Mobil Grain
How Canada’s first privately operated intermodal terminal started their new business unit on solid ground using Tough Cell® technology CALL FOR QUOTEYear
2019
Client
Mobil Grain
Canada
Overview
In 2017, Paradox Access Solutions and Mobil Grain partnered for a project regarding site preparation for a new business unit to be constructed on the east side of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Year
2019
Client
Mobil Grain
Canada
Overview
In 2017, Paradox Access Solutions and Mobil Grain partnered for a project regarding site preparation for a new business unit to be constructed on the east side of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Challenges
Regina is home to a highly expansive “gumbo” clay, referring to the high plasticity index of the material. Regina “gumbo” has qualities that make traffic areas with high cyclical traffic loading difficult to control in the long term. The factors often result in extensive maintenance programs and semi-annual material replenishments.
Extreme Pressure
This land was to support two Gantry Cranes that operated on rail tracks. The cranes would be used to transfer Sea-can’s between truck and rail along a CN Rail mainline. With high cyclical loading anticipated for the constant influx and outflow of heavy traffic, the property needed to be developed to withstand a serious beating. Reach stackers, Forklifts, man lifts, zoom booms, and fully loaded Sea-can’s on heavy trucks are examples of the traffic that are now used in this yard.
Modifying an Existing Plan
When Mobil Grain and Paradox began their partnership, there was an existing conventional site design already underway. The design was then retrofitted with an engineered structural design from Paradox’s design partner, Stratum Logics. Stratum reviewed the existing design and with a few minor changes, presented a plan that promoted a winter construction schedule that altered aggregate requirements, increased the bearing capacity, and cut-down future maintenance requirements by over 80%. The use of the Tough Cell allowed for an economical sandy material to make up 80% of the total required aggregate volume. This was all accomplished while utilizing the site’s original design that was previously procured by Mobil Grain.
Extreme Temperatures
In Southern Saskatchewan, drastic temperature swings are common and must be taken into consideration during traffic planning. Thaw/freeze cycles wreak havoc on traffic structures such as concrete pads and asphalt, which aren’t designed to withstand the high levels of heaving or frost boils during winter/spring. Similarly, un-stabilized pads won’t hold up through summer rains and heavy rutting without some form of subbase stabilization.
Narrow Timeframe
With the project’s initial design work complete, winter was well underway and the site was waiting for the following season to begin conventional earthworks construction. Paradox’s operations team would have 10 weeks to complete the required site preparation, install 195,000 m^2 of Tough Cell®, and have the site ready for the next stage of construction on a newly advanced schedule.
Our Approach
The Paradox team and Stratum Logics modified the existing design for a 23-acre footprint, as per Mobil Grains request. Upon presentation, it quickly became apparent that the sites construction schedule would be advanced dramatically, allowing the possibility of an early start for the new business.
TOUGH CELL®
The advancement of the construction schedule can be credited to the innovative cellular confinement design presented by Stratum Logics. This design utilized an advanced Novel Polymeric Alloy geocell material called Tough Cell® to permit reliable construction during the winter months. The proprietary material composition makes for a temperature-stable product, allowing for application in -60 to +60 degrees Celsius.
EXTREME WEATHER
During installation, the crews experienced extreme temperatures, heavy snowfall, site plan changes, and participated in additional required onsite services. The paradox was able to adjust to the weather conditions and the additional service request quickly, completing the project on time and on budget.
The road utilized two layers of Tough Cell®, while the pad utilized three layers of Cells. Both were filled with local materials while aggregates were supplied by local quarries, within ±30km radius.
The road was 4.3 kms in total and finished with a width of 8 meters The Pad was 210m x 195m (40,950m2)
Aggregate materials required are significantly less than conventional methods, due to eliminated requirement for excavation and replacement of organic materials. This resulted in a huge carbon savings usually incurred through expensive excavation & hauling of aggregate material.
Results
“The professional and thorough involvement of the Paradox team from the initial planning and development phase, through the installation phase to the final completion made the project an enjoyable experience.”
– Brad Hoskins Regional Manager United Rentals
Build it once, build it right
Upon completion of the project, the Paradox team continued to monitor the ongoing condition of the site. The work that had been done was holding up brilliantly, and Intermobil was able to erect the gantry cranes without the use of temporary stabilization (matting).
The site is now fully functional, accepting hundreds of rail-truck transfers per week while maintaining a reliable operating surface for round-the-clock service.
Benefits
REINFORCING THE GROUND WITH TOUGH CELL
Paradox’s patented Tough Cell® solution was the most suitable technology for reinforcing the ground on this site. Tough Cell® met all requirements specified by Mobil Grain, including (but not limited to):
Creating the “Beam Effect”(transferring vertical pressure dispersing the load energy from vertical to horizontal, virtually eliminating wheel
Can be used in temperatures ranging from +60°C to 60°C.
Carries a 75-year product performance guarantee.
Can easily be reclaimed and is recyclable.
COST SAVINGS
Tough Cell is not only durable but this innovative solution saves time and money as well.
It reduced project costs overall by using less aggregates resulting in less hauling.
Allowing the use of an economical granular infill for 80% of the total volume.
