The Challenge

The Mawlamyine Airport Phase 1 project faced a critical geotechnical challenge: the presence of very weak and compressible subgrade soils. These conditions posed serious risks of excessive settlement and instability under heavy pavement and aircraft loads. Without proper ground improvement, the airport infrastructure would have been exposed to uneven settlement, reduced service life, and potential safety hazards for future operations.

The Solution

To address the weak soil foundation, Maccaferri MacGrid® WG geogrid was selected and installed as basal reinforcement. The geogrid effectively distributed loads, enhanced the bearing capacity of the subgrade, and minimized differential settlement. This approach not only delivered long-term stability but also ensured cost efficiency and accelerated construction timelines.

The Outcome

With the application of MacGrid® WG, the project successfully achieved:

• Improved ground stability under heavy aircraft and pavement loads
• Reduced risk of uneven settlement and structural failure
• Faster construction progress with cost-effective ground improvement
• Enhanced durability and safety for future airport operations

The Phase 1 reinforcement works now provide a robust foundation, ensuring the Mawlamyine Airport pavement structure meets international standards for safety, service life, and performance.