A.I.T. Multi-Purpose Manhole & Septic Joint Seal
vs.
Adjustment Ring Section Grouting (Inside, Outside, Between)

PURPOSE: To show a constructive, fact-based comparison of the benefits of using A.I.T. Joint Seal as opposed to the use of common mortar in the construction of chimney sections on manholes and catch basins.

MORTAR

Installing mortar between concrete adjusting rings is the most common method of sealing chimney sections in manholes and catch basins. It has been done for decades. The difference from one to the other is that the adjustment rings are reinforced and cured with pre-stressed hardened steel -- mortar is not. Over time, the mortar cracks and falls away from the cured, reinforced adjustment ring sections. This method of sealing is simply a temporary method and creates multiple problems over time.

PROBLEMS

1. The mortar cracks and falls away.
The City specifies the construction method being used and has no choice but to accept the finished product. When the one-year maintenance bond is about to expire, the City would normally conduct a final inspection. The City may find mortar falling away, and would report the problem on a punch list for the Contractor to repair. When the problem is repaired (re-grouted) the City has no choice but to accept the finished product. When the mortar cracks and falls away the following year, the City now owns the problem and must pay for the repair/replacement.

2. What happens when mortar cracks and falls away?
A.  Sanitary Sewer Manholes:
The structures start to drop in the street when mortar breaks up. The pavement cracks and allows water to leak into the system. The problem can eventually cause a costly washout around the structure. The City would need to excavate and repair (or replace) the frame and ring section and the street would also need to be repaired. The average cost for this average repair is well over $500. If left un-checked, water leaks into the system. The cost for excess leakage into the sanitary system is an average of $13.00 per 1,000 gallons. A small hole in the ring section (3/8 diameter) can cost the City as much as $1,000.00 per year if left un-repaired.
B.  Catch Basins:
Stormwater Catch Basins can break up and fall away with the deterioration of mortar between the adjustment rings. The repair costs are far-reaching. Not only must the street be repaired, but also the concrete curb, gutter and landscaping must be repaired. The structure may even need to be completely replaced. Accidents involving walking or bike traffic become a greater risk. Replacement costs can exceed $4,000 per structure.

SOLUTION

A.I.T. MULTI-PURPOSE MANHOLE & SEPTIC JOINT SEAL

Our Joint Seal is used as a complete replacement for mortar in the construction of sanitary and storm sewer manholes and storm inlets.

1.  No Deterioration
AIT Multi-Purpose Manhole and Septic Joint seal does not break down, crack, or fall away from between the adjustment ring sections. Our product forms a monolithic barrier between the adjustment rings. It will not allow water or earthen materials to infiltrate into the storm or sanitary system. Since the product stays in place, the City saves money on structure repairs and excessive wastewater treatment costs.
2.  Cost Effective
It costs about $50.00 per structure to purchase, handle, transport, mix, and install mortar. The same costs holds true when using our Joint Seal, however, if one considers the cost savings on future maintenance, the A.I.T. product will be far less expensive. If the City requires interior or exterior chimney seals, the City will save even more money because they can eliminate the need for those seals by using our A.I.T. Joint Seal.

THIS PRODUCT DOES NOT COST MONEY, IT SAVES MONEY