What happens when a leaking pipe causes ground settlement?

Leaking water pipes are a serious problem for any commercial property in the UAE. They lead to more than just a higher water bill or a wet patch of ground.

In our region's sandy soils, water from a leak (such as a burst supply pipe or damaged drainage) quickly washes away fine soil particles beneath a building. This creates dangerous underground voids and pockets of loose, unstable ground.

Without the support of the soil, the ground loses its strength, and the structure above it starts to sink or settle. This can cause significant damage to the building's floor slabs, walls, and foundations, putting business operations and safety at risk.

The Geobear solution is designed to tackle this specific "washout" issue with minimal disruption. Instead of traditional methods that involve disruptive excavation to replace the soil, we use a non-intrusive approach that gets your business back to normal, fast.

How does the Geobear solution work?

Our geopolymer injection solution is a modern, effective way to address ground settlement caused by leaking pipes. The process is simple and efficient:

1

Survey and plan

Our in-house engineering team conducts a thorough site assessment (often using ground-penetrating radar if required) to pinpoint the extent of the voids and ground settlement. This allows us to create a precise, engineered plan tailored to your specific needs.

2

Injection

We drill small-diameter holes through the floor slab into the ground below. Our geopolymer material is then injected through these holes directly into the washout zone.

3

Expansion and compaction

Once injected, the geopolymer expands, first filling the voids created by the water leak. As it continues to expand, it powerfully compacts the surrounding loose soil and strengthens the ground, providing a stable foundation once again.

4

Lifting and re-levelling

If needed, the controlled expansion of the geopolymer can gently lift and re-level the floor or foundation, correcting the settlement and restoring the integrity of the structure.

5

Precise monitoring

This entire process is monitored in real-time by our technicians using laser levels to ensure precise results.

The commercial advantage: why Geobear is the right partner

When your business is facing a problem like ground settlement, time is money. A traditional approach that requires digging up floors to backfill voids involves closing down operations and long construction periods. Our solution offers a clear commercial advantage.

Geobear tech operating under in-place warehouse racking system
Minimize disruption

We work with you to keep your business running. Our process is fast, clean, and requires no excavation, meaning you can often remain operational while we work. We can treat small, targeted areas at a time, or work overnight to ensure your business doesn't miss a beat.

Engineered expertise

With over 40 years of global experience and more than 200,000 completed projects, we have the expertise to solve complex ground issues. Our in-house engineers design a custom solution for every project, eliminating the need for expensive third-party consultants.

Fast and efficient

Our solutions are up to 70% faster than traditional methods, helping you get back to full capacity quickly and efficiently.

Sustainable choice

The Geobear solution has a 60% lower carbon impact than traditional concrete underpinning or slab replacement, making it a responsible choice for your business and the environment.

  • Minimise disruption: We work with you to keep your business running. Our process is fast, clean, and requires no excavation, meaning you can often remain operational while we work. We can treat small, targeted areas at a time, or work overnight to ensure your business doesn't miss a beat.

  • Engineered expertise: With over 40 years of experience and more than 200,000 completed projects, we have the expertise to solve complex ground issues. Our in-house engineers design a custom solution for every project, eliminating the need for expensive third-party consultants and providing you with a single, reliable partner.

  • Fast and efficient: Our solutions are up to 70% faster than traditional methods, helping you get back to full capacity quickly and efficiently.

  • Sustainable choice: The Geobear solution has a 60% lower carbon impact than traditional concrete underpinning, making it a responsible choice for your business and the environment.
Illustration depicting geopolymer injected under a concrete slab into soil (binding the soil) in a retail backroom.

 

Fix settlement caused by leaks

Worried your structure is affected by leaking pipes or washouts? Let's find out. Contact Geobear UAE to arrange a visual inspection.

Contact Geobear
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