Cracks in walls and floors are often the visible expression of deeper ground movement or structural imbalance. At Geosec UK, we believe the first and most critical step in any successful ground remediation is understanding the origin of the crack. Why is it there? Is it active? Is it cosmetic or structural? Without this knowledge, any intervention risks being ineffective or premature.
The Origin of a Crack: Structural Symptom, Not the Problem
Cracking can result from a wide range of issues: differential settlement, soil washouts, foundation fatigue, shrink-swell cycles in clay soils, or even long-standing construction defects. One of the most common causes in the UK is subsidence due to prolonged drought or the presence of nearby trees.
Tree roots can have a significant impact on buildings, particularly in shrinkable clay soils. Through moisture extraction, they can induce ground desiccation, leading to shrinkage and subsequent structural movement. In some cases, root growth can also cause mechanical disturbance to shallow foundations or substructure elements.
Geophysical and Geotechnical Testing: How We Understand the Ground
At Geosec UK, we deploy a comprehensive suite of diagnostic tools to identify the real cause behind structural damage:
3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT): A non-invasive survey method that maps subsurface variations in moisture, voids, and anomalies. ERT also helps identify zones influenced by root activity or water loss, and is central to our See&Shoot® process157 Cercha Jul23 Artici….
Dynamic Penetration Tests (DPM30): Soil resistance testing to identify weak zones and stratigraphy with high resolution157 Cercha Jul23 Artici….
Trial pits and hand excavations: We perform targeted calicatas to assess foundation conditions, identify root ingress, and detect signs of distress or construction defects.
Boreholes with soil sampling and lab analysis: Through drilled boreholes, we collect soil samples for geotechnical lab testing—determining soil type, potential expansivity, plasticity index, moisture content, and organic matter that may indicate root colonisation.
Root identification and interaction analysis: When root systems are suspected, we perform manual and optical inspections (including borehole cameras) to identify species, root distribution, and whether the roots are actively influencing moisture content or exerting pressure on the structure.
Crack monitoring and levelling: We track crack evolution over time to assess whether movement is seasonal, progressive, or stabilised.
Data-Driven Interventions
Once diagnostic data is consolidated, we design a customised solution: resin injections, deep soil consolidation, or micropile installation—all informed by subsurface modelling. If roots are part of the problem, we coordinate with certified arboriculturists and insurers to evaluate options such as pruning, root barrier installation, or controlled moisture management, all while protecting the structure and the environment.
Why It Matters
Misdiagnosing the source of a crack—especially in cases involving vegetation—can result in ineffective repairs or costly legal outcomes. Our methodical process, underpinned by EN 12715 certification, ensures accurate diagnosis, accountability, and peace of mind.
Cracks tell a story. Let Geosec UK decode it—scientifically, safely, and with precision.
