Why even new homes are not immune to floor slab subsidence and how Georesin fixes it

Initial data of the object

BBQ area:

• Dimensions: 4.5×4 m.;
• Number of floors: 1 floor;
• Year of construction: 2021;
• Foundation: strip.

At first glance, a modern house built in 2021 shouldn’t have any foundation issues. However, over time, the owner noticed problems in the enclosed barbecue area. The floor slab gradually began to sag in one corner. Initially, this didn’t seem serious, but over time, the subsidence didn’t stop, but rather intensified. Fine cracks and unevenness appeared in the floor slab, and the uneven subsidence led to the integrity of the fastening of one of the panoramic window sections.

Such damage indicates a real problem that needs to be addressed.

Therefore, it is important not to delay: immediately pay attention to the problem, contact specialists, and determine the true cause in order to prevent further deformations and complications.

Engineering survey

During the inspection of the building, engineers inspected the structures and analyzed the condition of the foundation.

It was recorded:

• Cracks in the walls;
• Subsidence of the floor slab in a separate area of ​​the structure;
• Cavity under the slab.

The cause turned out to be under the slab itself: during construction, waste was dumped in this area, which could not provide sufficient density and support.

Over time, these weak layers settled and partially collapsed, resulting in a cavity forming under the slab. This is what led to the gradual subsidence and visible deformations.

The owner’s timely recognition of the problem was crucial. This allowed the situation to be stabilized without complex interventions or extensive renovations.

Why is this critical?

The ground floor slab is designed to ensure uniform transfer of the load onto the compacted base.

When a cavity appears under part of the slab:

• The slab operates “on a span”;
• Bending stresses increase;
• Formation of cracks;
• Secondary difficulties arise with partitions and engineering.

If the subsidence process continues, it can have a significant impact on the reliability and durability of the building.

Therefore, it is important to conduct an engineering survey at an early stage and determine the cause of the deformations, and not just eliminate the external manifestations of the problem.

Technical solution

To stabilize the foundation and lift the structure, a design and engineering solution was developed using GeoResin Deep Lifting & Floor Lifting technology, which included:

• Strengthening the soil foundation to a depth of up to –3 m.;
• Filling voids under the slab;
• Restoring the plate-soil contact;
• Partial controlled lifting and leveling of the slab.

How the technology works

The work is carried out through small-diameter technological holes that are drilled at points determined by engineers in accordance with a previously developed technical solution and engineering calculations.

A special geopolymer material is injected into the foundation through these holes. Once injected, the material reacts and rapidly expands. Several important physical processes occur during this expansion:

• displacement of water from the pores of the soil;
• compacts weak layers;
• fills voids;
• forms a rigid composite mass in the soil.

When expanding, a controlled lift of the slab is created.

The process is accompanied by laser leveling in real time with millimetre accuracy.

Progress and deadlines

The full range of works was completed in 3 days.

The main advantage of this technology is the most careful approach to the existing building.

The work is carried out without large-scale earthworks: injection is carried out locally, without excavation or dismantling of structures.

At the same time, the operation of the facility does not stop – all processes take place without significant inconvenience to the owners.

Result

As part of the project implementation, the following was done:

• An engineering survey of the building was carried out;
• A technical solution was developed and agreed upon with the customer;
• The soil foundation was strengthened, cavities were filled and the floor slab was raised.

Thanks to injection technology, it was possible to eliminate the root cause of the deformation.

The floor slab was raised to the required level and leveled, eliminating any distortions or deformations.

Now the barbecue area is level, stable and completely ready for use again.

You can plan parties, family gatherings, and vacations without worrying about the structure—everything works as it should and will last for many years to come.

The customer received a 10-year guarantee for the work performed.