A trial to explore the suitability of using SMR for soil stabilisation on farmland

The Project

This project served as a trial to assess whether the presence of SMR would alter the pH levels of the ground. A change would indicate potential contamination, whereas a stable pH would confirm that SMR can be safely used in sensitive environments — such as agricultural land — as a temporary base for site compounds. Crucially, this would allow the ground to be restored to its original condition upon removal, with no lasting impact.

Beyond its environmental compatibility, SMR offers significant logistical and economic advantages. By enabling in-situ stabilisation, it eliminates the need for transporting and tipping imported aggregates, resulting in substantial cost savings and a marked reduction in carbon emissions.

The SMR Solution

The SMR process begins by excavating the existing subsoil and feeding it into the SMR mixing unit, where a proprietary binder is added. This treatment transforms the material into a solid, concrete-like layer, suitable for load-bearing applications.

To ensure performance and compliance, SMR must meet specific criteria for minimum layer thickness and compressive strength. In most cases, the total stabilised layer exceeds 1000mm. All testing should be conducted by a UKAS-accredited laboratory or an equivalent body, unless alternative arrangements have been formally agreed. SMR is particularly advantageous for temporary site compounds, especially in agricultural settings.

For instance, if a compound is established on farmland, the stabilised base can be removed upon project completion without leaving behind contamination. Trials have confirmed that SMR does not alter the pH of the soil, making it safe for future crop cultivation and preserving the integrity of the land.

Benefits

We established work area protection by putting harries fencing around the work once completed, so that anyone entering the site was aware of the hazards. Before hand everyone signed onto Rams and was given a daily briefing.

We were constantly checking the depth making sure all the variables were in place to make it a fair test.The roller driver plained out the ground as best they could however with the ground being so soft and worn it became difficult to work on.