TerraTech Consulting Ltd
Research
Access Roads on soft ground
Working Platforms
Anchored Earth
Research and Development
Since 2017, TerraTech Consulting Ltd has been carrying out an ongoing evaluation and research programme on different design methods for windfarm access roads, sports pitches, and working platforms on soft ground. The main design methods that have been evaluated are: Giroud Han (2004) for single geogrid layer; and Rimoldi Simon (2013) for multi-layer design methods.
As a result of this research, a number of papers have been published. (Links to papers available below)
The use of multilayers of woven/grid geotextiles in a granular base mattress for access roads and working platforms on low strength subgrades provides significant advantages.
Multilayer systems of geosynthetic reinforcements can be used safely and effectively on unpaved access roads and working platforms on wind farms, solar farms, and housing developments where soft subgrades are encountered.
A multilayer reinforced granular base has positive environmental impacts by reducing volumes of imported granular backfill and volumes of unsuitable subgrade material that needs to be removed.
Anchored earth is an alternative technology to reinforced soil and involves stabilising a wall using tendons and anchor plates.
In a full-scale study, TerraTech Consulting Ltd investigated the pullout resistance and corresponding displacement of square mild steel anchor plates.
Papers Published
- Geosynthetic reinforcement for unpaved roads - recent experience. Reilly & Nell (CERI 2018)
- Behaviour of biaxial geogrids in unpaved roads - research from Ireland. Reilly & Nell (Rome 2022)
- Pullout Performance of anchored earth sysems
- Multilayers of woven/grid geotextiles in a granular base matress for access roads and working platforms - recent experience. Nell & Reilly (CERI 2024)
Research Documents Referenced
- Design Method for Geogrid-Reinforced Unpaved Roads. I. Development of Design Method Giroud Han 2004.
- Design Method for Geogrid-Reinforced Unpaved Roads. II. Calibration and Applications Giroud Han 2004.
- Geosynthetic Reinforced Granular Soil Mattresses used as Foundation Support or Mechanically Stabilised Earth Walls. Rimoldi & Simons 2013.
- Artificial Turf Field – A New Build Case Study. Fleming, Ferrandino & Forrester 2016.
- Design Flow Tree