Commercial Trip Hazard Mitigation
Challenge
In front of a busy commercial storefront, a high-traffic concrete sidewalk had begun to show the effects of significant soil settlement. One slab in particular had dropped several inches below the surrounding walkway, creating a pronounced lip that posed a serious trip hazard. With constant foot traffic moving in and out of the space, the condition presented an immediate safety concern and a growing liability risk for property management.
A traditional tear-out and replacement was not a practical option. Jackhammering and forming new concrete would have generated noise, debris, and extended curing times, forcing pedestrian detours and disrupting daily business operations. The property management team needed a solution that could correct the settlement quickly, permanently, and without shutting down access to the storefront.
Solution
Our team addressed the issue using a high-density polyurethane injection system designed to lift and stabilize settled concrete without demolition. Small, discreet access holes were drilled into the affected slab, allowing the repair to be completed without heavy equipment or disruption to the surrounding area.
Once injected, the expanding polyurethane foam flowed into the voids beneath the sidewalk, re-compacting the weakened subgrade and delivering precise, controlled hydraulic lift. The slab was carefully raised back to its original elevation, restoring a smooth, flush walking surface that eliminated the trip hazard entirely.
Because the polyurethane reaches near-full strength within minutes, the sidewalk was reopened to pedestrian traffic immediately after the repair. The entrance was restored to a safe, level, and professional condition with zero downtime for nearby businesses. By choosing concrete lifting over full replacement, the client avoided the complications of a construction zone while achieving a long-lasting repair at a fraction of the cost.
