By Steven Brahney | September 27, 2015

Catch Basin Failure

NJ Catch Basin Repairs

 

Why Do Parking Lot Catch Basins Fail?

Catch basins (Sometimes referred to as Storm Drains / Storm Sewers) begin to deteriorate for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are installed incorrectly when the asphalt parking lot isfirst built. Most often water and freeze thaw are the culprits.

  • Water begins to infiltrate from either outside the concrete casting or percolates between the asphalt and steel frame.
  • As the water seeps in between the blocks and set bricks used to adjust the grade, it freezes.
  • When the water freezes it blows out the mortar which then allows the frame and grate to sink under the stress load from traffic which results in a shifting grate that moves vertically or a complete failure where a sink hole forms.

 

How Are Catch Basins Repaired:

  • First an inspection must be performed by a professional paving contractor. The inspection will reveal how severe the damage is. Typically the grate is lifted to allow access to the interior of the concrete casting to inspect and take pictures / video

Catch Basin Rebuild

  • Upon deciding to move forward with the work, the exterior perimeter of the catch basin is saw cut 12” – 24” away from the frame and the asphalt is removed to a specified depth.
  • Sometimes the entire frame and grate need to be completely removed and other times the bricks can be repaired in place.
  • If the casting has collapsed, the frame and grate are removed along with 1-4 rows of blocks. New blocks are installed along with set bricks for elevation all installed on a fresh pour of mortar to seal the water out. The frame and grate are then placed back over the casting.
  • Sometimes the entire interior is parged or pointed with mortar to seal any cracks or joints in the block / casting to prevent further water infiltration.

Catch Basin Repairs

  • The 12” – 24” perimeter is then patched with either asphalt or concrete for a finished product. When using concrete it is important to apply a tack coat at the saw cut joint to prevent water infiltration. For asphalt the saw cut is sealed with a hot rubberized crack sealer to prevent water infiltration.

 

Please see our others blogs:

/blog/whats-the-average-cost-to-repair-a-catch-basin

 

 



 

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