Moisture attacks from below: how we saved the office from groundwater

Geopolymers vs. Groundwater: Who Won in the Basement?

During a visual inspection of the building’s basement premises, signs of foundation moisture and standing water on the basement floor were detected. This indicated ineffective foundation waterproofing and groundwater infiltration into the basement area.

The company’s specialists reinforced the lateral soil mass adjacent to the building’s foundation to a depth of up to -3.0 m from the surface level (asphalt pavement) to prevent the formation of voids in the soil and soil washout. Additionally, a waterproofing screen and foundation waterproofing were installed at the soil-to-foundation contact zone. The GEORESIN technology was applied using the method of injecting geopolymer materials.

Scope of work: installation of a waterproofing screen and foundation waterproofing, soil stabilization to prevent void formation and erosion.

— The work was carried out in April 2025.

Geopolymer materials (GEORESIN_1735) were injected under pressure through injection tubes (packers) installed in through-holes drilled into the foundation, according to a pre-developed execution plan (prepared by the engineering and technical department). During the polymerization process, the geopolymer expanded, compacting the surrounding soil, filling voids, and creating pressure in the injection zone. The geopolymer displaced accumulated groundwater outwards — through the joints between foundation block elements and through the injection holes and installed tubes. This indicates that the injection material reached the moisture zones, displacing the liquid and filling the soil cavities, thus forming a waterproof barrier.

The resulting hardened polymer structure has high strength and water resistance, ensuring long-term stability of the treated area. This method not only isolates the foundation from moisture but also reinforces the subbase, increasing the overall stability of the structure.

The entire scope of work was completed within 4 days. The client received a 10-year warranty for the work, as stated in the contract.