Ground Stabilisation for a Domestic Conservatory
When addressing subsidence issues in residential extensions, ensuring structural integrity is essential for the safety and longevity of the property. This project in Nottingham highlighted Total Specialist Maintenance’s (TSM) expertise in ground stabilisation for a domestic client facing significant challenges with their conservatory.
The Challenge
The client experienced noticeable subsidence in their conservatory, which was detaching from the main structure of the house. This condition posed serious risks to the stability of the extension, including potential structural failure and further damage to both the conservatory and the main dwelling. Key concerns included:
- Immediate Risk to Stability: The detachment indicated that the foundation was compromised, requiring urgent intervention to prevent further damage.
- Need for a Reliable Solution: The client needed a dependable method to stabilise the ground and ensure the long-term integrity of the conservatory’s foundation.
The Solution
To effectively address the subsidence issue, TSM implemented a targeted ground stabilisation strategy. The project involved several critical steps:
- Driving Injection Lances: TSM began by installing injection lances to a depth of 2 meters beneath the perimeter foundation of the conservatory. This ensured that the stabilisation efforts would reach the most affected areas of the soil.
- Injecting Stabilisation Resin: A structural polyurethane ground stabilisation geopolymer resin was injected through the lances. This high-performance resin is designed to fill voids and bind soil particles together, providing enhanced support to the foundation.
- Incremental Extraction: To ensure thorough and continuous placement of the geopolymer resin, the lances were extracted in 150mm increments. This careful technique allowed for effective penetration and distribution of the resin throughout the weakened soil.
This systematic approach provided the necessary support to the foundation, effectively resolving the subsidence issue and restoring stability to the conservatory.
Managing Site Sensitivity
Given the potential complexities associated with foundation repairs, TSM implemented careful planning to minimise disruption:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Ground movement was monitored throughout the project to ensure the structural integrity of the conservatory and the main house was maintained.
- Client Coordination: TSM worked closely with the client, providing regular updates and ensuring that all aspects of the project were executed efficiently and effectively.
Environmental Considerations
The chosen ground stabilisation method was environmentally friendly, offering several benefits:
- Non-Toxic Materials: The materials used in the resin injection process were non-toxic, posing no risk to the surrounding soil or water systems.
- Minimal Waste Generation: The injection method resulted in minimal waste, aligning with TSM’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
Ensuring Structural Integrity
Throughout the project, TSM conducted regular assessments to ensure that ground movement remained within acceptable limits. This proactive approach confirmed that the stability of the conservatory was effectively maintained, providing the client with peace of mind.
