Grouting vs. the Geopolymer Injection Method: Ground Repair Solutions Explained

When it comes to subsidence solutions, there are a few methods to choose from. Whether you’re looking to rely on century-old underpinning methods or want to embrace modern techniques, such as the geopolymer resin injection method, it’s important that you know and understand the ins and outs of each solution in order to make the best decision. In this article, we’ll be drawing up the differences between grouting underpinning methods and the geopolymer injection method. 

Grouting underpinning methods: what are they?

Grouting underpinning methods are available to homeowners and commercial property owners who are experiencing instances of subsidence. It’s a technique that’s been used for over a hundred years, being a go-to underpinning method for the masses. Grouting underpinning, or concrete underpinning, as it’s also referred to, is done in order to increase the depth of the property’s foundations to strengthen the soil around them. 

In order for this to be done, large holes will be dug beneath the structure so that concrete can be poured into the newfound spaces. Essentially, it creates new foundations that are an extension of the original foundations of the building. Due to the excavation work that’s required, it’s often considered to be a disruptive underpinning method.

This is especially the case when compared to other, non-invasive underpinning methods, such as the geopolymer injection underpinning method. Grouting underpinning methods, on the other hand, come in many different types and forms. So, what are the grouting underpinning methods available? 

Compaction grouting

This involves injecting a mortar grout to densify loose or granular soils in order to stabilise subsurface sinkholes or voids. Compaction grouting is most suitable for the following: rubble fills, poorly placed fills, loosened or collapsible soils, soluble rocks and liquefiable soils. It’s something that’s selected for treatment below an existing structure as the columns won’t need to be structurally connected to the foundations.

Pressure grouting

Pressure grouting, or permeation grouting as it’s also known, is used to fill the gaps, cracks and/or voids in soil and rock. It can permeate coarse, granular soils with flowable particulate grouts in order to create a cemented mass. 

Pressure grouting is used for the following things: to create barriers to groundwater flow, to underpin foundations, to provide excavation support and to stabilise and strengthen granular soils.

Jet grouting 

Jet grouting uses high-velocity fluids in order to construct cemented soil of various geometries. It creates in-situ columns of soilcrete, otherwise known as grouted soil. There’s a particular process that needs to be followed for it to be successful, thus making it a long and disruptive underpinning method. It’s used in the following capacities: to control groundwater or excavation of unstable soil, to underpin foundations, to provide excavation support and to seal the bottom of planned excavations.

Are there any disadvantages to grouting underpinning methods?

In short, yes. Using grouting as an underpinning method can be a slow and messy process, often taking months to complete, depending on the severity of the issue. More often than not, it involves excavation work in order to access the foundations and also to get underneath them. 

Once this has happened, the affected part of the building cannot be used until the entire grouting method of underpinning has been completed. In addition, it can be labour-intensive when compared to the geopolymer injection method, especially if the soil is solid, such as dried-out, clay soil. 

In addition, once the grouting method of underpinning has been administered, it doesn’t necessarily result in ground or soil improvement. The geopolymer injection method of underpinning, however, does result in ground improvement. But how? Let’s delve a little deeper into the geopolymer injection method, together with why it’s often favoured more so than the grouting method of underpinning.

The geopolymer injection method: the innovative, non-disruptive & long-lasting answer to subsidence

When a property is suffering from subsidence, treatment needs to be carried out as soon as possible. This is to ensure the problem doesn’t become any worse. If it does, then it could render the property unlivable, in severe cases. As such, there’s a non-disruptive subsidence solution available that will stand the test of time – the geopolymer injection method from Geobear.

This innovative solution to underpinning saves clients time and money. There’s no need to excavate the ground with this particular solution. Instead, we use a patented geopolymer resin injection technology. It only requires a few small holes to be drilled into the ground in order for it to be as effective as possible. 

You’ll hardly notice the results of the geopolymer resin injection method, and you’ll also barely know we’re there. This solution is entirely mess-free when compared to traditional underpinning methods. It can also be completed as quickly and as efficiently as possible. But why else should you choose this method over others? 

Why should you choose the geopolymer injection underpinning method, instead of grouting?

There are many benefits to choosing Geobear to administer the geopolymer resin injection underpinning method. It can be done to both residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings, in addition to infrastructure and historic structures. So what are the advantages of the geopolymer resin injection underpinning method? Let’s take a look:

• It’s non-disruptive to everyday life
• It’s fast and efficient
• It’s designed with longevity and durability in mind
• It’s adaptable and functional
• It’s a fully-manageable system
• It has strong structural capabilities
• It’s architecturally-friendly
• It’s eco-friendly

Where can I go for geopolymer injection underpinning?

Geopolymer injection underpinning is something that we, here at Geobear, have available to both domestic and commercial clients. With many years of experience behind us, we’ll be able to identify the issue with a subsidence survey. We can also offer you the most effective underpinning method. It promises nothing but strength and longevity for many years to come. This is something that’s made possible with the geopolymer injection underpinning method. Look to Geobear for this innovative underpinning technique that will stand the test of time.

Geobear is your one-stop solution to subsidence, with modern, effective underpinning methods available, such as the resin injection method, you’ll always be able to count on us to rectify issues of subsidence, whether it be at a residential or commercial property. If you’d like further information, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we endeavour to provide you with a sterling service every single time.