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Case Study: Stabilizing Charlotte, NC’s Concrete to Prevent Sinkholes

In Charlotte, NC, erosion caused by water intrusion was compromising underground stormwater systems, creating dangerous sinkholes and threatening nearby infrastructure.

To address the issue, DryPro, a Groundworks company, applied 125 units of PolyRenewal™ across three sites.

Their certified team worked safely in confined spaces to seal water entry points and stabilize soil.


The Challenge

  • Persistent water intrusion washed soil into Charlotte’s stormwater system.
  • This led to severe erosion, sinkholes, and compromised underground structures.
  • Public safety, roads, sidewalks, and utilities were at risk without immediate action.

The Solution

  • Applied 125 units of PolyRenewal™ across three key underground sites.
  • Sealed active water entry points and stabilized soil around stormwater infrastructure.
  • Crew followed confined space safety protocols to complete the work efficiently and safely.

The Impact

  • The stormwater system is now sealed and reinforced, reducing future erosion.
  • Sinkhole risk has been eliminated in the affected areas.
  • City officials were pleased with the results and gained peace of mind knowing the system is secure.

Before Concrete Lifting:

Erosion in the Stormwater System

As shown in the underground structures, persistent water intrusion washed away the surrounding soil.

This erosion weakened the structural integrity of the stormwater system and left large voids in the soil—creating dangerous conditions that could lead to sinkholes.

Public Safety at Risk

As the soil continued to erode, the ground above became unstable. This instability put roads, sidewalks, and utilities in jeopardy, increasing the risk of sudden collapse. Without repairs, the situation posed serious threats to both city infrastructure and resident safety.

After Concrete Lifting:

Targeted PolyRenewal™ Injection

To stop active water intrusion and strengthen the surrounding soil, the team installed 125 units of Single Component PolyRenewal™ at three key underground locations.

This expansive polyurethane filled voids and sealed leaks, creating a watertight barrier that stabilized the compromised areas and stopped future erosion.

Specialized Confined Space Protocols

Because this project took place in narrow, underground environments, the crew followed confined space entry procedures for safety. Their advanced training ensured the repairs were completed efficiently and safely—even in low-oxygen, restricted-access areas—while minimizing disruption to the surrounding infrastructure.

Seeing the Positive Effects

The City of Charlotte can now rely on a stabilized stormwater system that is free from the threats of sinkholes and water intrusion.

The project’s success highlights the effectiveness of the materials and techniques used, demonstrating the team’s expertise in handling complex infrastructure challenges.

The PolyRenewal™not only sealed the problem areas but reinforced the soil, reducing the likelihood of future erosion.

City officials expressed satisfaction with the results, knowing these critical areas are now secure and protected from future issues.

Other Reviews for Our Concrete Lifting Near You

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Clark came out and looked at my property. He was very nice and provided a lot of good information, answered all of my questions. Very…

Clark came out and looked at my property. He was very nice and provided a lot of good information, answered all of my questions. Very professional, thanks

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Mike, Tyler, Xander team are amazing; they are great client facing and have helped me trouble shoot multiple times for a water issue love…

Mike, Tyler, Xander team are amazing; they are great client facing and have helped me trouble shoot multiple times for a water issue love these guys. Super thorough and dialed team!

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Moses M. And his team Clem and Sal did great work and were very professional and speedy!

Moses M. And his team Clem and Sal did great work and were very professional and speedy!

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Brogan and his crew, Aaron, Caden and Jacob did a great job straightening our basement wall. They explained everything before they started…

Brogan and his crew, Aaron, Caden and Jacob did a great job straightening our basement wall. They explained everything before they started and kept me informed throughout the job. They had no problem with me watching them work. They were very professional. I highly recommend this crew. Rick, the CFI, was also great to work with. I felt confident that he was honest in his recommendations. Only recommending the work that needed to be done, but also pointing out things that could be done or not to worry about.

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From start to finish, the process with Groundworks was beyond amazing. We had Ryan Machado come out and give us a complete rundown of the…

From start to finish, the process with Groundworks was beyond amazing. We had Ryan Machado come out and give us a complete rundown of the company and their system, and we were sold immediately. The fact that I don’t have to wait for my grass to start growing—or even water it after traditional waterproofing is finished—was a major factor in choosing Groundworks. If you want a thorough explanation from a very professional and friendly person, ask for Ryan Machado—you can’t go wrong. Scheduling the installation was easy. They even checked in a few times to see if an earlier date would work, since we were having a difficult spring with a lot of water coming in. When it came to the installation, you couldn’t ask for a better crew than Lucio and Levi—both were super friendly and easy to talk to. We’ve had many contractors come through our doors over the past six months for various renovations, and most were disappointing in one way or another. Not this company. Lucio made sure we were on the same page throughout the process and treated all of our concerns with the highest importance. He walked me through any issues that came up while installing a system in our 160-year-old heritage home, which has many quirks, and he finished the job on time, just as promised. When it came to dust management—especially since they were breaking concrete near our very new furnace—they took every precaution we asked for. I think they left my basement cleaner than it was before they arrived. Thank you very much to everyone I spoke with over the phone and met in person—you were all great to deal with. I hope I don’t need any more waterproofing in other parts of my house, but if I do, I will definitely be calling Groundworks again.

Need Concrete Lifting for Your Home?

Smiling worker in Groundworks uniform holding a level, standing in front of a company vehicle and houses.

Uneven sidewalks, cracked driveways, or sunken patios? These aren’t just eyesores—they’re safety hazards and signs your concrete is settling.

Groundworks Companies, including DryPro, which serves Greater Charlotte, specialize in lifting and leveling concrete using advanced polyurethane foam solutions that restore stability without the mess of replacement.

Schedule your free inspection today and let our local experts lift, level, and protect your concrete—for good.

Related Resources

Concrete Lifting FAQs

Polyurethane injection is fast, non-invasive, and capable of supporting heavy loads, making it perfect for industrial and commercial needs.

It’s a no-excavation, fast-installation solution that levels floors efficiently and cost-effectively.

It’s fast, strengthens the soil base, minimizes downtime, and eliminates the need for costly excavation. 

Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.