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Resolving clay shrinkage and mitigating subsidence
There are many possible causes of subsidence that can affect your home, but the most common is moisture loss from the soil, leading to shrinking of the ground. In areas with clay-rich soils, clay shrinkage can lead to subsidence and damage to buildings.
Mainmark’s non-invasive ground improvement treatments provide an ideal solution for overcoming the impact of clay shrinkage and for returning structures to a safe, stable and level state.
Our Teretek® resin injection technology and JOG computer-controlled grouting are swift, reliable and non-invasive methods for dealing with clay shrinkage, mitigating subsidence and ensuring the building or structure remain stable and structurally sound. Our formulations can be customised to suit specific project requirements and deal with the root causes of subsidence:
- Improve soil – Once injected, the resin or grout forms a substantial mass underground. This increases the load-bearing capacity of the ground and prevents liquefaction.
- Fill voids – The injected materials fill any cracks or voids in the ground left by clay shrinkage, enhancing the foundation’s structural integrity.
- Re-level the building – Our methods can gently lift a structure, bringing it back to level.
Suitable for a wide range of commercial buildings, as well as residential homes, our subsidence treatments have been successfully implemented to resolve the impact of clay shrinkage under the foundations of schools, public buildings and retail establishments, as well as factories, offices and social housing.
Our non-disruptive and fast-acting ground improvement technologies have been effective where clay shrinkage impacted road and rail infrastructure, airport runways, bridges and industrial plant as well as helping avoid costly service outages across mission-critical projects.
What are the signs of clay shrinkage?
When soil has a high clay content, it is capable of absorbing large amounts of water, causing it to become sticky and heavy. During hot or dry spells, the soil dries up, resulting in what is known as clay shrinkage. This shrink-swell behavior can cause cracks or voids to develop in the ground under foundations, potentially leading to building or structure subsidence.
If there are concerns about subsidence caused by clay shrinkage, common signs in a building include:
- Cracks – Cracks can develop in floors, walls or ceilings. Those caused by subsidence are typically at least 3mm thick and, in walls, are often wider at the top.
- Problems with doors and windows – Subsidence can cause buildings to move, leading to doors and windows sticking or not closing properly.
- Uneven floors – Sloped, sinking or cracking floors are common signs of subsidence.
- Leaning – The whole building, or a single wall, may lean to one side.
When the signs of subsidence appear – due to clay shrinkage or any other causes – quick action is essential. Treatments such as resin or grout injection can strengthen the ground under the foundations and relevel the property, preventing additional damage, protecting valuable commercial buildings and keeping people safe.
Technologies
Mainmark technologies for remediation of subsidence caused by clay shrinkage
Teretek® – Resin injection to treat subsidence caused by clay shrinkage
Teretek® is an engineered solution for re-levelling subsided buildings that utilises a plural component, expanding polyurethane resin. The expansion force of the material results in the controlled lift of structures, with a by-product of localised bearing capacity improvement through soil densification.
JOG computer-controlled grouting to treat subsidence caused by clay shrinkage
JOG computer-controlled grouting uses a multi-point injection technique to insert cementitious grout materials under foundations. It can be used under commercial and residential buildings ranging from single-storey shops to high-rise structures. The injected materials have a controlled set time, which allows for the precise lifting of a structure.
Mainmark technology benefits
Benefits of Mainmark’s treatments for subsidence caused by clay shrinkage
Fast
Resin injection treatment can be completed within a matter of days or hours.
Environmentally inert
We use safe materials that are non-toxic and do not leach into the environment or affect the treated area.
Non-invasive
We use safe materials that are non-toxic and do not leach into the environment or affect the treated area.
Varied density choices
Material density can range from 30 to 1500 kg/m3.
High strength
Our materials can achieve strengths of 50 kPa to more than 20 MPa.
Variable flow properties
With variable set times ranging from seconds to hours, materials can be precisely controlled and pumped over long distances.
Testimonials
We’re happy to have helped
We had confidence in the resin injection solution proposed by Mainmark from start to finish and it delivered exactly what Mainmark had promised based upon their detailed surveys and analysis.
Nathanael, Head of Purchasing, Cork, Ireland
July 2023
Your guys did an excellent and tidy job despite some unusual ground conditions.
Graham, Consulting Engineer, Swindon, UK
May 2023
Soil stabilisation FAQ’s
What happens with unlevel driveways, floors and hardstand areas?
After the application of the Mainmark solution, unlevel surfaces will become aligned again as the ground underneath is strengthened and re-supported. Simple cosmetic repairs may be required.
Will there be a mess?
Very little, if any. We use Teretek® engineered Resin Injection technology, which is likened to “keyhole surgery”, or JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting, with no major excavation and minimal disruption or mess. The injection holes required are very small.
How long does it take?
Each project is different and depends on the required amount of lift, area for correction, building construction, and ground conditions. Most projects can be completed in a day or two, and we can work at night or on one area at a time, so your business can keep operating.
Do i need to send my workers home?
No, most projects don’t require you to vacate the premises or even move furniture or equipment. For the most part, you can keep operating as normal. Driveways can often be driven on in as little as 30 minutes after treatment.
What warranty will i get?
The materials we use have been developed for use underground and have been specifically engineered to resist shrinkage and deterioration. Teretek® is warranted by Mainmark for an industry-leading period of 20 years.
Is it safe and environmentally friendly?
Injected Teretek® and JOG materials are environmentally inert and have no detrimental effects on the environment.
Case Studies
Featured Case Studies
Talk to an expert
Get in touch about your project
Step 1
Please submit your enquiry using our online form. Please tell us why you’re reaching out so we can better assist you!
Step 2
One of our expert team members will contact you to schedule a site inspection that suits you.
Step 3
One of the Mainmark experts will visit your home or property, assess the damage, and ascertain the likely cause. They will establish the approach needed, creating a plan specific to the needs of your building and provide you with a detailed quote.
© 2024 The Mainmark group of companies. ‘Mainmark®’, ‘Terefil®’, ‘Terefirm®’ and ‘Teretek®’ are trademarks of the Mainmark group of companies.
Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd.
CRN: 09372443
