Residential ground improvement
Challenge
Subsidence caused a conservatory to rotate away from the bungalow, where traditional underpinning risked overloading a nearby retaining wall structure.
Solution
GeoBear stabilised foundations using specialist geopolymer injections, delivering rapid, low-disruption ground improvement while protecting the adjacent retaining wall safely.
Installation completed
Guarantee provided
On-site treatment
A homeowner in Northwich became concerned after purchasing a bungalow with a conservatory showing clear signs of structural movement. The conservatory had begun rotating away from the main property, with investigations indicating historical subsidence associated with poor foundation support and drainage issues. The property occupied a sloping site with a substantial retaining wall positioned close behind the conservatory, creating additional engineering challenges. Site investigations also identified superficial sand and gravel deposits beneath the affected area.
The homeowner was keen to avoid traditional concrete underpinning because of the property's unique setting. With the garden falling away significantly behind the conservatory and a retaining wall located only a short distance from the foundations, adding substantial concrete beneath the structure could have increased loading on the wall and introduced unnecessary structural risk.
Before stabilisation could begin, a drainage survey was required to ensure leaking drains had not contributed to the movement and to allow continuous drain monitoring throughout the works. Preparation involved temporarily removing sections of paving and creating internal floor access so movement could be accurately monitored during treatment. The retaining wall also required continuous monitoring throughout the installation.
client quote
Paul Jackson
Geobear designed a bespoke foundation stabilisation solution tailored to the site's constraints. Working from carefully planned injection locations around the conservatory foundations, engineers injected a specialist geopolymer material to multiple depths beneath the existing foundations, improving the bearing capacity of the supporting ground while avoiding excavation. The treatment plan incorporated real-time monitoring of both the conservatory and the adjacent retaining wall, alongside drain monitoring to ensure the surrounding infrastructure remained protected throughout the process.
Unlike conventional underpinning, the solution imposed virtually no additional structural load on the ground or retaining wall, making it particularly well suited to the sloping site conditions.
The on-site stabilisation was completed within a day dramatically reducing disruption compared with traditional underpinning, which the homeowner estimated could have taken several months.
Following completion, the conservatory foundations were stabilised without extensive excavation, allowing the homeowner to retain confidence in both the structure and the nearby retaining wall. The project was completed after the necessary drainage works had been carried out and was backed by Geobear's 10-year guarantee, with an insurance-backed guarantee also provided.
Every home is unique. Our experts are ready to listen and provide answers tailored to your specific property and concerns.
