Homeowner Business Infrastructure Company 0800 084 3503

Public Assets

Grade A-listed museum saved from subsidence with zero disruption

Challenge

A Grade A-listed museum and council office in Campbeltown was suffering subsidence from tidal washout. Traditional underpinning risked closure, excavation, and damage to the historic building’s fabric.

Solution

Geobear stabilised the structure using 250+ geopolymer injection points over 15 days, restoring ground strength with zero disruption and achieving a 53% lower carbon footprint than underpinning.

Background

The Burnet building, a Grade A-listed museum and council office in Campbeltown, Scotland, had experienced long-term subsidence since the 2000s. The structure, located adjacent to the dock, was suffering from structural cracking as high tides from Campbeltown Loch washed out fine soils, weakening the ground beneath the foundations.

Challenge

The client, Argyll and Bute Council, needed to stabilise the historic building. However, traditional concrete underpinning would have required significant excavation and forced the complete closure of the multi-use public building for an extended period. This would have halted museum visits, council operations, and marriage ceremonies, making it an unviable solution. A minimally disruptive approach was a fundamental requirement.

Historic stability, zero disruption — Geobear safeguarded a Grade A-listed museum while it stayed open for council business and marriage ceremonies.

Solutions

Geobear was selected as Principal Contractor to deliver a full turnkey service. The decision was based on our non-disruptive solution and our proven experience with heritage buildings. Our engineers designed a targeted geopolymer injection plan to improve the soil's bearing capacity. The solution involved over 250 injection points, reaching depths of up to 2 meters below the primary load-bearing walls. The entire 15-day project was completed while the building remained fully operational.

Results

The project was completed on schedule with zero inconvenience to the public or council staff. Pre- and post-treatment Dynamic Probe Testing (DPT) verified the required improvement in ground strength. The solution avoided a lengthy and disruptive closure, and its carbon footprint was 53% lower than underpinning, saving 23 tonnes of CO₂e. The client had the confidence to proceed based on Geobear's quality case studies, which demonstrated a capability to deliver in sensitive, high-profile environments.

Ready to discuss your project?

Get in touch with our expert team today and discover how Geobear can extend the life of your critical infrastructure assets.

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