Challenge
A failed rear drain weakened foundation soils beneath both the main house and extension, causing structural cracking and requiring rapid stabilisation with minimal disruption.
Solution
Geobear delivered tailored geopolymer treatment across 11 injection points, stabilising both structures in one day without excavation, spoil removal, or heavy construction plant.
Targeted foundation treatment
Ground improvement level
Total delivery programme
The owner of a semi-detached property in Co. Carlow contacted Geobear after discovering cracking to both the internal and external walls of their home.
The property comprised a two-storey main dwelling and a single-storey extension. Investigations identified a failed drain running along the rear of the property as the root cause of the issue. Over time, water escaping from the drainage system had weakened the ground beneath the foundations, reducing bearing capacity and resulting in structural movement across both sections of the property.
Following replacement of the defective drain, the homeowner required a foundation stabilisation solution that could be completed quickly and with minimal disruption.
The property consisted of two structurally different sections, each imposing different loads on the underlying ground. Any remediation strategy therefore needed to account for both the two-storey dwelling and the lighter single-storey extension.
Traditional piled underpinning was considered as a potential solution. However, this approach would have required extensive excavation around the property, significant disruption to the homeowner, and a considerably longer construction programme.
The homeowner's primary concern was achieving a fast, effective solution without the upheaval associated with conventional foundation repairs.
Customer
Following completion of the drainage repairs, Geobear designed a bespoke geopolymer ground improvement solution tailored to the differing structural requirements of the property.
The treatment comprised:
The expanding geopolymer improved the bearing capacity of the weakened soils and restored support beneath the foundations. By adjusting injection volumes to reflect the differing structural loads, Geobear ensured both sections of the property received an appropriate level of treatment.
The works were completed within a single day, with the homeowner remaining in occupation throughout.
A 10-year transferable guarantee was provided on completion.
The ground beneath both the main dwelling and extension was successfully stabilised, addressing the structural movement associated with the failed rear drain.
The entire project was completed within a single day, allowing the homeowner to return to normal activities immediately after the works.
Key project outcomes included:
The project demonstrates how geopolymer injection can provide a fast, non-invasive alternative to traditional underpinning, particularly where multiple structural elements require tailored treatment.
Every home is unique. Our experts are ready to listen and provide answers tailored to your specific property and concerns.
