Smart alternatives to underpinning and piling

In the UAE, adding structural support to an existing asset—whether it's a sinking warehouse, a settling bridge approach, or a heritage mosque—traditionally means heavy piling rigs, massive excavation, and long shutdowns.

Geobear offers a faster, cleaner engineering alternative. We use geopolymer injection pillars and PowerPile technology to transfer structural loads through weak surface soils (like loose sand or Sabkha) down to competent strata.

This is "Surgical Piling": small footprint, zero vibration, and installed directly through the existing floor slab or foundation. .

This technology is especially useful for application such as:

Roads and highways

Public buildings and structures

Airport runways, taxiways, and aprons

Rail track beds and embankments

Utility infrastructure sites

Commercial and industrial warehouse floors

How our system works

1

Detailed survey and design

Every site is unique, so our engineers start with a detailed survey and design a detailed treatment plan tailored to your project. This will specify exactly where and to what depth the PowerPile® system is to be installed.

2

Installation

The PowerPile® system is installed via 35mm diameter temporary cased holes, which are drilled into the ground to the required depth.

3

Geopolymer injection

Once in-situ the casing is removed and the PowerPile® element is installed and is then filled with a specialist liquid geopolymer, this expands within the element to a maximum expansion diameter of 330mm

4

Expansion and hardening

During the expansion process there is a state change from liquid to solid hardened material with specific engineering properties. The resin cures rapidly – often in less than 15 minutes – creating an immediate, long-lasting PowerPile® that provides positive support to the overlying structure or asset.

Challenges this solution solves

Our PowerPile® system is designed to address urgent issues, where very weak ground has caused major foundation failure.

Powerpile installtion example slab depression

Structural instability

Foundations losing bearing capacity and showing signs of excessive settlement.

powerpile weak ground

Slab settlement and cracking

Indicating loss of support beneath concrete.

Powerpile voids

Unstable ground

Depressions or cracks pointing to hidden voids.

Why choose Geobear over traditional piling?

Restricted access: Our handheld equipment can fit through a standard door. We can work inside basements, under low-headroom bridges, or between closely spaced production lines.

No excavation: We drill through the existing structure (16mm - 50mm holes). There is no need to break out the slab, dig trenches, or pour concrete caps.

Vibration-free: Essential for working near sensitive structures, such as the Dubai Metro protection zone, heritage sites, or hospitals.

Corrosion resistant: Our polymers are inert and impervious to the aggressive saline groundwater and sulfates typical of the UAE coast. Unlike steel or concrete, they will not corrode or spall over time.

Comparison: Geobear vs. traditional piling

Feature Traditional Concrete Underpinning Geobear Structural Support
Excavation Extensive digging required None (drilled access only)
Cure Time 28 days (for full concrete strength) 15 minutes
Equipment Heavy piling rigs & excavators Portable, handheld units
Disruption Major site closure Minimal / Night works possible
Carbon Footprint High (concrete & transport) Low (minimal material volume)

Foundation settlement keeping you up at night?

Don't rush to disruptive piling. Let our engineers assess if a non-disruptive structural solution can save your project time and budget.

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