Case Study
In-situ soil stabilisation for the construction of a permanent compound
In collaboration with Anglian Water @one alliance at the Broadholme WRC site, we successfully implemented our in-situ soil stabilisation method to create a permanent compound for a storage extension. This innovative approach provided substantial benefits, including significant cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and shortened project timelines. The case study showcases the effectiveness of SMR in-situ soil stabilisation as a sustainable solution.
Problem Statement
The Broadholme WRC site, previously a waste ground for tipping, required a compound for a storage extension. The challenge was to find a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to stabilise a vast area at a substantial depth without resorting to traditional, more expensive methods.
The SMR Solution
We opted for our in-situ soil stabilisation, a method well-suited for large ground areas that need treatment without removal. This approach allows continuous motion treatment, preserving on-site sub-soil, and requires only a single pass. The Broadholme site needed approximately 3,500m2 of stabilisation at a depth of 300mm, with a 4% SMR binder mix (excluding the capping layer of planeings). This choice significantly reduced costs compared to traditional virgin type 1 material, and it was more environmentally sustainable.
Benefits
Financial Savings: The use of SMR’s in-situ stabilisation method significantly reduced costs compared to traditional methods, delivering a cost-effective solution.
Reduced Vehicle Movements: By avoiding the need for extensive transportation, the project eliminated approximately 306 lorry movements, minimizing carbon emissions and transportation costs. This would have saved around 8.17 tonnes of CO2.
Timely Project Completion: The in-situ approach expedited project completion, saving time compared to traditional methods, and delivering the desired outcome promptly.
Zero Landfill: By reusing existing material and avoiding landfilling, the project successfully eliminated landfill costs and the need to purchase and transport new materials.
Results
The results of implementing in-situ soil stabilisation were remarkable. The project achieved substantial cost savings, with a total reduction in expenses amounting to £57,050, before considering labour and machinery costs! Furthermore, the environmental impact was significantly reduced. No waste was sent to landfill, and 306 fewer lorry movements resulted in a carbon saving of 8.17 tons. Project timelines were also dramatically shortened, with the Broadholme scheme completed in just four days, compared to a minimum of two weeks using traditional materials.
Material cost comparison (At time of project)
| Traditional (per ton) | |
| Virgin type 1 | £32.00 |
| Tipping | £17.00 |
| Total | £49.00 |
| SMR In-situ Method (per m2) (all in rate) | |
| SMR Binder & Mix On-Site | £18.00 |
| Traditional | ||
| Type 1 requirement | 0.7ton x 3,500m2 = 2,450 tons | £32.00 x 2,450tons = £78,400 |
| Tipping | 0.7ton x 3,500m2 = 2,450 tons | £17.00 x 2,450tons = £41,650 |
| Total Cost | £120,050 | |
| SMR In-situ Method | ||
| All in cost – Material, labour, plant, stabilisation and all associated haulage costs | Total Cost | 3,500m2 x £18.00 = £63,000 |
| Total Cost Saving | £120,050 – £63,00 = £57,050 | |
Mick Damon, who was involved in the project, highlights the impressive achievements of in-situ soil stabilisation, emphasizing the substantial savings in costs and carbon emissions. The testimonial showcases the potential of this approach in future projects and its role in building a more environmentally responsible future.
“By engaging with both Clare & Martin ( SMR UK ) on one of our water recycling sites we have managed to create a site compound of 70 x 60 in just under a week ( impressive to say the least )
By using the SMR binder to stabilise the existing area we avoided any ground going to landfill and any need to import any aggregates.
SMR speaks for its self out in the public highway & now inside our own assets where we can demonstrate not only a massive saving of 57k on one site set up but an amazing 8.17 tonne of carbon not being released in to our environment.
With an approx 100 /150 Greenfield sites needed in AMP 8 you can imagine the savings in both cash / carbon.
Lets keep going from strength to strength.
