How to Repair a Sinkhole in an Asphalt Driveway
A sinkhole can form beneath an asphalt driveway for a number of reasons. One of the most common causes is decaying matter in the soil substrates beneath the driveway. When asphalt driveways are installed, the asphalt is typically laid over a bed of crushed stone that sits atop mechanically compacted soil. However, when there are large enough pieces of organic matter in the soil (such as a tree stump) that breaks down over time, it creates a void in the substrate that will cause the soil to collapse into the void. No longer supported, the asphalt surface will begin to crack and develop a crater that may cave in entirely.
Because of the way they are formed, sinkholes cannot be repaired with surface patching the same way potholes are; sinkholes require reinforcement from below. This can be achieved by digging up the whole area, filling the void with soil, and laying new asphalt. However, this method can be costly, time-consuming, and may not address other nearby voids that have yet to reveal themselves. A more effective method of repairing sinkholes in an asphalt driveway is pressure grouting.
In this process, also known as permeation or compaction grouting, a cement-like mixture is injected into the ground to securely fill the void without having to remove the ground surface. Not only is pressure grouting much less invasive and can be performed in less time, but this process is also more thorough, as the injected grout can find its way into other adjacent voids that you didn’t even know existed.
Partner with ESOG for a Lifetime of Support
For pressure grouting services throughout Georgia and other areas of the southeastern U.S., the geotechnical experts at Engineered Solutions of Georgia are here to help. Since 2007, we’ve provided reliable sinkhole remediation to customers across a number of industries, such as commercial, industrial, municipal, and real estate. Whether you are just beginning to see signs of sinkhole formation in a driveway on your property, or have discovered a massive hole that needs immediate attention, our friendly and knowledgeable team can work with you to develop a lasting solution.
Contact Engineered Solutions of Georgia today to learn how we can help get you back on solid ground.
