Alternative leak repair materials and methods for canal leakage and seepage repairs Copy Link

Canal & River Trust manages and protects a historic network of inland waterways, including more than 2,000 miles of canals. Many canals were constructed using puddle clay liners, commonly around 300–600 mm thick, which provide the first line of defence against leakage. Over time, leakage pathways can develop through deterioration, settlement, vegetation, modifications, ground movement, erosion from boat wash, climate-related wetting and drying cycles, or defects in other liner types such as concrete or synthetic liners.

The Trust currently uses a range of leakage and seepage repair methods, including clay repairs, relining, clay cut-off trenches, cementitious grouts and polymeric grouting materials such as polyurethane (PU) foams. 

For the grout replacement element of this challenge, the Trust is seeking alternatives to PU grouting materials only, not alternatives to cementitious grouts, clay repairs, relining or other repair material types. PU grouting is often attractive because it can be quick to install, relatively cost-effective, portable to difficult locations, and suitable for a wide range of ground and structural conditions. The Trust now wants to explore whether PU grout alternatives can maintain repair performance while improving carbon footprint, environmental impact, safe handling and practical deployment (without significantly increasing costs).