The use of a geogrid – geotextile geo-composite to improve soft soils for construction works at a facility expansion site in Western Canada

Terrasyntec, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

^* Corresponding author: DoyinJames-Crutchlow@terrasyntec.com

Abstract

Soft soils pose several challenges for construction works – from site accessibility and trafficability challenges, to earthworks, foundation design and other related challenges. This paper presents the use of a geocomposite reinforcement material to improve site accessibility and trafficability for a facility expansion project at a manufacturing and processing site in Western Canada. The soil stratigraphy at the site consisted of approximately 0.1 m to 0.8 m layer of organic topsoil (peat moss), underlain by soft lacustrine clay that extended up to depths of 11.5 m to 14.6 m below the ground surface. The soft surficial soils at the site made it challenging, or impossible in some areas, for the field investigation and construction equipment and crew to access the proposed construction areas. There was a high risk of equipment getting stuck or falling over in various areas, which had reportedly occurred during previous works on the site. To create a suitable working and trafficable surface for the required construction works, the geo-composite reinforcement material was placed directly on top of the stripped subgrade, followed by a 300 mm layer of compacted well-graded pit run. The use of the geo-composite reinforcement material helped to create the required stable working surface for equipment and crew to complete the construction of the facility expansion.