Strength Beneath the Surface: Coastal Slab Reinforcement

Strength Beneath the Surface: Coastal Slab Reinforcement

Project Overview

The Infrastructure Restoration Division at Savy & Sons was contracted to address a serious structural issue at a coastal condominium complex in Stratford, CT. Years of tidal influence had caused severe subsurface erosion beneath the building’s basement slab, compromising both safety and stability. The client, a residential property management group, needed a long-term, minimally disruptive solution that restored structural integrity and prevented further damage.

The Challenge

An engineered study identified a 1,200 sq. ft. section of basement slab that had settled up to 8 inches due to erosion and void formation under the concrete. The property remained fully occupied throughout the project, and access limitations meant large machinery couldn’t be used indoors. The worksite’s proximity to the ocean added ongoing moisture and hydrostatic pressure concerns, making waterproofing and drainage key to the long-term success of the repair.

Our Infrastructure Restoration Approach

Savy & Sons executed a comprehensive repair plan using industry-leading techniques in slab restoration and waterproofing:

Mobilization & Containment – Set up a contained workspace inside the occupied building and began strategic slab demolition using hand tools and conveyor systems to remove debris without disturbing residents.

Crack Injection – Performed precision epoxy crack injections to repair damage caused by slab settlement and restore structural continuity.

Drainage Installation – Installed a new underslab drainage system, complete with sump pump, to redirect water infiltration and protect against future erosion.

Void Filling – Filled all erosion-induced voids to reestablish ground stability and prevent future settling.

Concrete Reinforcement & Pour – Installed rebar reinforcement and used a concrete pump truck to place and finish a new structural slab.

Results & Impact

The project was completed in approximately six weeks, without disrupting the day-to-day lives of residents. The new concrete slab is reinforced, level, and supported by a robust drainage system and void fill material that prevents further ground movement. This infrastructure restoration not only repaired the damage but added lasting resilience to a property exposed to harsh coastal conditions.