ICC-ES AC538
Full Name
ICC-ES AC538 – Acceptance Criteria for Polyurethane Foam Plastics Used for Foundation or Slab Lifting, Leveling, and Stabilization
Scope
ICC-ES AC538 outlines the acceptance criteria for evaluating polyurethane foam plastics specifically designed for foundation or slab lifting, leveling, and stabilization. These foam plastics are injected beneath settled or uneven concrete slabs to lift and stabilize them.
The scope of AC538 covers several key aspects:
- Material properties: assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of the polyurethane foam plastic, including its compressive strength, density, and dimensional stability, to ensure it can effectively support and lift concrete slabs.
- Performance testing: conducting tests to evaluate the foam’s ability to lift and stabilize concrete slabs under various loading conditions, as well as its resistance to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and other environmental factors.
- Injection process: evaluation of the injection equipment and procedures used to ensure proper placement and distribution of the foam beneath the slab.
- Safety and environmental considerations: assessment of the foam’s chemical composition and potential environmental impact to ensure it meets safety and regulatory requirements.
The acceptance criteria aim to ensure that the evaluated polyurethane foam plastics meet minimum performance and safety standards for foundation and slab lifting applications, as outlined in relevant building codes and standards. By meeting these criteria, manufacturers can obtain an evaluation report from ICC-ES, which can be used to demonstrate code compliance and gain approval for use in construction projects.
Resources
Keywords
polyurethane foam; slab lifting; foundation repair; geotechnical; compressive strength; density; dimensional stability; injection; void fill; soil stabilization; load capacity