Ground engineering contractor Geobear has delivered ground improvement works to London Rowing Club headquarters on the Putney Embankment. The geotechnical specialist stabilised balcony foundations constructed on weak, made-ground soils, deploying over 400kg of geopolymer resin below the new support columns to compact the ground and improve its load-bearing capacity.
Founded in 1856, the London Rowing Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious sports clubs in the UK. Its clubhouse, built in 1870, was the first purpose-built venue on the Putney Embankment and has been the home of the club ever since. Over the years, the club has produced numerous World and Olympic champions, such as gold medallist Phelan Hill.
Putney Embankment is constructed on ‘made-ground’, soil artificially placed or modified for construction purposes. In the late 19th century, embankment works were carried out to reclaim land for development. The reclamation involved depositing materials like soil and construction waste to raise the land above high tide levels.
Over time, these made-ground areas have become susceptible to settlement and instability, particularly when the fill is poorly compacted. As the LRC balcony has deteriorated over time, the club decided to renovate it. The increased weight of the new balcony will require ground compaction and stabilisation to support it.
“Ensuring the safety and longevity of our clubhouse is paramount,” said Peter Halford, director at LRC. “Geobear’s solution allows us to address structural concerns without disrupting our daily activities or the club’s rich heritage.”
“Our process involves drilling small holes and injecting the expanding resin, which compacts and stabilises the made-ground soils without the need for excavation,” explained Halil Kaygisiz, area manager for commercial and infrastructure at Geobear UK. “It’s non-invasive and can be completed in a single day, allowing the club’s rowing sessions and events to continue uninterrupted.”
“I came across Geobear on another project, where Halil advised me honestly that theirs wasn’t the most cost-effective solution,” said Alex Fothergill, director at Fothergill Consulting Engineers and LRC member. “I knew then that I could trust him and Geobear. In this case, it was clearly the right solution to allow the club to remain open while the works took place.”
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