Abstract: Beijing Hengxiang Hongye Foundation Reinforcement Technology Co., Ltd. has developed an integrated technology for synchronized lifting and leveling through layered, directional grouting, based on its U.S. invention patent, “A Settlement Reinforcement, Lifting, and Leveling Structure for Pile Cap Structures and Its Construction Method” (International Application No.: PCT/CN2019/084388). Combined with an intelligent, full-process monitoring system, the technology enables millimeter-level precision lifting. It simultaneously completes pile cap lifting and leveling, reinforcement of the bearing stratum at pile ends, and the formation of a composite load-bearing foundation beneath the pile cap. This integrated approach addresses three major industry challenges: differential settlement of pile foundations, insufficient leveling accuracy, and secondary settlement caused by repeated ground disturbance during separate construction procedures.
I. Industry Challenges: Difficulties in Controlling the Precision of Pile Foundation Reinforcement
Differential settlement of building pile foundations is a common ground-related problem in industrial plants and public buildings. Traditional reinforcement and lifting methods have two major limitations:
1. Difficulty in Controlling Lifting Accuracy
Variations in soil layer distribution and differences in the bearing capacity of pile-end supporting strata make it difficult to control the transmission of lifting forces through conventional manual lifting methods. This can easily result in excessive lifting or insufficient elevation, preventing the leveling results from meeting design requirements.
2. Separate Construction Procedures Increase the Risk of Secondary Settlement, Time, and Costs
Traditional solutions generally require reinforcement of the soil at the pile ends first, followed by a separate operation to lift and level the pile caps. These two procedures are carried out in stages, and repeated disturbance of the soil may trigger secondary settlement. Meanwhile, parallel or sequential operations can significantly extend the construction period and increase overall project costs.
II. Overview of the Core Technology Behind the International Patent
Hengxiang Hongye's U.S. invention patent, “A Settlement Reinforcement, Lifting, and Leveling Structure for Pile Cap Structures and Its Construction Method” (International Application No.: PCT/CN2019/084388), innovatively integrates a grouting pipeline system with synchronized lifting components.
The technology adopts a layered, directional soil injection process combined with a full-process intelligent monitoring system to precisely control the transmission path of lifting forces. It enables pile cap lifting and leveling to be performed simultaneously with the reinforcement and strengthening of the bearing stratum at pile ends.
At the same time, a composite load-bearing foundation is formed beneath the pile cap to distribute building loads more evenly. By integrating reinforcement and lifting into one coordinated operation, the technology fundamentally addresses the risk of secondary settlement associated with separate construction procedures.
III. Key Advantages of the Patented Technology
1. Intelligent Monitoring for Millimeter-Level Precision Control
A real-time monitoring system enables millimeter-level lifting control, addressing the problems of excessive lifting and insufficient elevation commonly encountered with traditional methods.
2. Synchronized Operations to Minimize Secondary Disturbance
Ground reinforcement and structural lifting are integrated into a single construction operation, eliminating the need for a second round of soil disturbance and reducing the risk of secondary settlement at its source.
3. Composite Load-Bearing Structure for Uniform Load Transfer
Grouting and soil compaction form a composite load-bearing foundation beneath the pile cap, allowing building loads to be distributed more evenly to the supporting strata.
4. Minimally Invasive Construction with Limited Operational Disruption
Compact equipment enables flexible on-site operations. Factories and workshops can continue normal production during construction, helping minimize disruption to business operations.
5. Long-Term Stability and Durability After Reinforcement
The reinforced composite foundation provides improved overall stability, significantly enhancing long-term bearing performance and resistance to settlement-related deformation.
IV. Application Case: Differential Settlement Remediation in a New Energy Vehicle Welding Workshop in Wuhan, Hubei Province
A new energy vehicle welding workshop in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, used pile cap foundations and was situated on a soft ground foundation composed of silty clay with high moisture content. Heavy welding equipment was installed directly on the workshop floor, with a load of approximately 5 tonnes per square meter. The maximum floor settlement reached 200 mm, and ground voids had developed in multiple areas, seriously affecting the operating accuracy of the equipment.
Causes of Settlement: The original silty clay had relatively low bearing capacity. Under sustained heavy loads, the soil underwent long-term compression, resulting in differential floor settlement and internal voids. This represented a typical soft-soil settlement problem involving pile cap foundations, making it well suited to the patented technology.
The project adopted the patent's core process of layered, directional grouting and synchronized lifting, integrated with nondestructive, controllable soil solidification technology.
First, specialized composite materials were injected into the shallow soil layers to consolidate the ground, fill voids, and form a raft-shaped composite foundation. A deeper composite pile foundation was then constructed to work together with the shallow raft-shaped foundation, creating an integrated composite load-bearing system. An intelligent monitoring system was used throughout the process to achieve millimeter-level precision in reinforcement, lifting, and leveling.
The work was carried out using minimally invasive construction methods, allowing the workshop to maintain normal production operations. Deep reinforcement extended to the supporting stratum, substantially improving bearing capacity and reducing the risk of secondary settlement.
The entire construction project was completed in just 20 days, with a cumulative lifting height of 200 mm.
Customer Feedback: “The workshop remained in normal operation throughout the construction process, and there was no noise. Both construction efficiency and engineering quality far exceeded our expectations.”
V. Scientific and Technological Innovation and Global Intellectual Property Strength
Hengxiang Hongye, the holder of the patent, has had its core technology for lifting and correcting the inclination of high-rise buildings evaluated through a national-level scientific and technological achievement assessment in China. The technology was rated “Internationally Advanced Overall, with Certain Aspects Reaching Internationally Leading Levels” (Reference No.: 202311ZK7875).
The company collaborates with China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing) on industry-academia-research initiatives. It has led the development of one enterprise standard and established a comprehensive research and development system.
The company has developed a global intellectual property portfolio, with a cumulative total of 148 domestic and international patent applications and granted patents, including 32 international patents. It has also published 14 academic papers, nine of which have been indexed by the Science Citation Index (SCI), demonstrating its research capabilities and international academic recognition.
Hengxiang Hongye has completed more than 1,000 projects involving building floor settlement remediation, foundation reinforcement, lifting, and leveling. It has established in-depth cooperation with internationally recognized companies, including Mercedes-Benz, CATL, Geely, Haier, 3M, and Nestlé.
Its independently developed processes and materials are adapted to a variety of challenging geological conditions worldwide, including karst formations, collapsible loess, silty clay, and highly backfilled soil.
With overseas branches in multiple countries, the company is positioned to provide integrated foundation settlement remediation services to customers worldwide.
VI. Conclusion and Future Outlook
This U.S. invention patent centers on intelligent monitoring and millimeter-level precision control, overcoming key limitations of traditional pile foundation reinforcement and lifting methods, particularly the separation of construction procedures and the difficulty of maintaining lifting accuracy.
By establishing a coordinated composite load-bearing foundation that distributes building loads more evenly, and combining this with minimally invasive construction methods, the technology balances leveling performance, construction efficiency, and the operational needs of buildings and industrial facilities.
Looking ahead, Hengxiang Hongye will continue to focus on foundation settlement remediation. Leveraging its global intellectual property portfolio and domestic and international service network, the company will continue to improve and upgrade its reinforcement and lifting technologies, providing comprehensive foundation safety solutions for buildings and structures around the world.
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Hengxiang Hongye Soil and Foundation Improvement Technology Co.,Ltd
