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How ground injection solved a complex basement construction below the water table

Client: Abbey Pynford Ltd

Location: Kensington, London

Double basement construction challenge

A new double-level basement was constructed beneath the existing basement of a large six-storey terraced dwelling. The key challenge was to support the basement contractor in building a reinforced concrete structure founded on London Clay, located 2.4 metres below the water table within free-draining gravels. Additionally, the works required careful underpinning of the party walls without causing any settlement or damage to neighbouring properties.

Innovative ground injection solution

A bespoke ground injection scheme was designed and installed using the patented ReFORCE system. This approach enabled the basement to be constructed using a traditional underpinning method, eliminating the need for piling while maximising the usable basement area for the client.

Reduced lead time. On budget.

Excellent results The ground around the perimeter was successfully consolidated, providing both groundwater control and temporary structural support to the party wall foundations during construction.

The solution ensured zero settlement to adjacent properties and was delivered on time and within budget. Furthermore, the approach reduced the overall construction programme by three months.

  • Patented ReFORCE permeation engineering system
  • Low viscosity, geotechnical polyurethane grout delivered precisely both in location and quantity
  • Drawing down the water was carried out over several days as water had to drain from approximately 150m³ of sands and gravels
  • Consolidated mass had a characteristic strength in excess of 5N/mm² under and above the water table
  • Overcame the problem of running sands and gravels in an extremely inaccessible location.

David Kitching

Stress UK,
Managing Director

This was another project where we were commissioned to carry out some specific remedial structural repairs to brickwork but were then challenged to find a solution for replacement of load bearing stonework at high level. We produced a temporary works design which was checked by CTP Consulting, and we thank Cliveden Conservation Workshop for their excellent stonework. It was a pleasure to work with a forward-thinking team and client.