Commercial Concrete Lifting & Trench Stabilization | South Jordan, UT Data Center
Challenge
Commercial Concrete Lifting & Trench Stabilization at Nova Data Center in South Jordan, UT
Project Overview
At a large-scale data facility in South Jordan, two trench duct sections crossing a dirt access road began to settle, creating misalignment and potential stress on critical electrical infrastructure.
Because these trenches support internal busway systems carrying significant weight, restoring proper elevation and stability was essential to maintaining safe and reliable operation.
The Problem: Settlement Beneath High-Load Infrastructure
Over time, soil movement beneath the trench sections caused:
- Uneven slab settlement across trench lids
- Separation and misalignment at panel joints
- Reduced support beneath load-bearing sections
- Increased risk to internal electrical components
These trenches carry approximately 950–1,000 lbs per linear foot, meaning even minor settlement can lead to serious structural and operational concerns.
Inside the System: Critical Infrastructure Below
The trench ducts house internal busway and conductor systems that must remain properly aligned and supported. Any movement in the surrounding concrete can transfer stress directly to these systems, increasing the risk of performance issues or long-term damage.
This made the repair not just a concrete issue, but a critical infrastructure stabilization project.
Engineering Insight: Load & Structural Considerations
Project documentation confirmed that the combined weight of the trench box, lid, and internal electrical systems created a continuous high-load condition across the affected sections.
Because of this, the repair solution needed to do more than lift the concrete—it needed to restore and reinforce the supporting soils beneath the trench system without introducing additional risk.
The Challenge: Precision Under Heavy Load
This project presented several unique challenges:
- High structural loads across trench sections
- Limited access due to surrounding infrastructure
- Need for precise, controlled lifting
- No room for disruption to internal electrical systems
Traditional methods like removal and replacement would have required excavation and downtime, making them impractical for this environment.
Solution
The Solution: PolyLevel Concrete Lifting & Stabilization
To address both the settlement and underlying soil instability, crews used PolyLevel high-density polyurethane foam to lift and stabilize the affected trench sections.
Scope of Work
- Targeted injection beneath settling trench panels
- Soil densification to eliminate voids
- Controlled lifting to restore proper alignment
- Stabilization of load-bearing surfaces
Material Used
- 425 lbs of PolyLevel
This approach allowed for precise lifting and long-term stabilization without disturbing the surrounding infrastructure.
Why PolyLevel Was the Right Fit
PolyLevel offered several key advantages for this project:
- Lightweight material with high load-bearing capacity
- Rapid curing to minimize disruption
- Non-invasive installation with no large-scale excavation
- Long-term soil stabilization to prevent future settlement
These benefits made it an ideal solution for a live data center environment, where efficiency and precision are critical.
The Result: Restored Alignment & Stability
Following the repair:
- Trench sections were successfully re-leveled
- Load-bearing support was restored beneath the slabs
- Voids were eliminated, improving long-term stability
- Alignment across the roadway was corrected
All work was completed efficiently, allowing the facility to continue operating without major interruption.
Why This Project Matters
This project demonstrates how advanced concrete lifting solutions can be applied in demanding commercial environments where structural performance and reliability are essential.
Rather than removing and replacing concrete, targeted stabilization provided a faster, more efficient solution that:
- Maintained operational continuity
- Reduced repair time
- Minimized disruption
- Extended the lifespan of existing infrastructure
Looking for Commercial Concrete Repair in Utah?
If your commercial property is experiencing concrete settlement or structural instability, addressing the issue early can prevent costly damage and downtime.
Professional concrete lifting and stabilization solutions—like PolyLevel—offer a fast, effective way to restore safety, alignment, and long-term performance without the need for full replacement.
