Residential Subsidence Repair
Challenge
Cracking caused by drain failure and weak ground threatened the home's stability, requiring a permanent solution without disruptive excavation or underpinning.
Solution
Geobear stabilised weakened ground using specialist geopolymer injections after drainage repairs, completing works within a day with minimal disruption throughout.
Project completed
Locations treated
Guarantee provided
A homeowner in Shrewsbury began noticing cracks developing externally in the brickwork of their two-storey property. As the cracking became more apparent, concerns grew that the house was experiencing structural movement.
Investigations identified drain failure as a key contributing factor. Escaping water had weakened the underlying ground, causing soil consolidation beneath the foundations and resulting in differential settlement. Site assessments confirmed that the property required foundation stabilisation rather than cosmetic repairs alone.
The homeowner sought a long-term solution that would avoid the disruption associated with traditional underpinning while providing confidence that the property had been permanently stabilised.
Defective drainage had allowed water to escape into the surrounding ground, reducing its bearing capacity beneath the foundations. Before any stabilisation work could begin, the drainage defects needed to be repaired to prevent further deterioration.
Traditional underpinning had been suggested, but concerns were raised about extensive excavation, prolonged construction works and the additional weight of concrete beneath foundations already founded on unsuitable ground. The homeowner wanted a solution that was fast, non-invasive and allowed normal daily life to continue.
The property was located on a road with restricted access for large vehicles, requiring careful planning to deliver the works using smaller equipment while maintaining a tidy residential environment.
Client quote
Derrick Philips
Following repair of the defective drainage, Geobear designed a bespoke ground improvement solution using its specialist geopolymer injection process.
Working from carefully planned injection locations around the affected elevations, engineers treated the weakened soils to multiple vertical depths beneath the foundations. The expanding geopolymer compacted and strengthened the ground, restoring support to the structure while continuously monitoring the building throughout the injection process.
The treatment was completed in approximately one day, avoiding excavation, spoil removal, heavy plant and the lengthy programme associated with traditional underpinning. The completed works were backed by a 10-year transferable guarantee.
The property was successfully stabilised with minimal disruption to the homeowner.
By combining drainage repairs with targeted ground improvement, Geobear delivered a permanent solution that avoided the need for extensive excavation while restoring confidence in the property's long-term stability.
The homeowner particularly valued:
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