2023
Winchburgh, West Lothian
Winchburgh Developments
I&H Brown
Maccaferri
Winchburgh Infrastructure Project Green Terramesh Slope Stabilisation for Road Construction on Marshland
Challenge
Winchburgh, a rapidly expanding settlement in West Lothian located just ten miles west of Edinburgh, is undergoing a major transformation from a village into a thriving town. The development includes over 3,800 new homes, as well as schools, retail facilities, industrial parks, a Country Park, and a canal basin. This significant growth has increased demand for reliable transport infrastructure, particularly for commuters requiring efficient access to the nearby motorway network.
A key component of the Winchburgh Masterplan was the construction of a new motorway junction on the B8020 at Duntarvie, linked to a strategically important core road. However, the proposed route presented substantial engineering challenges, as it crossed areas of marshland with poor ground conditions. The site was highly susceptible to flooding, with soft, unstable soils that posed a risk to long-term road stability and required comprehensive ground improvement before construction could begin.
Solution
To overcome the geotechnical challenges at Winchburgh, Maccaferri delivered an engineered slope stabilisation solution using its Green Terramesh (GTM) system. The reinforced soil slope extended 126 metres in length and reached heights of up to 7.5 metres, providing a stable foundation for the new core road infrastructure.
Given the flood-prone conditions, initial works focused on site drainage and ground improvement. Water management measures were implemented to stabilise the area, while weak soils were excavated and replaced with compacted 6F2 fill or equivalent material. Plate load testing was carried out to confirm that the improved ground achieved the required load-bearing capacity prior to construction.
The embankment was formed using high-quality granular fill sourced locally from a blaes bing, meeting Class 1A fill standards in accordance with Series 600 of the Specification for Highway Works (SHW). The material was placed in controlled layers and compacted to achieve a minimum of 95% maximum dry density, ensuring structural integrity and durability.
To reinforce the slope, Maccaferri ParaGrid 50-05 geogrids were installed at predetermined intervals within the embankment, enhancing stability and load distribution. The structure was finished with a Green Terramesh facing system, providing both mechanical reinforcement and an environmentally sustainable, vegetated appearance.
This solution delivered a cost-effective, durable, and environmentally integrated reinforced soil structure, enabling the successful construction of critical road infrastructure across challenging marshland conditions while supporting the continued growth of Winchburgh.
Used Products
