Challenge
Drain failure and a water leak weakened the supporting ground beneath the foundations, causing extensive structural cracking throughout the detached bungalow internally and externally on every elevation.
Solution
Geobear injected geopolymer through 48 strategically positioned points to 2.1 metres below foundation level, strengthening weakened ground and stabilising the bungalow without excavation or traditional underpinning.
Project duration
Injection locations
Treatment depth
Geobear was appointed to stabilise a detached bungalow in Co. Kerry after significant structural movement caused extensive cracking throughout the property.
Cracks had developed on all elevations and were clearly visible both internally and externally. Investigation identified that the movement had been caused by a combination of a failed drain and a water leak, which had weakened the supporting ground beneath the foundations.
The customer required a permanent solution that would restore stability while avoiding the disruption associated with traditional structural repairs.
The principal alternative was mass concrete underpinning.
Although technically suitable, underpinning would have required extensive excavation around the property, removal of large quantities of spoil and multiple concrete pours over a programme lasting approximately three weeks. Heavy construction equipment would also have been required throughout the works.
The customer wanted to avoid prolonged disruption, excavation around the property and the associated reinstatement costs.
Client quote
Geobear designed a non-invasive ground improvement solution using its engineered geopolymer injection technology.
A total of 48 injection points were installed around the affected foundations. Through small drilled access holes, precisely controlled quantities of expanding geopolymer were injected to a depth of 2.1 metres below the underside of the foundations.
As the material expanded, it filled voids, strengthened weakened soils and restored support beneath the foundations, stabilising the structure without excavation or additional loading.
The entire project was completed in just two days, with no need for heavy construction plant, spoil removal or concrete works.
The bungalow was successfully stabilised, eliminating the need for traditional underpinning and the disruption associated with excavation.
Project benefits included:
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