Project Details
Rock breaking of granite underneath home by home-builder – located in Oak Bay, BC – completed July 2019
Scope of the Project
- Remove bedrock underneath home using non-explosive method to eliminate risk from vibrations produced by explosive products.
- Drill 4 foot holes into granite rock to break at desired grade level.
A home-builder needed to remove rock located directly underneath a home to add on to the house. Two 12’ x 8’ areas with average rock cuts of 3.5’ – 4’. The rock proved to be compotent, hard material where only a smaller machine with a breaker attachment could fit into the confined space. Rather than hammering the rock without noticing any fractures or weaker zones, GeoBreak Expanding Grout presplit the rock making the use of a smaller breaker more efficient and productive.
Which GeoBreak Products Were Recommended
GeoBreak Expanding Grout (NexPand Pro) Type II was recommended based on ambient temperature and no sun exposure of the rock that required breaking and removal.
Expected Outcome
The expected outcome of using GeoBreak Expanding Grout was to break the rock where a smaller machine with a rock breaker attachment can effortless chip and lift the material to excavate.
Actual Outcome
GeoBreak Expanding Grout broke the rock where a machine would hammer the cracked rock much quicker to excavate and remove.
Final Thoughts From The Project Contractors
GeoBreak proved to have expertise while providing great service with same day delivery of boxes. A 12” grid pattern was using. Equipment to drill was all rentable and available. Drilling the rock is the toughest part but once you have your pattern drilled all you have to do is pour and wait. Do not be discouraged when you do not see cracking within the first day. After one area was cracked we drilled and poured the remaining rock area. Our crew was able to complete the drilling and expanding grout process without training or permits giving us the capabilities and flexibility to complete the work which is very helpful for timing and cost to save the home-owner money. There is a bit of a learning curve but once you see how the rock cracks and splits you can make drilling adjustment patterns as GeoBreak explained which we noticed. The rock broke and it was excavated so we could continue to be on schedule.
