Caltrans Ferry Dock Emergency Void Repair in Rio Vista, CA
The Challenge
Wildlife activity undermined the ferry dock slab, creating voids up to 1 foot deep and prompting early repairs to prevent service interruptions.
The Solution
Polymer was used to stabilize the slab by injecting structural polyurethane into drilled voids for soil compaction and support.
The Impact
The dock was stabilized in three shifts, restoring service in one day and regaining full structural capacity.
The Challenge
Voids throughout a 44′ x 24′ portion of Ferry Dock.
The ferry dock slab was severely compromised due to wildlife activity, which caused significant voids to form beneath its structure. These voids, measuring between 6 inches to 1 foot across the entire 44-foot by 24-foot slab, posed a serious structural concern. As a result, ferry dry dock maintenance was scheduled earlier than usual to address the issue promptly and prevent further damage. The situation carried a high potential for service interruptions, necessitating immediate and effective repairs to ensure continued operations.
Key Facts
44′ x 24′
Void Range
1 Day
Installation Time
3-Shifts
Ferry Downtime
½ – 1 Ft
Polyurethane Injection Depth

The Solution
½ – 1 Ft rods and polymer were used to fill the voids.
To remediate the slab and address the void areas, Polymer was utilized as the primary solution. The process began by drilling 1/2-inch holes at designated injection points and inserting 1/2-inch rods to the appropriate depth. Once prepared, structural polyurethane was injected to compact the underlying soil, fill the voids, and stabilize the slab’s support structure effectively.
The Impact
Ferry Dock stabilized in 1 day, impacting only 3 shifts.
The dock was successfully stabilized in just three shifts, minimizing downtime and restoring service within a single day. All voids throughout the slab were addressed, ensuring the structure regained its required weight-bearing capacity and overall stability. This work was carefully coordinated with the drydock schedule to ensure seamless integration with ongoing operations.

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