Reactive Clay Shrinkage Fixed with a 25mm Foundation Lift
- Murrumbateman, Near Yass, NSW
The Brief
Wall Cracks and Foundation Damage in a Rural Australian House
After inheriting his late mother’s rural family home in Murrumbateman, the owner faced a difficult decision. Like many Australian homes built on reactive clay soil, the property had begun to show clear signs of foundation movement and differential settlement—common issues on reactive clay sites. Large cracks in the exterior walls, sloping floors, and signs of structural stress pointed to serious foundation problems, requiring urgent attention before listing the home for sale.
A structural engineer confirmed the early signs of reactive clay soil foundation repair needs, recommending a professional solution to prevent further soil movement and preserve the home’s value. With visible structural damage and growing concerns over long-term stability, the owner turned to Buildfix to provide permanent repairs and avoid an invasive solution that could delay the sale or reduce buyer confidence.
Related case study: Home Floor Lifted by 60mm to Keep Renovation on Track
The Challenge
Severe Subsidence from Reactive Clay Soils and Shrinking Ground
A geotechnical investigation revealed that the high clay content in the foundation soil beneath the home had led to significant reactive soil movement, worsened by tree roots drawing out moisture. The result was uneven settlement across the residential slab, causing the home foundations to sink and shift over time. These conditions are common on reactive clay sites across Australia, particularly in rural areas where soil types and soil classifications vary greatly.
Cracks formed across walls and floors, some so severe that they rotated outward—raising major concerns about the home’s structural safety. The structural engineer flagged the risk of further ground movement and worsening foundation issues if not addressed promptly. While some suggestions involved partial demolition and rebuild—an invasive solution—the owner sought an approach that could deliver reliable foundation repair with minimal disruption.
Our Solution
Resin Injection Ground Engineering to Stabilise Reactive Soil
To address the home’s structural problems without excavation or major disruption, we designed a targeted solution that stabilised the house foundations and reversed the effects of settlement. Our team applied advanced ground engineering works using GeoPoly™ GER60 resin, chosen specifically for its ability to work effectively with high clay content soils and shallow foundations.
During the lift, we precisely injected the resin beneath the footings and concrete slabs, gradually restoring the home to level. Given the outward rotation of the walls, lateral force was applied during the relevel to prevent further risk of damage and ensure proper realignment.
Unlike traditional builders or construction methods that may require excavation or complete slab replacement, our approach avoided disruption to the original footing systems and required no changes to existing building permit documents. The result was a seamless and lasting structural repair, delivered efficiently and with minimal impact on the home.
The Outcome
House Relevelled and Wall Cracks Closed with Resin in One Day
In just one day, the home was brought back to stability. The walls were realigned, the structural issues resolved, and the most affected area was lifted by 25mm—eliminating visible signs such as cracks and restoring the property’s integrity. These kinds of outcomes are rare without extensive home renovation, but Buildfix’s precision approach meant there was no need to disturb original features like the bluestone footings or surrounding landscaping.
Unlike on sand and rock sites, homes built on clay-rich foundations often endure unpredictable settlement, and this case was no exception. The success of the work demonstrated how effective modern ground stabilisation can be for Australian construction, particularly for many buildings that quietly suffer from similar soil-related challenges. With the foundation secure and walls straight, the property was ready for market—structurally sound and aesthetically restored
