SMR Application: In-Situ Stabilisation
Where: Oxford, Park & Ride Car Park Base
When: June 2020
Problem
When the extension was first approved it was clear that the Poor Geotechnical properties, High water table would be a potential issue. The location of the extension was also originally a flood plain which also added one further dimension to potential issue during the construction process.
Our client required us to stabilise approximately 10,270m2 and we were required to achieve a minimum of 6% CBR value.
Solution
After completing a soil analysis which showed a high moisture content of 47%, the decision was made to modify the ground prior to stabilising by a single 300mm pass with an SMR modifying Binder, followed by a single pass of SMR Proprietary Binder to a depth of 300mm. The Binder was rotavated into the existing ground before compacted with a 13 ton single drum roller.
We stabilised the area to a ridge and trough finish allowing water to disperse within calculated rate to central drainage points over the surface application of block paving via perculation system Finished level tolerances +/- 20mm for our stabilised layer application.
After 48 hours of the curing process the ground was showing CBR values of 6%, after 7 days the stabilised ground was now exceeding the CBR value requirements of 12%.
Benefits
By utilising our innovative SMR stabilising method, our client was able to minimise the level of muck away from cut and fill earthworks in addition to the reduction of imported stone to the site. This had both a positive effect on the budget and the environment due to reduced vehicle movements. SMR UK successfully achieved our goals on this project, resulting in very satisfied clients.
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Structural material for reinstatement.
Testimonial from WYG engineering Consultants working on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council:
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"I am writing to you today in my official capacity as Contract Project Manager and on behalf of my client Oxford City Council, to thank you and your team for your contribution to the Seacourt Park and Ride extension.
I have worked on this project virtually full time through RIBA Stages 3-5 over the last 2 years and have had to manage a number of engineering challenges to date.
I firmly believe your Technical input in to developing a major engineering solution on a site with known poor geotechnical properties and flood to of been exemplar.
Solving problems for me is the essence of engineering and you met those challenges head on when others would of walked away. Your relentless confidence in your product (SMR) was what ultimately convinced me to try something new against traditional construction and I for one do not regret it. For this reason I would gladly choose to work with you again over many of your competitors."