Earthquake Damaged Home Re-Levelled Using Teretek® and JOG Computer Controlled Grouting

During the 2010 earthquake, the extreme force from ground movement resulted in several huge fissures measuring 20 – 50m long x 200mm wide and up to 5m deep to cut through the property; many of these large cracks had formed underneath the home causing extensive damage, including some separation of the home’s concrete wall panels and internal linings, and up to a 270mm drop in the concrete floor slab.

Despite the severity of the earthquakes, the home remained intact but suffered structural damage due to differential settlement after it sank into the liquefied soils. The home was constructed from reinforced steel and concrete tilt slabs, with each wall measuring 225mm thick and featuring three layers of ‘Thermomass’ construction; a 120mm internal layer of concrete with reinforced steel, a 40mm high density poly layer and a 65mm outer layer of concrete that are held together with carbon fibre pitons. The home also features 140Lm of concrete strip footing and 230m2 slab on grade floor (also featuring 3 layers 120mm sub floor, 30mm medium density poly and an 80mm finished floor), positioned on top of 500mm x 700mm foundations under external and internal concrete wall panels.

The homeowners researched various options, including mechanical jack lifting, and engaged Mainmark after being impressed with how the organisation had successfully raised and re-levelled several large structures, including the 33,000 tonne Christchurch Art Gallery.

Mainmark’s non-invasive ground strengthening and re-levelling methods were particularly appealing as it meant the owners could live upstairs while the works were being completed, and the home’s heated floors and stone tiles could remain intact. Alternative solutions would have been extremely invasive, requiring major excavation work and floors to be removed.

Jacques and Nicki Marchand said, Mainmark offered a highly specialised earthquake remediation solution that was able to lift our home back to level without the need to rebuild.
We considered several options but felt most comfortable using Mainmark given their track record and the fact that we could remain living at home while the work was being completed.
The staff working on site were highly professional and easy to interact with regarding the process and we felt comfortable with them having access to our home.