Resolving Ground Movement

Subsidence, Settlement & Structural Movement

Property Affected By Subsidence,
Settlement And Structural Movement At JGP

Our engineers specialise in identifying the causes of structural instability, whether due to subsidence, settlement, shrinkage, heave, leaking drains, tree root damage, or weak and unstable ground. We deliver comprehensive assessments, structural surveys and ground investigations to diagnose the underlying causes of movement and offer effective remedial designs to restore the safety and integrity of the property.

We work with a range of clients, including private homeowners, businesses, local authorities, insurance claim companies, and loss adjusters who require professional evaluations of damage caused by ground movement.

Causes Of Subsidence

Subsidence is a serious structural issue that can affect buildings and infrastructure, often leading to significant damage and costly repairs. It occurs when the ground beneath a structure moves, causing the building’s foundation to become unstable and shift. The causes of subsidence can vary depending on local conditions and environmental factors, but common reasons include changes in the ground composition, water movement, and structural design flaws. Understanding the root causes of subsidence is crucial for identifying appropriate mitigation strategies and preventing long-term damage. The following are some of the most frequent causes of subsidence in buildings and infrastructure.

Consolidation, compression, or compaction of founding strata.

Changes in groundwater levels and moisture content can result in shrinkage or swelling of clayey ground, often caused by leaking drainage pipes or climate change (increased rainfall intensity/flooding).

Affects the moisture content of the ground and can damage drainage pipes.

Erosion due to water flow or poor drainage can remove supporting soil around foundations, leading to instability and settlement.

Foundations that were not designed or constructed to support the load of the building or the conditions of the site can fail over time, resulting in subsidence.

Sinkholes associated with drain collapses, wash-outs, historic mining or natural cavities. Click here for more information on with land instability associated with disused mine workings or natural cavities.

Assessing Structural Movement

Structural movement, whether from subsidence, settlement, or other external factors, can seriously impact a building’s integrity and safety. Early detection and understanding of this movement are vital to preventing long-term damage, protecting occupants, and ensuring structural stability. If left unaddressed, even minor movement can lead to significant issues, such as:

Over time, these problems can worsen, threatening the structure’s stability and increasing the risk of severe damage, including partial or total collapse. The financial and safety concerns associated with these issues are substantial, making early detection and accurate assessment essential.

We conduct full evaluations of the building and its surroundings to identify all potential movement causes. This includes:

Our engineers conduct a detailed visual survey of the building to identify visible signs of movement, such as cracks, misaligned door frames, or shifting foundations. This forms the basis for more in-depth technical analysis.

We examine the ground surrounding the property, taking into account soil conditions, drainage issues, and environmental factors such as nearby tree roots that may affect stability. Identifying these underlying factors ensures that all potential causes of the movement are considered when developing solutions.

We collect and monitor data over a period to track ongoing movement. This allows us to determine whether the structural issues are active, historic or subject to seasonal influences.

Once data collection is complete, we thoroughly analyse the findings to accurately diagnose the cause of the movement. Whether the issues stem from subsidence due to factors like drainage problems, tree roots, or soil instability, our detailed analysis ensures that the recommended remedial solutions address the root cause and are tailored to the specific conditions of the site.

Remedial Solutions

Assessing structural movement is not only about addressing existing issues and defects but also about implementing effective solutions to stabilise the structure. By identifying the causes, such as ground conditions, inadequate foundations, or environmental factors like tree roots and drainage, JGP offers a range of engineered remedial solutions to secure the building.

In addition, we can provide long-term monitoring solutions to ensure the effectiveness of the remedial work. In some cases, installing monitoring equipment offers early detection of future movement, enabling proactive management of the property and ensuring continued stability.

Contact Us

At JGP, we specialise in investigating and resolving issues related to subsidence, settlement, and structural movement. Get in touch to discuss your concerns, arrange an investigation, or find out how our experienced team can help you manage and reduce the risks of subsidence. We offer thorough assessments and tailored, cost-effective solutions to make or keep your property safe and secure.