Let’s talk about something that seems to always be lurking in the background but is often misunderstood–chemical underpinning. Imagine it to be the secret backbone, quietly supporting huge structures. But is Mother Earth safe? more hints?
Imagine that an old building is slowly sinking. What are you going to do? Do you call the cavalry? They inject various chemicals under the ground to stabilize the structure. It may sound like a magic trick, but there are always side effects to every spell. Chemicals used in the process, such as epoxy and resins can have negative effects.
Have you heard the phrase “Nature gets its revenge”? Sometimes, these chemicals seep in to the groundwater. It’s possible that contaminated drinking water could be miles away. It’s the same as throwing a rock in a pond to watch how it ripples. The domino impact can be frightening. Groundwater pollution is serious business.
What’s the other option? Physical materials like steel or concrete seem like a safer option, right. Not quite. These options all have their carbon footprint. This is like trying to fix an leaking faucet with a wet sponge.
I often wonder if the world is a constant balancing game. As if you were walking a tightrope across a pit of sharp spikes. Minimize here, maximize there. That’s what the tightrope walkers’ dilemma is, even when chemical underpinnings are used. Some experts swear that eco-friendly polymers and resins are the future. Some people are skeptical and wonder what the long term effects will be. Who could blame them? The stakes could not be higher.
Consider this idea: Would it be possible to reduce the amount of underpinning required from the outset? Sustainability in construction, better planning and less hasty construction are all positive steps. A good example is the old adage “an inch of prevention is worth an ounce cure”. Maybe we should pay attention to those old adages.