Getting more out of less – the sustainable alternative to traditional ground stabilisation

David Hedley, head of infrastructure and commercial, at leading ground improvement and asset stabilisation provider Mainmark UK, discusses the environmental advantages of modern methods of securing soil and other stabilisation techniques in construction.

When addressing voids or stabilising soil on construction sites, the simplest solution often seems to be the traditional method of underpinning which involves pumping vast amounts of concrete into the ground. While straightforward in theory, this approach is resource-intensive, requiring considerable manpower, time, and materials contributing to the carbon footprint of a project. Fortunately, there is a sustainable, efficient, and highly effective alternative: resin injection.

This modern method involves the precise delivery of an expanding polyurethane resin into the ground via small-bore injection tubes. The placement of these tubes is tailored to the specific needs of the project, ensuring targeted ground improvement and stabilisation. Upon injection, the resin expands to fill voids and solidifies to strengthen the ground. Additional controlled injections can be used to relevel structures if further stabilisation is required.

The environmental and operational benefits of resin injection extend across a range of applications, including subsidence repair, slab lifting, sinkhole remediation, pipe abandonment, and more. Compared directly with traditional methods, the advantages are striking.

For instance, a resin injection team can often arrive on-site, stabilise the ground, and complete the work within hours, resulting in significantly reduced generator usage, minimal material requirements, and fewer personnel needed. This is particularly advantageous on complex construction sites, where efficiency and minimal disruption are paramount. Faster installation allows other parts of a project to proceed with minimal delay, whether due to immediate support required for structures or the reduced footprint of the machinery involved.

Despite its advantages, resin injection has only recently begun gaining traction. As a relatively modern innovation developed in the last two decades, the construction industry’s traditionalist tendencies have slowed its adoption. However, this is changing. With sustainability becoming a priority for planners and developers, resin’s significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to concrete has made it an appealing choice, particularly for projects aiming to meet strict environmental regulations.

Many clients who trial this method return not only for its sustainability but also for its operational efficiencies.

To learn more about how resin injection can benefit your project, visit Mainmark’s website: www.mainmark.co.uk