CASE STUDY

HOW SMR HAND-MIX WAS USED TO LOCK INCONTAMINANTS FOR REINSTATEMENT ON ARESIDENTIAL ROAD CONTAINING ASBESTOS 

BARRY, NOVEMBER 2020
CLIENT: WALES AND WEST UTILITIES

Industry: Utilities

Our utilities products offer a permanent solution

Application: Hand-Mix

The ultimate solution for small excavation reinstatements.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This case study showcases how SMR successfully addressedthe challenge of asbestos contamination in a residential roadin Barry. By using SMR Binder, the project effectivelyencapsulated contaminants, reduced costs, and minimizedenvironmental impact.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The presence of asbestos just below the road’s surface posed asignificant challenge during planned maintenance.Conventional excavation methods were not only expensive butalso time-consuming for dealing with contaminated material.

SMR foot path repairs
SMR foot path repairs

THE SMR SOLUTION

SMR has proven repeatedly that it can be used to encapsulate contaminants such as Heavy Metals,Asbestos, Coal Tar, Diesel, PAH and TPH in contaminated spoil. Therefore, there is no requirement toseparate hazardous waste from the excavation. 

Using SMR Hand-Mix, a specialized team skilled in handling asbestos, and applying SMR binder,addressed the contamination issue. They safely removed the contaminated material, stored itappropriately, and then backfilled and mixed the suitable material with SMR Binder to encapsulatepotential contaminants. This not only contained the contaminants but also minimized lorrymovements and associated costs while reducing the carbon footprint.

RESULTS

The entire project, including excavation, repair, SMR mixing, backfilling, and compaction, wascompleted within a few hours by a single crew. This compared favourably to the 2-3 daysrequired by traditional methods. The shorter project duration minimized disruption to localresidents, enhancing the project’s community impact.

BENEFITS

Effective Contaminant Encapsulation: The use of SMR Binder effectively locked in asbestoscontaminants, ensuring their encapsulation within the backfilled material.

Cost and Time Savings: The reduced project duration, decreased site occupancy, and limitedlorry movements led to substantial cost savings.

Environmental Impact Reduction: Minimised lorry movements contributed to a reducedcarbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

CONCLUSION

The use of SMR Hand-Mix successfullyaddressed the asbestos contaminationchallenge in the residential roadmaintenance project. By encapsulatingcontaminants, streamlining the projecttimeline, and achieving substantial costsavings, this case study exemplifies thepracticality and benefits of innovativesolutions like SMR Binder.

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