In the bustling industrial town of New Holland, Pennsylvania, a farm equipment manufacturer faced a significant challenge. Their 40,000 lb stamping machine, a cornerstone of their production line, was plagued by persistent vibration issues. This problem necessitated continual re-bolting and recalibration, leading to safety concerns and production inefficiencies.
Enter Utility Services Group, Inc. (USG), a company specializing in ground and structural stabilization. USG was tasked with addressing the issue in a manner that would not only resolve the immediate problem but also ensure long-term stability and safety.
The root of the problem lay in the foundational support of the stamping machine. The pad on which the machine was mounted was not originally designed to bear such heavy and dynamic loads. USG’s approach was multifaceted and involved a clever use of overburden to assist in polyurethane permeation and soil compaction beneath the concrete slab.
A critical component of the solution was the injection of NCFI Polyurethanes 24-003 Terrathane dual component polyurethane. This structural polyurethane was instrumental in stabilizing the soil underneath the slab. By filling voids and compressing the soil against the weight of the machine, USG was able to provide a much-needed reinforcement to the existing structure. The choice of this specific polyurethane was strategic, given its ability to be used in typically inaccessible areas due to the small footprint of the application process.
The results of USG’s intervention were remarkable. The slab and the stamping machine were effectively stabilized, eliminating the safety hazards and operational disruptions previously experienced. The machine no longer posed a safety risk, with no need for continual recalibration, and the vibrations were successfully mitigated.
One of the most impressive aspects of the project was its efficiency. The entire stabilization process was completed in a mere three hours, causing minimal disruption to the manufacturer’s operations. Additionally, throughout the process, careful measures were taken to ensure there was no interference with underground utilities, which were closely monitored via CCTV.
This project by Utility Services Group, Inc. not only solved an immediate problem for the farm equipment manufacturer but also demonstrated the power of innovative, responsive solutions in industrial settings. It highlights the importance of adapting and applying new technologies and methods to overcome challenges in the ever-evolving world of industrial manufacturing.
