Tunnel Concrete Lifting at the University of Manitoba
In May 2019, Slab-Jack Kings completed a major tunnel concrete lifting and stabilization project beneath the Elizabeth Dafoe Library at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our crew raised, levelled and stabilized critical mechanical and electrical service areas as well as underground walkway tunnels, all while minimizing disruption to campus operations.
Project Overview
The university was experiencing ongoing settlement in the tunnels and service rooms located under the library. Over time, this settlement created uneven slabs, trip hazards, and maintenance challenges for the mechanical and electrical infrastructure that runs through these spaces.
- Location: Elizabeth Dafoe Library tunnels, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
- Area treated: Approximately 2,500 square feet of tunnels and service rooms
- Scope of work: concrete lifting, levelling, stabilization and void filling
- Goal: Restore safe, level walking surfaces and protect critical building services
Before: Electrical & Mechanical Rooms and Walkway Tunnels
Located beneath the Elizabeth Dafoe Library in the underground walkway tunnels, this area carries a high concentration of critical mechanical and electrical services for the building. Ongoing settlement meant the university was repeatedly adjusting and supporting pipes, conduits, and equipment to keep everything safe and functional.
All of these services were present within roughly 2,500 square feet of tunnels and rooms, and they had been adjusted annually due to settlement. Without a long-term solution, this movement would continue to strain the attached services and increase the risk of failures and water intrusion.
For institutional facilities like universities, raising concrete rather than replacing it is often the most cost-effective way to correct settlement while keeping critical areas in service.
Our Tunnel Concrete Lifting Process
Given the sensitive nature of the site, our crew designed a precise injection plan to lift and support the slabs while protecting all surrounding utilities. We used high-density polyurethane concrete lifting foam to gradually bring the concrete back up, monitor movement, and lock the slabs into a more stable position.
- Strategic layout of multiple injection points to control lift across long tunnel sections.
- Slow, carefully monitored injections to avoid stressing mechanical and electrical lines.
- Void filling beneath the slab to restore proper bearing and reduce the risk of future settlement.
- Ongoing elevation checks to keep tunnels as level as possible while respecting service tolerances.
During the Lift
Throughout the lift, our project team coordinated closely with university staff to protect equipment and maintain access where needed. The goal was to restore slab elevation without damaging attached infrastructure or interrupting essential building services.
After: Safe, Stable Tunnels Back in Service
Slab-Jack Kings raised, levelled, and stabilized the slabs as much as we could without stressing the mechanical or electrical components. We then stabilized the surrounding areas to help prevent future settlement. Any masonry work required after lifting was completed by the University of Manitoba’s contractors.
The tunnels were ready for use almost immediately upon job completion. Staff and students now have safer, more reliable access beneath the library, and the university has reduced long-term maintenance demands on its critical building services.
Need Tunnel Concrete Lifting or Infrastructure Stabilization?
If your facility has settled tunnels, mechanical rooms, or service corridors, polyurethane tunnel concrete lifting can often correct settlement quickly without major demolition or shutdowns. Slab-Jack Kings provides commercial concrete lifting, levelling, void filling, soil stabilization and underslab insulation services across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Need a tunnel concrete lifting estimate? Fill out our Request an Estimate form and one of our family members would be more than happy to help get you started.
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