How non-invasive ground improvement solutions gave an international courier’s warehouse an extensive foundation lift

Sinking Feeling

An international courier was faced with a subsidence problem at its warehouse facility in Northamptonshire. The warehouse’s office building (20m x 15m) had sunk by 70mm due to subsidence and was causing safety risks and operational issues. The ground needed to be strengthened and the building raised and re-levelled to ensure the business could operate safely.

Mainmark was chosen as the principal contractor for this ground improvement project, thanks to our market leading ground improvement solutions and extensive experience working with large commercial warehouses, as well as our range of advanced technologies offering non-invasive, cost-effective and time-efficient solutions. We needed to complete work quickly and with no business interruption.

We used a bespoke combination of our JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting (JOG) technology, offering a greater level of precision and control, and our proprietary Teretek® resin injection, a non-invasive solution able to deliver both ground improvement and re-levelling to help lift the office building, with no business disruption whatsoever.

Before commencing ground improvement and re-levelling works, Mainmark discovered that the main gas pipe was running across the front of the building. Our project team managed the additional risks, ensuring the subsidence rectification works could continue as planned.

To begin the works, multiple injection ports were installed through the concrete pads along the subsided sections of the building. The spacing and placement of the ports were tailored to accommodate the structural elements of the building. Through these ports, JOG high mobility cement grout was injected under computer control. This enabled the Mainmark team to lift the office building gradually and in a precisely controlled manner, moving the building back to its neutral position – all without causing business interruption.

Our Teretek resin injection solution was then used to provide the necessary ground improvement, as well as raise and void-fill under the internal floor slab.

This approach allowed us to tailor work around the client’s busy periods, ensuring successful management of noise levels, completing the project with minimal disruption to the day-to-day business.

In just 27 days, Mainmark was able to raise the building by 57mm, with the ground improved to the required specification. The repair work has provided a long-term solution for the ground issues, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the courier’s warehouse operations.

To find out more about this project and how we solve subsidence, settlement and ground stabilisation challenges contact our team of experts.