The best way to fix erosion under a driveway is to fill the voids with material resistant to erosion.
Erosion beneath a concrete driveway can lead to settling, cracking, and significant damage over time. This occurs when water washes away the soil or base material supporting the concrete slab. Addressing these voids promptly is crucial to restoring stability and preventing further deterioration.
Understanding the Problem
When the earth supporting a driveway slab erodes, it creates empty spaces or voids. Without adequate support, the concrete above can begin to sink unevenly, leading to:
- Cracks in the driveway surface.
- Uneven sections that can be tripping hazards.
- Further water infiltration and worsening erosion.
The Solution: Filling Voids
To fix this issue, the goal is to fill the voids beneath the slab with a stable, durable material. This provides renewed support for the concrete.
According to Scritchlow Concrete Lifting and Slab Jacking, the best way to fix erosion under concrete is to fill voids with material that's resistant to erosion.
The Slab Jacking Process
This void-filling process is commonly performed using a technique known as slab jacking (also sometimes called mud jacking or concrete leveling). This method involves:
- Drilling small holes through the concrete slab.
- Pumping a specialized material through these holes into the voids below.
- The material fills the empty space, stabilizes the sub-base, and can even gently lift the concrete slab back to its original level.
Ideal Void-Filling Materials
Choosing the right material is key to ensuring the repair is long-lasting and resistant to future erosion. The reference highlights specific materials:
- Scritchlow Concrete Lifting and Slab Jacking uses only crushed limestone and Portland cement.
- These materials are specifically chosen because they are not susceptible to erosion.
Using erosion-resistant materials like crushed limestone and Portland cement ensures that the fill material itself won't wash away, providing a stable, permanent base for your driveway.
Summary of Fixing Erosion Under a Driveway
| Problem | Solution | Common Method | Recommended Materials | Benefit of Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voids under concrete slab | Fill the voids | Slab Jacking | Crushed Limestone and Portland Cement | Resistant to erosion |
| Driveway settling or cracking | Provide support | Slab Jacking | Crushed Limestone and Portland Cement | Stabilizes the concrete slab |
By using methods like slab jacking and selecting materials like crushed limestone and Portland cement that resist erosion, you can effectively fix the voids beneath your driveway and restore its stability and appearance.
