A philosophy of minimal intervention

Upholding the principles of conservation

The UAE’s heritage buildings—from the wind towers of Al Fahidi to the historic forts of the Northern Emirates—are treasures that require delicate care. These structures, often built on traditional coral stone or shallow footings, are highly susceptible to ground movement, rising groundwater, and soil washouts.

Traditional repair methods like underpinning are often too aggressive. They require heavy excavation, cause damaging vibrations, and involve replacing original materials with concrete.

Geobear offers a different approach. We use advanced geopolymer injection technology to strengthen the ground beneath the building, restoring stability while leaving the structure itself completely untouched.

The challenges facing heritage assets

Historic structures in the region face unique ground engineering challenges that threaten their survival:

Shallow foundations

Many traditional buildings have shallow or spread footings that are easily compromised by loose sandy soils.

Salt weathering & rising damp

Saline groundwater can weaken the soil and degrade traditional masonry. Our polymers are hydro-insensitive and can help seal against water ingress.

Soil washout

Heavy rains or leaking utilities can wash away fine sand particles beneath the building, creating voids and causing settlement.

Vibration damage

Nearby modern construction or traffic can cause vibrations that fragile historic masonry cannot withstand.

3D render of historic building with foundation exposed showing where injection bulbs are and Geobear techs at work

The Geobear solution for heritage structures

Our solution is often described as "keyhole surgery" for buildings. We don't dig up the foundations. Instead, we drill small holes through the soil or floor slab to reach the weak ground beneath.

We inject our expansive geopolymer resin, which fills voids and gently compacts the soil. This restores the load-bearing capacity of the ground and, if necessary, can lift the structure back to level with millimeter precision.

Non-invasive preservation

Our primary goal is to protect the original fabric of the building. Because we do not excavate, we do not disturb archaeological layers or damage traditional flooring and masonry.

Vibration-free application

Unlike pile driving or mechanical excavation, our injection process creates zero damaging vibration, ensuring the safety of fragile walls and decorative plaster.

Speed and efficiency

We can improve a structure in days, not months. This minimizes the time the site is closed to the public or exposed to the elements during repair.

Hydro-insensitive materials

Our geopolymer materials are not affected by saltwater or groundwater, making them ideal for coastal heritage sites or areas with high water tables.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions: Heritage projects

Here are answers to common questions from conservation architects, structural engineers, and custodians of historic and listed buildings.

No. We can inject through very small holes  which can be placed in grout lines or hidden areas. Once the work is done, these holes are filled and are virtually invisible. Depending on the site the treatment plan, we may be able to inject from the exterior to avoid touching internal floors entirely.

Yes. Our geopolymers are inert and environmentally neutral once cured. They do not leach chemicals into the ground or affect groundwater quality.

Yes. Despite being lightweight, the expansive force of our material is incredibly powerful. We have successfully lifted and stabilized massive structures, including bridge abutments and multi-story heritage buildings.

No. Our entire setup is contained within a single truck. We can park up to 80 meters away from the injection point, meaning no heavy vehicles need to drive onto sensitive site grounds.

Because we do not excavate, the impact is minimal compared to any traditional method. The small diameter injection tubes can be carefully placed to avoid known sensitive areas, preserving the integrity of archaeological layers beneath and around the structure.

The geopolymer does not adversely react with historic materials like stone, brick, or lime mortar. It is an inert, stable, and water-resistant material that strengthens the soil around the foundation, creating a stable base without chemically altering the historic structure itself.

Secure the future of your heritage asset

Don't let ground instability threaten history. Contact our specialist team for a discreet, technical assessment of your heritage site.

Contact our experts
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