The City of El Centro faced a major challenge when routine inspections revealed significant corrosion and structural damage to a manhole at a busy intersection. Further investigation revealed a massive void under the pavement, posing a significant safety hazard to drivers. Thanks to quick action and the expertise of a local contractor, the problem was solved without major disruption to traffic or the need for costly excavation work.

The contractor determined that the manhole’s integrity could be restored by building up high-strength concrete to original specifications and coating the interior wall. Rather than removing the surrounding pavement and replacing the manhole, they consulted with Cell-Crete Corp and decided to use Backfill Grouting to fill the void. Using core holes at pavement level, the team injected 19 cubic yards of 27pcf lightweight cellular concrete into the void, with several other core holes serving as vents. Once the grout had set, the core holes were patched, and normal traffic flow resumed the next day.

Thanks to this innovative solution, the City of El Centro was able to save time and money while keeping traffic disruption to a minimum. The success of this project highlights the importance of quick action, expert consultation, and innovative solutions in solving complex infrastructure challenges.