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Bristol Royal Infirmary void filling

Challenge

Voids beneath hardstanding at Bristol Royal Infirmary risked surface instability and operational disruption, requiring stabilisation without excavation in a live hospital environment.

Solution

Geobear used precision geopolymer injection to fill voids, re‑compact underlying soils and restore ground support with minimal disruption to hospital operations.

Live healthcare site

Works delivered within operational hospital

Targeted void treatment

Localised geopolymer injection

Rapid return to service

Areas trafficable shortly after injection

Background

Bristol Royal Infirmary operates within a complex urban healthcare environment where continuous access and safety are critical. Voids had developed beneath sections of hardstanding, likely due to washout of fines and long‑term ground movement.

Loss of support beneath trafficked areas can lead to cracking, differential settlement and increased maintenance risk. Early intervention was required to stabilise the ground and maintain safe access for patients, staff and emergency vehicles.

Challenge

Traditional excavation and replacement would have required significant plant, increased noise and vibration, and disruption to essential hospital services. Access constraints and the need to maintain operational continuity limited available remedial options.

A ground improvement solution was required that could be delivered safely within a live healthcare setting, address voiding at depth and minimise surface disturbance.

Solutions

Geobear designed a targeted geopolymer injection programme informed by site investigation data. Small‑diameter injection points were installed through the affected surface at predetermined locations.

The two‑component geopolymer was injected beneath the hardstanding, where it expanded to fill voids, bind loose material and increase bearing capacity. Controlled expansion ensured stabilisation without inducing detrimental movement in surrounding structures or services.

Compact equipment and rapid curing properties enabled works to be completed efficiently, allowing treated areas to be returned to use shortly after injection.

Results

The intervention reinstated sub‑surface support and mitigated the risk of further settlement without excavation. Surface stability was restored while maintaining hospital operations throughout the works.

Delivery within agreed programme constraints provided a technically robust and low‑impact stabilisation solution aligned with healthcare asset management requirements.

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