CASE STUDY
IN-SITU SOIL STABILISATION FOR A CYCLE PATH
EXETER, 2007
CLIENT: EXETER COUNTY COUNCIL
Industry: Civils
For civils industries, we offer a permanent and temporary Soil Stabilisation solution, for projects where large areas of ground material needs treatment, whithout having to remove material from site.
Application: In-situ
With our in-situ application, stabilisation is carried out in one continuous motion,for sub soil that needs to remain onsite to be re-used and treated, when there is no room to stockpile material.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This case study highlights the successful use of SMRIn-Situ Stabilisation to address subsidence andrutting issues in a cycle track in Exeter. By utilisingSMR proprietary binder, the project achieved highload-bearing capabilities, reduced environmentalimpact, and minimized disruption.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The cycle track suffered from ongoing subsidenceand rutting despite previous remedial efforts,leading to frequent maintenance needs. Traditionalmethods involving quarried stone were not effectivein providing a long-lasting solution.

THE SMR SOLUTION
In-situ stabilisation using SMR proprietary binder was chosen to create a permanent andeco-friendly remedy. SMR UK appointed European Aggregate Recycling to use traditionalstabilisation equipment and methods to dig out and reconstitute the required single layer ofstabilised material. Exeter City Council’s appointed contractor then provided a trackedvehicle to load the SMR proprietary binder into a stabilisation hopper to level and compactthe SMR mixed material. This stabilised material was then compacted and a wearing coursewas applied to complete the process.
RESULTS
The SMR In-Situ Stabilisation achieved remarkable results:
Reduced Lorry Movements: Only eight lorry movements were required compared to anestimated 144 for traditional methods involving excavation and primary aggregate import.
Shortened Job Time: The SMR solution significantly reduced the project’s duration byeliminating material transportation, storage, and double handling.
100% Recovery Rate: All existing material was converted into a stabilised sub-base layer,eliminating landfill and primary aggregate use.
Higher Load Bearing Performance: The stabilised sub-base achieved a load bearing capabilityof 5N/mm², surpassing the capacity of primary aggregates.
Minimal Social Disruption: Reduced lorry movements minimized traffic disruption on theheavily trafficked Sannerville Way.
BENEFITS
The use of SMR In-Situ Stabilisation led to multiple benefits:
Environmental Impact Reduction: The solution avoided landfill and primary aggregate use,minimizing the project’s carbon footprint.
Cost and Time Savings: Fewer lorry movements and shorter project duration resulted insubstantial cost savings.
Sustainable Approach: The project’s eco-friendly solution aligned with environmentalpreservation goals.
CONCLUSION
The In-Situ application of SMR successfully addressed the cycle track’s subsidence and ruttingissues. By achieving sustainable results, minimizing environmental impact, and optimizingproject efficiency, the case study exemplifies the effectiveness of innovative stabilisationmethodologies.
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