Airfield subsidence can force immediate operational shutdowns, triggering delays, revenue losses and intense time pressure for contractors working under strict safety and delivery requirements. Richard Holmes, director at Geobear, outlines how modern ground engineering techniques can reclaim time for contractors and minimise disruption for airports and airlines.
Airfield pavements – runways, taxiways and aprons – are engineered to meet demanding geometry, load and friction standards. Continuous exposure to aircraft weight, fuel spills and environmental conditions can weaken subgrades, cause settlement and degrade surface performance. Traditional remediation methods such as excavation and cementitious grouting require heavy plant, large teams and full airfield closures, creating significant downtime and financial impact.
Geobear offers a non invasive alternative using geopolymer resin injections. The engineered resin is injected beneath existing slabs, expanding to fill voids, displace water and restore structural support. The material hardens rapidly, allowing areas to be returned to service almost immediately – often overnight – keeping contractors on schedule and avoiding penalties linked to extended closures.
A recent project at a major UK airport demonstrated the approach. Subgrade erosion had caused pavement settlement of up to 50 mm, posing risks to aircraft taxiing between stands and runways. Geobear installed a grid of injection points and relevelled affected slabs to datum tolerances. The geopolymer expanded up to five times its initial volume, reinstating support while delivering a 46% lower carbon footprint compared with full slab excavation and replacement. All works were completed across seven nightshifts, ensuring uninterrupted airfield operations.
Geobear’s geopolymer solutions help contractors meet tight project timelines, reduce operational disruption and avoid the costly downtime associated with traditional remediation – supporting safer, more resilient airfield infrastructure.
