designed for use with a two-component pump and static mixer – hand-mixing in a cup can produce different results.

?? Avoiding Excess Water:

Too much water can lead to gelation and disruption of reaction ratios, affecting material strength.

?? Injection in Waterlogged Conditions:

In highly water-saturated soils, the injection rate is critical to push out water and allow the resin to settle properly.

?? Application Temperature:

Heating the components to 35–40°C accelerates the reaction and improves foam properties.

?? We encourage testing in real working conditions and watching our comparison video!

?? Have questions? Comment ??

Serious Question: Is Geopolymer Injection the Future of Soil Stabilization?

?? Answer: Absolutely – as long as you use the right pressure, mixing, and temperature! Make Injection Great Again!