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Weak ground is the term used when the layers of soil beneath a structure become unstable and/or loose. As a result of becoming weak, the ground is no longer strong enough to support the weight of structures or floors, allowing them to subside. Significant signs of weak ground beneath structures include unlevel concrete floors, cracked floor tiles, and cracks on walls. It is greatly important that weak ground is corrected a soon as possible in order to prevent further damage. Geobear delivers concrete levelling services and specialises in sunken foundation repair.
A strip foundation is a type of shallow foundation used to provide a strip of support to a linear structure such as a wall. Strip foundations are used in many subsoils. They are particularly suited to light structural loads such as those in residential properties. In most cases, a mass concrete strip foundation is used. When strip foundations fail, it’s often because subsidence has caused the strip to sink in one corner or down the length of the wall. This can be a consequence of either shrinkage of clay soil or excess water such as leaking drains.
At Geobear, the most frequent use of our geopolymer solutions is treating houses affected by subsidence. We identify the affected area through soil investigations and design a solution that sees bulbs of geopolymer material injected at intervals beneath the strip foundation. The material expands and forms a solid base beneath the existing strip preventing any further movement (subsidence). The solution is commonly used ahead of underpinning, which is an older traditional method.
Pad foundations are rectangular or circular pads used to support localised loads such as columns. Pad failure is less common than strip foundation subsidence. When failure does happen, there are a couple of possible reasons. Sometimes, settlement occurs when the load from the building is greater than the pad and subsoil can withstand. The compaction of the soil can cause failure of the pad. Subsidence can also occur due to erosion from excess water.
Geobear’s geopolymer solution can strengthen the ground beneath a pad to prevent further movement. We inject material at several depths beneath the pad, depending on the extent of the weak soil. When the solution hardens, it creates a firm base beneath the pad foundation. The selected material provides additional bearing capacity to the soils, allowing greater loads to be placed upon the existing pad foundation. This is the perfect solution where a new story or roof is being built.
Raft foundations are formed by reinforced concrete slabs that cover most or all of the footprint of a building. They spread the load imposed by a number of columns or walls over the area of foundation. Foundations like this are commonly used for light domestic buildings on poorer soils. Because raft foundations are more prone to settlement overtime, they are designed to tolerate downward movement. Excess downward movement can be caused by poor compaction of the fill material beneath or water ingress through cracks causing voiding.
When this happens, Geobear will design a solution in which geopolymer material is injected just beneath the slab in a grid pattern across the affected area. The material will expand to fill voids and compact the existing fill. In some cases, we can use our material to lift the slab back to previous levels. If the foundation is required to hold a greater load, we can also use our material in localized areas to improve the ground strength. This approach enables new support columns to be fixed to the raft.
Our team provides complimentary consultations to help you understand your subsidence issues and address settlement or subsidence on your property. To learn more, fill out the contact form below or visit our resource centre.
In comparison to concrete, which can need replacement, geopolymer offers a permanent solution. While using cement grouting, screw pillars, and underpinning require heavy machinery, geopolymer injection doesn’t turn your home into a construction site. Unlike all of these solutions, geopolymer doesn’t require excavation of the foundation soil.
With Geobear, our subsidence solutions are painless and easy. We simply drill small holes and inject our material. The process of introducing our geopolymer subsidence solutions to the affected area is faster and cleaner for all types of subsidence. Using geopolymer as a solution to subsidence is the most convenient and least disruptive option. Methods like underpinning, delivered by traditional building contractors, are becoming dated as modern technology evolves.
You can stay in the property. We isolate areas for treatment to allow you to stay in your home, our friendly team will talk you through the process.
Work completed in one day. The majority of projects on houses usually take one day, be it a gable wall, extension or conservatory subsidence
No excavation or digging needed. Your home will be left clean and tidy. There is no construction work at all.
Provides the same result as underpinning. Our solution is the alternative to underpinning, providing the same result without the time, mess and hassle of major building work.
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