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.


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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