Basal Reinforcement
2021
Sherford, Devon
Taylor Wimpey/Vistry/Cannon Kirk
Groundfix
Geo-Consulting
Karstic Void Spanning In Housing Development
Typical karstic voids exposed on site
Void spanning mitigation on estate roads
ParaLinkĀ® unrolled into position
Using site-won fill provides environmental and cost benefits
Backfill dumped and distributed onto ParaLinkĀ®
Estate roads construction on top of ParaLinkĀ® void spanning
Problem
This multi-phase housing development was split between multiple developers with a construction period of several years. Site investigation revealed a number of karstic and epikarst weathering features positioned under residential land parcels as well as adoptable highways. Any voids encountered during construction were to be grouted, however, the nature of the area meant further safety measures were deemed necessary to manage future failures under the road network.
Solution
Maccaferri was approached to develop a geogrid-based solution to mitigate the risk of future collapses under the adoptable highways as part of a series of remedial measures to be used across the development. Working with a specialist geotechnical consultancy, the network of ParaLinkĀ® geogrid reinforcement was designed to provide a void-spanning safety measure in the event of future collapses. The design was in accordance with BS8006-1:2010+A1:2016.
The unique protective coating and structure of ParaLinkĀ® enable lower material partial factors to be used within the design process. This results in lighter grades of ParaLinkĀ® being used compared to other geogrids in the market.
Maccaferri has a long-standing experience of designing to enable the use of site-won fills with geogrid solutions in a range of applications. Our expertise enable the designer and contractor to develop a working method which avoids the import of costly structural fill, as well as the costs associated with the removal of materials from the site and polluting transport movements.