Pad Construction with No Subgrade Preparation- Reinforced with Tough Cell® Geocells
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This project showcases the versatility of Paradox’s flagship product- Tough Cell® NPA geocells that solves the challenges of conventional builds. Additionally, it met the requirements of being fully reclaimable for the client to proceed with their intended operations.
CORE CONCERNS:
Soft Soil, Poor Constructability, Reliability
APPLICATION:
Pad Construction
CONDITIONS:
Deep Saturated Peat
LOCATION:
Blainville, QC | Nov 2020 – Feb 2021
PROJECT OVERVIEW
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One of North America’s leading energy infrastructure companies required a pad to house their new compressor station. The earmarked site was situated in an area with deep muskeg which posed numerous challenges.
The site was successfully implemented by a collective team. Stratum Logics designed the pad using Tough Cell® geocells and it was installed by Prime Contractor Groupe Maco and supervised by Paradox.
THE MISSION
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The goal was to build a pad that could facilitate a compressor station in a tight timeframe, withstanding adverse hydrological and geotechnical challenges.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
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The pad was built over dense peat, within a tight schedule and was confined by lease restrictions. With meticulous engineering and project management it was executed successfully.
THE PROBLEM
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As the ground conditions were extremely soft with significant peat, a high water table and lots of surface water, a conventional build was impossible. Apart from these challenges, the client faced lease restrictions that left no room for the removal and storage of native materials. The client had no other option but to find a solution that would allow a build without any excavation.
Paradox was consulted for an innovative solution. Tough Cell® geocells matched perfectly for this project as it required no exacavation and backfill and could be built over deep muskeg.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Site before construction pad was built.
First layer of Tough Cell® installed, ready for infill.
First layer being infilled with sand.
Intermediate layer of Tough Cell® being infilled.
Top layer of Tough Cell® before being infilled.
Completed pad being compacted.
PROJECT SPECS
TOTAL AREA
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210m x 250m
(40,950m2)
Access Pad
PRODUCT
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330-150
Tough Cell®
3 layers of geocells
PEAT SAVED
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91,875m3
GRAVEL SAVED
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157,500m3
HAUL LOADS SAVED
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9,500
THE SOLUTION
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The pad was designed with three layers of Tough Cell® geocells. The bottom layer provided subgrade stabilization and was 150mm with Type C high strength ploymeric geocell, with a non-woven geotextile layer.
The upper load bearing layer had 150mm high Type D geocell with a woven geotextile layer. The completed pad fell well within the one meter height limit (as defined by the preconsolidation limit.)
THE BENEFITS
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COST SAVINGS:
The client gained significant cost savings by utilizing cheaper, locally sourced aggregate. This reduced hauling and infill costs significantly.
TIMELINESS:
The client was able to get the compressor station up and running during winter, in the short time frame given due to the innovative Tough Cell® technology.
SUSTAINABILITY:
The client reduced the environmental impact by minimally disturbing the peat, and reducing the amount of aggregate fill needed. This reduced CO2e emissions. The site is also easily reclaimable once operations finish.