Year
2016
Client
MD of Provost, AB
Canada
Overview
Two well-utilized roads within the MD of Provost, Township Roads 364 and 384, in the Municipal District of Provost experienced repeated frost heave damage and significant rutting due to heavy traffic over subgrades softened by close proximity to open water and muskeg. These roads typically see heavy vehicle loadings of 30 truck passes per day, which exerts considerable pressure on an already soft and unstable subgrade. Frequent periods of increased precipitation worsen the conditions, making the roads effectively impassable at times. The MD of Provost sought the help of Paradox Access Solutions to find a sustainable method of rehabilitating these two important roadways. As the routes carry heavy oilfield traffic and serve as interprovincial connectors, they are of significant importance in maintaining the commercial viability of the district.
Year
2016
Client
MD of Provost, AB
Canada
Overview
Two well-utilized roads within the MD of Provost, Township Roads 364 and 384, in the Municipal District of Provost experienced repeated frost heave damage and significant rutting due to heavy traffic over subgrades softened by close proximity to open water and muskeg. These roads typically see heavy vehicle loadings of 30 truck passes per day, which exerts considerable pressure on an already soft and unstable subgrade. Frequent periods of increased precipitation worsen the conditions, making the roads effectively impassable at times. The MD of Provost sought the help of Paradox Access Solutions to find a sustainable method of rehabilitating these two important roadways. As the routes carry heavy oilfield traffic and serve as interprovincial connectors, they are of significant importance in maintaining the commercial viability of the district.
Challenges
Frequent rainy conditions further exacerbate the situation. On various occasions, heavy downpours created such poor conditions that gravel trucks could not make their scheduled deliveries. Despite these challenges, the Paradox crew maintained their installation schedule, meeting the established construction deadline.
Unstable Terrain
High water table and soft subgrade resulting in heavy rutting and potholes and open bodies of water.
Transportation Costs
Trucking in costly gravel infill was replaced with locally available gravel pit screenings.
All-season access to client sites
Stabilizing poor soil subgrade and building long-lasting roads with increased bearing capacity for heavy equipment and high use, ensuring unimpeded oilfield traffic.
Advantages
•Reduces the settlement of ballast ma¬terials and fouling by subgrade attrition •Is particularly effective for building over muskeg and other poor soil subgrades •Can be installed year-round in a timely manner, regardless of the season or weather •Supporting multi-directional confinement, Tough Cell enlarges the influence zone to 50-200mm, above and below cell height. Tough Cells can cover load support reinforcement and areas where water and drainage capabilities need to be considered.
Benefits
•Proven engineering solution that offers the only viable, long-term alternative to traditional road construction •Provides increased bearing capacity and longevity for roads with heavy track demands. •Minimizes the import and quantity of aggregate, and therefore transportation costs, by utilizing locally available sand, recycled concrete and asphalt, and/or other materials •Reduces future maintenance and C02 emissions. •Decrease or avoid transportation costs by being able to build over muskeg and wet conditions. •Supports a natural vegetation growth environment through erosion control and slope protection, in comparison to other geotechnical solutions.
Approach
While the original design called for gravel infill, the MD elected to utilize readily available screenings derived from their local gravel pit instead, with large rocks and other deleterious materials found and removed. Alberta Transportation Designation 2 Class 40 aggregate was applied as the wearing course.
Results
The MD of Provost can now depend on two safe and reliable roadways that resist rutting and will require little maintenance for the duration of their 15-year design life. Water infiltration to the surface layers has been minimized and pockets of standing water will no longer appear. Construction was completed without closure of Township Road 364, a significant benefit to the district as oilfield traffic continued without impediment.
Testimonial
“In the past two years, the MD of Provost has used Tough Cell® in two separate projects, for the rehabilitation of two existing road structures of 250m and 400m, respectively. These sections have now been in place for 2 years and are performing as required. Potholes and rutting have been kept to a minimum, and the MD is very pleased with the project and the money invested. I have been pleased with the performance of both projects and recommend Paradox and the Tough Cell® product for consideration on future projects.” – W. Maclean, Director of Public Works, MD Provost #52