Residential Subsidence
Challenge
Severe ground movement caused structural damage, requiring temporary structural support and tenant relocation.
Solution
Geopolymer injection to 2.1m depth stabilised soils and improved bearing capacity without excavation.
Full stabilisation completed on site
Average soil bearing capacity improvement
Targeted treatment depth achieved
A property at Boyd Street in Belfast, owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), experienced significant ground movement beneath the structure. This resulted in visible cracking and progressive structural damage, ultimately requiring the building to be temporarily supported using structural steelwork.
Due to the severity of the movement, the tenant had already been relocated to alternative accommodation prior to remediation works commencing. In many similar cases, however, this step introduces substantial cost, logistical complexity, and disruption for housing providers.
The project presented an opportunity to not only stabilise the structure, but also demonstrate a more efficient and less disruptive alternative to traditional underpinning methods.
Geobear delivered a targeted ground improvement solution using engineered geopolymer resin injection.
Injection tubes were installed externally and internally around the affected structure, allowing precise delivery of geopolymer resin into the underlying soils. The material expanded within the ground, filling voids, compacting weak zones, and increasing overall soil stiffness.
Treatment was carried out to depths of up to 2.1 metres, targeting the active zone of movement beneath the foundation. The process was fully controlled and monitored in real time to ensure uniform improvement and avoid overstressing the structure.
All works were completed using compact equipment, eliminating the need for excavation, heavy machinery, or large-scale site setup.
Pre- and post-treatment testing was undertaken to quantify the effectiveness of the solution.
Results confirmed:
These outcomes provide confidence that the underlying ground conditions have been successfully improved and that further structural movement risk has been mitigated.
Before
After
The entire stabilisation programme was completed in just two days on site.
This rapid delivery significantly reduced the overall project timeline compared to traditional underpinning, which would typically involve:
The speed of delivery enables faster progression towards reinstatement and reoccupation.
While the tenant had already been relocated in this instance, the project clearly demonstrates a key advantage of geopolymer injection for housing providers.
In many comparable scenarios, Geobear’s non-invasive approach allows:
For organisations such as NIHE, this represents a significant operational and financial benefit.
Geobear’s solution avoided the need for mass concrete underpinning and excavation-intensive works.
Key sustainability benefits include:
The Boyd Street property has been successfully stabilised, with improved ground conditions verified through testing and the risk of further movement mitigated.
The works are supported by a 10-year guarantee, providing long-term assurance to the client. With stabilisation complete, the property can now progress towards reinstatement and return to service significantly faster than would have been possible using conventional repair methods.
Every home is unique. Our experts are ready to listen and provide answers tailored to your specific property and concerns.
