Rescuing a single storey extension from clay shrinkage in County Armagh

Challenge

Significant subsidence cracking affected a County Armagh extension due to clay shrinkage. Nearby trees and damaged drains caused soil desiccation 3.0m deep, threatening structural integrity.

Solution

Geobear delivered a bespoke ground improvement treatment in one day. We injected geopolymer 2.8m deep via external points, stabilising the soil without excavation or internal mess.

10 day saving

Our solution was completed in one day, whereas traditional concrete underpinning would have taken at least 10 days.

Zero internal access

By using 16 external injection points, we restored structural stability without the homeowners needing to leave their house or clear any furniture.

2.8m targeted depth

We precisely treated the desiccated clay at depth, using small diameter drill holes to improve ground conditions.

Background

The owners of a property in County Armagh faced significant structural distress when their single storey rear extension began to develop subsidence cracks. A professional site investigation confirmed that the underlying clay was suffering from desiccation down to 3.0m below ground level, caused by a combination of damaged drains and moisture extraction from nearby trees during dry weather.

Challenge

The homeowners were confronted with wide cracks visible on both the internal and external walls of their extension, creating a sense of uncertainty about the safety of their home. They needed a viable, cost-effective fix but were determined to avoid the mess of traditional repairs.

The primary concern was the disruption associated with traditional concrete underpinning. In clay-heavy regions like County Armagh, traditional methods often require weeks of heavy excavation, which can damage gardens and potentially worsen ground movement as the clay reacts to moisture changes.

Customer approval

The client was extremely pleased with the Geobear solution's exceptional quality and swift deployment.

Solution

 

Site treatment plan

 

Instead of digging up the garden, we implemented a bespoke Geobear ground improvement treatment. This engineered plan specifically addressed the desiccation identified in the soil reports.

Preparation: We identified 16 strategic injection points spaced 0.5m apart.

Injection: Using small diameter drill holes, our team injected a specialised geopolymer to a depth of 2.8m.

Ground improvement: The Geobear solution expanded to fill voids and strengthen the desiccated clay, helping to solve the instability at its source.

External only: All work was conducted from the outside, meaning the family could go about their day-to-day life inside without any interference.

Results

The project was a resounding success, proving to be up to 70% faster than traditional methods. While concrete underpinning would have taken at least 10 days and involved heavy machinery like diggers and concrete trucks, Geobear finished the entire stabilisation in a single day.

The ground conditions were successfully improved, the structural integrity was restored, and the homeowners were left with a stable extension and a tidy garden.

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