The SoilTec Blog: News & Insights
Expert knowledge in ground engineering
Welcome to our blog. Here we regularly share the latest News and technical Insights about new soil stabilization methods, current projects, and the technical background of our PUR injections. Learn more about the causes of cracks and subsidence directly from the experts.
Understanding Foundation Issues: A Guide for Property Owners
At SoilTec, we believe that informed owners make better decisions for their properties. Subsidence and foundation failure can be alarming, but modern engineering offers non-invasive solutions. Below, we explore the core topics covered in our blog.
What Causes Subsidence in Switzerland?
Many regions in Switzerland, from the clay soils of the plateau to the slopes of the Alps, present unique geotechnical challenges. The most common causes of foundation movement include:
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Soil Desiccation: During hot summers, clay soils shrink, causing foundations to lose support.
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Water Infiltration: Broken drains or heavy rainfall can wash away fine particles (wash-out), creating voids under the building.
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Excavation Works: Nearby construction sites can destabilize the ground supporting your home
- Vibrations: Heavy traffic or industrial activity can compact loose soil over time.
Signs You Need Soil Stabilization
Before a catastrophic failure occurs, buildings usually give warning signs. We recommend watching for:
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Diagonal Cracks: Typically appearing around window and door frames, inside or outside.
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Sticking Doors and Windows: If frames become distorted due to shifting walls.
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Uneven Floors: Gaps appearing between the skirting board and the floor.
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Separating Extensions: If an annex or terrace starts pulling away from the main house.
Why We Use Resin Injection Technology
Traditional underpinning (using concrete) is slow, messy, and requires heavy excavation. SoilTec specializes in expanding resin injection, a method that has revolutionized the industry.
This process involves injecting a liquid resin into the ground through small tubes (12-16mm). The resin expands rapidly, filling voids and compacting the soil with significant force (up to 10,000 kPa). This allows us to:
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Stop Subsidence: Immediately stabilizing the ground.
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Lift Buildings: We can raise sunken structures back to their original level (up to 20-30 cm) with millimeter precision.
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Minimize Disruption: No digging, no dust, and residents can often stay in the house during the work.
Our Expertise Across Switzerland
From lifting historic chalets in Grindelwald to stabilizing industrial floors for Nestlé in Vevey, our blog details real-world applications of our technology. We operate in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Ticino, and everywhere in between, adapting our solutions to local geology.
Do You Have a Specific Question?
If you don't find the answer in our articles below, contact our engineering team directly. We offer site assessments to determine if resin injection is the right solution for your specific problem.
