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Why Transportation Infrastructure May Need Services and How USG Can Help

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Our roads, bridges, and underground infrastructure endure relentless wear and tear. From heavy traffic to harsh weather, these essential structures face constant stress that leads to degradation over time. Bridge abutments, bridge approach and departure slabs, and manholes are particularly vulnerable, as they support the weight of thousands of vehicles daily—whether during routine commutes, long-haul trucking, or weekend road trips. Over time, these structures can settle, crack, or shift, creating safety hazards and costly maintenance issues. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of deterioration in these critical transportation assets and how Utility Services Group, Inc. provides long-lasting solutions using polyurethane injection.

Why and How These Structures Deteriorate

Each type of transportation infrastructure faces unique stressors that contribute to its deterioration. Below, we’ll examine the main causes of degradation for bridge abutments, bridge approach and departure slabs, manholes, and piping networks.

Bridge Abutments
  • Soil erosion and washout – Water infiltration can cause erosion around the abutment, leading to settlement and instability.
  • Flow Blockage – Erosion can lead to an accumulation of soil, rock, and debris in below grade storm lines. Blockages can eventually lead to complete failure of the structure and upstream flooding of roadways.
  • Vibration stress – Heavy traffic, especially from large trucks, contributes to gradual movement and cracking.
  • Freeze-thaw cycles – In colder climates, water seeps into cracks, expands when frozen, and worsens structural damage.
Bridge Approach and Departure Slabs
  • Differential settlement – Uneven settling of the supporting soil causes a “bump” at the transition between the road and bridge.
  • Soil compaction loss – Over time, the soil beneath these slabs compresses or washes away, reducing support.
  • Traffic impact loading – Repeated vehicle loads, especially from braking and acceleration, accelerate deterioration.
Manholes/ Inlets
  • Soil infiltration – Water seeps into the surrounding soil, weakening its ability to support the structure.
  • Void formation – Gaps beneath the manhole structure can develop due to erosion or poor backfill compaction.
  • Traffic-induced stress – Constant heavy loads from passing vehicles cause shifting, cracking, and settlement.
  • Infiltration – Infiltration of groundwater into manholes and inlets can lead to excessive soil/debris build up, root intrusion, and can tax the capacity of the below grade piping network.
Piping Networks
  • Corrosion/Deterioration – Aging pipes metal storm lines will corrode over time due to environmental conditions and scour in the pipe.
  • Void formation – Gaps beneath and around the can develop as pipe deteriorate, compromising the structural capacity of the pipe. Pipe bedding and envelope are critical for the line to perform as designed.

How USG Extends the Lifespan of Transportation Infrastructure with Polyurethane Injection

Utility Services Group provides polyurethane injection solutions to stabilize, lift, and extend the lifespan of critical transportation infrastructure. Here’s how our process effectively addresses the challenges faced by these structures:

Bridge Abutments
  • Soil stabilization and erosion control – Polyurethane expands into voids and loose soil, binding materials together to prevent further erosion.
  • Structural reinforcement – Injection beneath and around the abutment restores support and minimizes movement caused by vibrations.
  • Structural Rehab – Using high strength cements and epoxy, our team can restore the internal surfaces reducing potential for future failure, ensuring proper flow of stormwater.
  • Waterproofing benefits – The hydrophobic properties of certain polyurethanes help repel water, reducing the impact of freeze-thaw cycles. Internal resurfacing also reduces infiltration and reduces soil movement from outside to the inside.
Bridge Approach and Departure Slabs
  • Slab lifting and leveling – Polyurethane injection raises settled slabs, eliminating dangerous bumps at bridge transitions.
  • Void filling – Expanding foam fills gaps beneath the slab, preventing further settlement and reinforcing the base.
  • Soil compaction restoration – The injected material strengthens and densifies loose or weakened soil, improving long-term stability.
Manholes/ Inlets
  • Sealing and stabilization – Polyurethane forms a watertight barrier that prevents soil infiltration and reinforces the surrounding area.
  • Void remediation – Injection fills and compacts underground voids, restoring structural integrity without excavation.
  • Load-bearing improvement – Strengthened soil and uniform support reduce the risk of shifting and cracking under traffic loads.
  • No dig rehabilitation – No-dig rehabilitation of manholes and inlets can be done in a fraction of the time and generally at less cost than other methods. The failed surface material is removed, and a new structural concrete coating is applied in normal conditions. If a highly corrosive environment is present, a structural epoxy may be used to prevent further degradation of the concrete surface.
Piping Networks
  • Corrosion/Deterioration – Horizontal Centrifugally Cast in Place Pipe (CIPP) relining can extend the life of the failing metal pipes. Epoxy liners can enhance structural capacity and prevent further environmental degradation.
  • Void formation – Gaps beneath and around the pipe can be filled with polyurethan grout prior to relining to reestablish the pipe bedding and envelope. Also reduce deformation of the pipe due to traffic loading.

Transportation infrastructure is essential to daily life, but constant exposure to traffic, weather, and soil movement can lead to settlement, cracking, and instability. Left unaddressed, these issues create safety hazards and costly maintenance challenges. Fortunately, polyurethane injection offers a fast, effective, and long-lasting solution for stabilizing bridge abutments, approach and departure slabs, and manholes—restoring structural integrity without the need for disruptive excavation.
At Utility Services Group, we specialize in providing targeted polyurethane injection solutions that extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure while minimizing downtime and costs. If you’re facing settlement or instability in your transportation assets, contact our team to learn how we can help keep your roads, bridges, and underground systems in top condition.