JOG: Transforming Structural Re-levelling

Mainmark’s JOG computer-controlled, multipoint injection system is helping to re-level entire structures across several industries. Joe Glanville, General Manager of Mainmark in Australia, explains how the system works and why this approach is so innovative.

Since its foundation in 1989, Mainmark has been at the forefront of ground engineering and asset preservation, catering to various project types and sizes. 

This isn’t limited to Australia. The company has completed many projects across New Zealand, Japan, and the United Kingdom, and more regions are expected to join this list in the next few years. 

Building on the innovation of its ground engineering and asset preservation technologies, Mainmark has successfully delivered numerous JOG projects in New Zealand and are now expanding this expertise into Australia.

JOG Computer Controlled Grouting is a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled, multipoint injection system. 

It can inject cementitious grouts electronically in a simultaneous and precise fashion, and can be adjusted depending on the structure at hand. As Joe Glanville, General Manager, Australia – Mainmark explains, JOG represents a significant step forward in the ground engineering space.

“The key difference between JOG and smaller-scale re-levelling solutions is the scale and complexity that JOG can handle,” he says. 

“We’re not just talking about lifting a footpath or a residential home, but medium rise to high-rise buildings, large mining assets, and major infrastructure projects.”

The technology allows for the use of a cementitious-based material that can be programmed to have different setting times, from one second to minutes. 

This enables both localised lift and uniform void filling to support the entire structure.

It can handle a much larger number of injection points, ranging from 25 to 400, providing a larger solution compared to Mainmark’s other innovative offerings. 

“One of the biggest advantages of the JOG system is the flexibility of the cementitious-based material we use,” Glanville says.

“We can program the material to set in as little as one second for localised lift and then switch to a slower-setting formula to uniformly fill the voids and support the entire structure.”

The computer-controlled nature of JOG allows for a more co-ordinated and gentle lifting process, distributing the load across many injection points rather than concentrating it in a few areas. 

“With JOG’s computer-controlled injection process, we can monitor the lifting of the structure and make real-time adjustments to the firing sequence to ensure an even and controlled lift”

“This helps to minimise any new stresses on the building or asset.

“With the ability to install up to 400 injection points, we can lift and support entire buildings, infrastructure assets, and mining facilities in a controlled and gentle manner.”

Industry adoption 

Glanville says JOG represents a technique that could be considered more “engineer friendly”.

This is due to using a cementitious-based material, which is more familiar and comfortable for engineers and customers. 

“The material properties, such as the strength between 1-3 MPa (megapascal), are well-understood by the industry,” he says.

The cementitious-based material used in JOG also has no known issues with degradation or breakdown over time. Depending on the project, the system can be designed to meet specific durability requirements, such as a 20-year or 50-year design life.

Mainmark used JOG technology on the New Zealand Christchurch Art Gallery project, earning it the International Project of the Year Award at the 2016 Ground Engineering Awards. Glanville says this acknowledgement shows just how effective JOG – as well as the company’s other asset preservation techniques – can be. 

“The successful projects we have completed with JOG, such as the award-winning work on the art gallery and the upcoming Department of Education building, demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of this technology,” he says.

“We are excited to continue innovating and refining JOG to meet the evolving needs of our customers in the infrastructure, mining, and commercial sectors.”

This system has already been identified internally as a flagship method for the future, with Glanville saying JOG will be a primary focus as the company eyes further growth worldwide.

 “Over the next few years, we plan to further develop the system to make it even less invasive and more automated while maintaining the high level of control and precision that our customers have come to expect,” Glanville says.

“Over the past few years, we have made significant strides in developing and optimising the JOG system, drawing on our global experience and expertise. 

“We are now well-positioned to expand the reach of this technology further and solidify Mainmark’s position as the go-to provider for large and complex ground improvement and re-levelling projects.”