Page 20 - JulyAug Vol43 No2

TOWN OF GREENEVILLE By Scott Keith
Small Problem – Complex Solution

If you’re involved in Public Works, you know
that just when you think you’ve seen it all,
something will come along to challenge that
notion.
In Greeneville, what began as a small hole
“falling out” in a front yard progressed to a multi-
stage, complex repair that passed completely
underneath a nearly 100-year-old house.
The process began when a citizen reported
that a hole had “fallen out” in their front yard.
As we investigated the problem, we realized we
were dealing with a large, rectangular culvert
type structure of unknown age. The structure
consisted of both concrete and brick sections.
It wasn’t readily apparent why the top of the
structure collapsed, but we knew we needed
to fix it. We ascertained more detail by passing Top: Picture of the hole as it first opened up. Middle photo: Process of pumping concrete into culvert
a camera through the structure. The video around pipe. Bottom photo: Concrete successfully pumped around pipe – ready to cover.
revealed additional cracks in the ceiling under
the house.
The easy solution would have been to make
repairs to the top of the structure and cover
it back up. Staff expressed concern about
maintaining drainage through the structure in
the event of another collapse under the house.
Drainage in the area was critical, and a
blockage would result in extensive flooding. The
question became: how can we maintain drainage
and improve the structural integrity of the
culvert?
It was decided that we would insert a tile
through the culvert, passing completely
underneath the house. We also would attempt
to inject a flowable fill material that could
provide some structural support, but this was
not something anyone in the area had done in
the past.
Fortunately, an experienced concrete pumping
company was willing to undertake the challenge.
The plan was to extend a pump hose under the
house from front to back. It slowly would be
pulled back as the flowable mix was injected into
the culvert around the tile.
Following some very tough pulling, the culvert
was filled with mix and sealed off. The final
connection was made to restore the drainage
flow from upstream. The large holes in front and
behind the house were restored and, in time,
should leave little trace of the complex effort that
took place.
The ingenuity and willingness of the team to
address a tough problem was invaluable. The
complex level of repair will ensure that this
problem doesn’t arise again in the future, as it
safeguards an important drainage path.
20 TPW July/August 2025