Subsidence

Ground subsidence is the downward settling of the ground surface caused by either natural events such as landslides and earthquakes or by human activities such as subsurface mining, extraction of underground water, nearby construction activities and long-term ground consolidation settlement. Ground subsidence affects the stability and safety of buildings, infrastructures, such as pipelines, bridges, and roads. Buildings and public infrastructures affected by subsidence may be unable to fulfill their intended use thus impacting its serviceability, or outright compromise the stability of the said structure thus making it unsafe and dangerous for its occupants and users. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to assess the ground for subsidence both in the early phases of construction and long term after the end of construction.

Our services for an existing infrastructure affected by subsidence are as follows:

● Initial site visit to inspect the property and its surrounding environment i.e. nearby trees, groundwater, construction, etc.

● Vanguard Solutions will provide a feedback based on the findings of the site visit and if further investigations are needed including detailed Ground Investigation (GI);

● Vanguard Solutions will analyse and interpret the outcome of the Ground Investigation (GI) and recommend mitigation measures to reduce and / or reverse the subsidence where this is possible.

● In some instances, foundation underpinning may be required to correct the subsidence issue as a mitigation measure.

● Long term monitoring may be needed for some structures and soil types to prevent deterioration of the subsidence causing catastrophic structural failure.

So, whether you are based in Birmingham and surroundings, Bristol, London or Manchester – Vanguard Solutions will be delighted to provide you with the engineering support you need for your project. No project is too small for us.