Brazilian highways face significant daily challenges regarding the durability and safety of their infrastructure. Among the most common and critical issues are settlement at bridge abutments, sinking of concrete slabs, and failures in expansion joints. These issues, often silent in their early stages, can severely compromise the functional performance of the road, pose risks to traffic safety, and increase operational costs due to emergency maintenance.

The main cause is related to the loss of bearing capacity in the foundation soil, whether due to poor initial compaction, the presence of unconsolidated materials, hydrological variations, or even differential settlement caused by repetitive loads over time.

These problems demand swift action with the adoption of fast, effective rehabilitation technologies that minimize traffic disruptions while restoring the structural condition without requiring large-scale interventions.

This is where PSI – Priner Soil Injection stands out: an innovative soil injection system designed to accurately correct settlements and deformations in road structures.

In this article, we present the technical features, operational benefits, and practical applications of the PSI system, demonstrating its effectiveness as a solution for restoring Brazil’s road network.

What is the Priner Soil Injection (PSI) system?

The PSI – Priner Soil Injection is a geotechnical rehabilitation method based on the controlled injection of high-performance expansive resins into the soil directly beneath the affected structure. The process enables compaction, stabilization, and, when necessary, precise millimetric lifting of overlying structures such as concrete slabs, pavements, bridge abutments, and other shallow foundations.

Injection is carried out through small-diameter drill holes (generally between 12 and 16 mm) at strategically defined points, based on a prior mapping of the area. Once injected, the resin expands upon contact with the soil, filling voids, densifying loose layers, and restoring the stress balance in the foundation.

The entire process is monitored in real time using settlement and pressure control equipment, ensuring safety, accuracy, and traceability of the intervention.

Typical applications in road projects

The PSI has established itself as an ideal technical solution for various types of geotechnical issues on highways, particularly:

• Settlement at bridge abutments: One of the most common issues, causing noticeable unevenness and directly impacting driving comfort and safety. PSI corrects the misalignment without dismantling structures or requiring long closures.
• Sinking of rigid concrete slabs: Over time, subgrade support failures or fine particle pumping can cause slabs to lose their base support. Injection restores structural contact between concrete and soil, eliminating the risk of fractures.
• Expansion joint fatigue: Localized settlement in these areas is corrected with precision, preserving joint functionality and preventing secondary infiltration and deterioration.
• Correction of localized deformations in shoulders, yards, and the foundations of signage or road equipment.

Technical and operational advantages of PSI

Adopting the PSI system in roadworks offers a range of significant benefits compared to conventional solutions:

• Fast execution: Interventions that would traditionally take days or weeks can be completed in just a few hours, drastically reducing road downtime.
• Minimal traffic disruption: Thanks to streamlined logistics and localized injection control, it is possible to work with only one lane closed while keeping traffic flowing.
• High precision and control: The process is monitored in real time, with settlement and expansion control, ensuring safe, controlled lifting without overloading structures.
• Durability and stability: The resin is resistant to water, weather, and chemical attacks, ensuring long-term stability.
• Low environmental impact: A clean solution with no excavation or generation of solid waste.
• Reduced indirect costs: By avoiding demolition, logistical detours, and extended closures, PSI significantly lowers the total maintenance cost.

Not sure if PSI is the right solution for your project?

The maintenance and recovery of Brazil’s road infrastructure increasingly depend on the integration of smart, efficient, and sustainable technologies.

PSI – Priner Soil Injection is a proven, technically validated solution for settlement correction, offering clear advantages in agility, durability, cost-effectiveness, and operational safety.

Priner is a recognized leader in the road infrastructure sector, actively contributing to the modernization, safety, and reliability of the Brazilian highway system.

To learn more about PSI or to discuss its application in your project, contact our team to schedule a meeting or request a quote.

Visit: https://www.priner.com.br/artigos/priner-soil-injection-psi/