Much Maxit LWA In The Marsh For Record UK Project
THE need for an innovative ground engineering solution for a major UK reclamation scheme has led to the UK's largest-ever single use of maxit LWA lightweight aggregate.
Nine shiploads of maxit LWA have been used on Phase 2 of the West Marsh Renaissance project at Grimsby for client P&O Developments Ltd, paving the way for a comprehensive mixed development including residential use.
Principal Contractor for the infrastructure works was Norwest Holst Construction Ltd, based from their Derby office.
maxit LWA was specified as general bulk fill material for earthworks to an elevated section of new adoptable highway that crosses an existing railway line, to facilitate access to the development site.
During the early stages of design development, maxit LWA was identified as a potentially more suitable alternative material than traditional granular imported material for the embankments. Detailed design development and assessment of alternative methods confirmed the suitability for this application.
The material was assessed and specified by White Young Green Consulting Engineers of Manchester, in consultation with Norwest Holst and adopting highway authority North East Lincolnshire County Council, in order to limit surcharging of the existing ground conditions below the highway alignment within acceptable levels,
Evaluation of maxit LWA as a value-engineered solution revealed it to be a cost-effective option, providing weight reduction of approximately 75 per cent when compared to conventional crushed fill. It also required fewer deliveries to achieve the same volume and consequently reduced programme time.
The lightweight alternative solution was required due to poor ground conditions consisting of saturated marshes with low bearing capacities at the location of the new highway alignment and bridge position and the proximity to the existing 'live' railway line which it crosses.
The choice follows the success of a smaller highways project near Gloucester involving Norwest Holst.
Some 45,000m³ of maxit LWA was stockpiled at Grimsby Docks for call-off in deliveries by 60m³ articulated tippers, which made the five-minute journey to site as required.
During the project, the elevated approach embankments for the new bridge required approximately 20,000m³ of maxit LWA to the south side and a further 25,000m³ to the northern embankment, which is part founded on existing landfill. The embankments were formed using compacted LWA in conjunction with geotextiles to prevent migration of the surrounding materials.
The import of the material to the northern embankment was carefully managed between Norwest Holst and maxit to comply with embargo periods for deliveries along the only access to the site. Consultation between all parties ensured the efficient delivery of the material whilst complying fully with the requirements of the highways authority.
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