CASE STUDY
HAND-MIX REINSTATEMENT FOR HUNDREDS OF MAJOR AND MINOR FOOTPATH REPAIRS ACROSS DEVON
DEVON, 2005
CLIENT: BALFOUR BEATTY, SOUTH WEST WATER, DEVON COUNTYMATERIALS LABORATORY
Industry: Utilities
Our utilities products offer a permanent solution
Application: Hand-Mix
The ultimate solution for small excavation reinstatements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This case study highlights the successful implementation of SMR in Devon’s road network,addressing challenges in utility reinstatements. Traditional methods of material disposal andimportation were costly and environmentally unsustainable. SMR’s innovative solution offeredfinancial savings, environmental benefits, and superior performance.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Devon’s extensive road network and stringentStreet Works regulations posed challenges forutility companies and the County Council interms of cost-effective and environmentallyresponsible reinstatements. Regularreinstatements across Devon’s roads requiredcompliant materials and proper disposal ofexcavated spoil, leading to rising costs andenvironmental concerns. An effective solutionwas needed to reduce expenses and minimizethe environmental impact of roadworks.
THE SMR SOLUTION
SMR UK offers it’s binder for utilities in two types; batch-mix and hand-mix. Due to the projectsizes of the footpath repairs that needed to be carried out, Hand-Mix was the perfect solution.Hand-mix is the ultimate solution for small excavation reinstatements. SMR is delivered in bagsand mixed with the excavated soil on-site by hand or with a cement mixer.
In 1999, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Ltd conducted trials of SMR Hand-Mix on behalf of SouthWest Water, under strict monitoring by Devon County Materials Laboratory.
The trials encompassed numerous laboratory and field tests including CBR and compressivestrength testing, frost heave susceptibility tests and air void testing of wearing course appliedonto SMR reinstatements.
RESULTS
SMR-based reinstatements demonstrated exceptional performance with no reported failures.In all tests, the SMR reinstatements solution was proven to outperform reinstatements usingType 1 GSB.
SMR-treated spoil, was utilized as an NFSMR (non-flowable structural material forreinstatement), eliminating the need for imported backfill and landfill disposal.
The approvals permit SMR treated spoil (which typically outperforms the prescribed minimumstability requirements) to be used as a replacement for traditional materials up to andincluding road base levels. In accordance with the SROH, performance criteria set down foralternative materials in Appendix A9 to be used at these levels deem the material to beclassified as an NFSMR (non-flowable structural material for reinstatement).
Implementing SMR yielded significant financial savings, where utility companies experiencedan average saving of £40.00 per cubic meter compared to traditional methods, with potentialfor increased savings through a single visit reinstatement policy.
SMR has subsequently been used by South West Water on hundreds of thousands ofreinstatements across Devon’s footways and carriageways. Also, over 130 Local HighwayAuthorities approved SMR for use, with more than 900,000 successful reinstatements. (statisticsare correct as of the original publish date of this case study).
BENEFITS
Sustainability: SMR’s environmentally friendly approach and financial viability made it an idealchoice for footway, carriageway, and other reinstatements.
National Approval: Over 130 Local Highway Authorities approved SMR for use, with more than900,000 successful reinstatements, saving landfill capacity and primary aggregate resources.
Growing Adoption: Utility companies, contractors, and Highway Authorities increasinglypreferred SMR due to its sustainability, environmental benefits, and financial advantages.
Transport and Availibility: SMR’s packaging allowed for easy transport and immediateavailability for road crews. Adoption of SMR led to a reduction in material and vehiclemovements, effectively decreasing pollution and road congestion.
CONCLUSION
As utility companies, contractors, and Highway Authorities increasingly preferred SMR due to itssustainability, environmental benefits, and financial advantages, the case study’s successillustrates that SMR’s introduction into Devon’s road network provided a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solution for utility reinstatements. Thisimplementation resulted in significant financial savings, reduced environmental impact, andimproved work efficiency. The growing adoption of SMR signifies a promising alternative totraditional methods, aligning with the industry’s goals of reducing carbon footprint andachieving environmental targets.
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