Saber Foundation Repair Successfully Stabilizes Sinking Classrooms at Watts Elementary School
Twelve classrooms and the library were sinking by about three inches, causing serious concerns. With plans to revamp the classrooms during the summer of 2024, the school sought a permanent solution to the foundation problem and contacted Saber Foundation Repair.
Los Angeles, CA, 7.11.24 – Saber Foundation Repair is proud to announce the successful completion of a critical foundation repair project at Watts Elementary School, part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This urban public school, serving 348 students from kindergarten to fifth grade, faced a significant issue with sinking classrooms that threatened the safety and usability of its educational facilities.
Watts Elementary School experienced severe foundation problems, with twelve classrooms and the library sinking by approximately three inches. The issue, which caused significant concern for safety and disrupted the learning environment, prompted the school to seek a permanent solution. With plans to revamp the classrooms during the summer of 2024, LAUSD reached out to Saber Foundation Repair to address the underlying foundation problem.
The primary goals of the project were to stabilize and level the affected classrooms and library, ensuring the safety of students and staff while minimizing disruption to school operations. Saber Foundation Repair aimed to provide a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution.
The Saber team began with a thorough assessment, using string lines to gauge the extent of the sinking. They designed a 4-foot grid system for the polyfoam injection process. During the execution phase, small, unobtrusive holes were drilled every 4 feet, and polyfoam was injected incrementally into each grid section. Real-time monitoring with string lines ensured uniform lifting without causing cracks.
One of the main challenges was lifting the continuous slab without causing cracks. The team’s solution involved injecting polyfoam across the slab in increments and backtracking to ensure an even lift. This method proved effective in stabilizing the foundation without compromising the integrity of the concrete.
The immediate results were impressive. The classrooms and library were successfully lifted back to their original levels, with a curing time of just 30 minutes, allowing for immediate installation of tiles and minimal disruption to school activities.
Ligia Murdock, the lead designer, praised our cost-effective and efficient approach, and now LAUSD is considering using this method for more classrooms!
Saber’s polyfoam solution was more cost-efficient than traditional methods such as mudjacking or complete concrete replacement. The lightweight polyfoam, at 4 lbs per cubic foot, avoids adding additional weight to the already compromised foundation. Moreover, PolyLevel® is environmentally inert, reducing the need for new concrete production and preventing soil and groundwater contamination.
About Saber Foundation Repair
Saber Foundation Repair is a leading provider of foundation repair services, specializing in cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring the safety and stability of residential, commercial, and educational buildings.
