Challenge
Drain failure had severely weakened the ground beneath a residential extension, causing cracking and foundation instability.
Solution
Geobear used targeted geopolymer injections to strengthen weakened soils beneath the foundations without excavation or disruption.
On-site works completed in approximately one day
Targeted injections installed around the affected extension
Transferable guarantee provided following completion
The homeowner of a property in Dublin 12 identified cracking affecting a single-storey extension to their home. Concerned about ongoing structural movement, they commissioned a CCTV drain survey and ground investigation to determine the root cause of the issue.
Investigations confirmed that a failed drain had allowed water to infiltrate the supporting soils beneath the foundations. Over time, this had caused significant softening and weakening of the ground to a depth of approximately 2 metres below ground level, reducing the load-bearing capacity beneath the extension and resulting in subsidence-related movement.
The homeowner required a permanent solution that could be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to the property and daily life.
The failed drainage had caused extensive softening of the underlying soils beneath the extension foundations. Ground conditions had deteriorated significantly, requiring stabilisation to restore support to the structure.
Traditional underpinning methods would have involved large-scale excavation around the extension, spoil removal, concrete pours, and prolonged construction activity. The homeowner wanted to avoid extensive disruption to the property.
The works needed to be undertaken within a live residential setting while minimising noise, mess, access restrictions, and inconvenience to the occupants.
Mass concrete underpinning was considered as the conventional repair option. However, this would have required significant excavation works, heavy plant, spoil removal, and a much longer programme duration.
Geobear’s geopolymer injection solution offered a significantly less disruptive alternative. The solution could be delivered rapidly, without excavation, and with minimal impact on the homeowner’s day-to-day life.
The customer’s primary decision criterion was non-disruptiveness, making Geobear’s approach the preferred solution.
Geobear designed a bespoke ground improvement treatment using its geopolymer injection technology to stabilise the weakened soils beneath the extension foundations.
The solution involved:
As the geopolymer expanded, it compressed and strengthened the surrounding soils, restoring load-bearing capacity beneath the extension.
The works were completed without excavation, spoil removal, or heavy machinery, allowing the homeowner to remain in the property throughout the repair process.
The ground beneath the extension was successfully stabilised, addressing the severe weakening caused by the failed drainage system.
All works were completed in approximately one day, providing a rapid and clean solution with minimal disruption to the homeowner.
The homeowner awarded Geobear a 10/10 Net Promoter Score, highlighting the professionalism of the installation team and the speed of delivery. Having initially anticipated major excavation works, the customer was particularly pleased that the repair was completed with no mess, no requirement to vacate the property, and minimal impact on daily life.
Every home is unique. Our experts are ready to listen and provide answers tailored to your specific property and concerns.
