SOIL STABILISATION
INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR RAPID AIRPORT SURFACE MAINTENANCE.
SOIL STABILISATION is the minimally invasive GEOSEC® solution for rapidly and effectively requalifying the bases and subgrades of rigid, semi-rigid and flexible surfaces for airport aprons and taxiways.
This method makes it possible to intervene easily both to eliminate surface damage caused by differential subsidence due to poor load-bearing capacities or wear, and to lift any subsided rigid structures with complete re-levelling.
SOIL STABILISATION is the ideal application for swift and targeted maintenance plans and for improving airport surface load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, it features an advantageous worksite versatility, making it possible to intervene quickly with no excavation or demolition work or need to set up a traditional worksite.
Operating procedures for the Consolidation of Airport Surfaces
In its basic application, this procedure is carried out directly by expert GEOSEC® personnel, adequately trained to operate in airport areas, and involves the injection of expanding resin into the structure of the subsided base and subgrade in need of reinforcement. During operations, instrumental monitoring of structure lifting is guaranteed by laser measuring devices which prevent improper movements and, where required, completely re-level airport surfaces.
The injections are performed through small bores (diameter 10 – 25 mm) to facilitate the quick insertion of disposable metal tubes through which the expanding resin is injected. The bores’ layout can be arranged in a uniform and targeted manner, according to project specifications and required results, taking into account the environmental and operational conditions of the site.
In accordance with the most rigorous method of application of this solution, prior to commencing injections, instrumental investigations can be carried out on site, aimed at the precise determination of the PCN (Pavement Classification Number), ACN (Aircraft Classification Number) and the residual life of the work using:
- Stratigraphic analysis of the work area using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR);
- Coring;
- Deflectometric tests using a Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD);
- Electrical resistivity tomography to search for voids and fluid infiltrations under the airport surfaces.
Based on the results obtained, the map of operations can be dimensioned with adequate precision. Furthermore, thanks to intermediate and/or final repetition of the same tests, it is possible to verify the achievement of the desired results and compliance with good engineering practices and the project requirements.
The GEOSEC® resin used for this procedure is a very fast-expanding polyurethane resin with physical and performance characteristics that can be adapted based on the final objective.
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SOIL STABILISATION operational procedure
The procedure involves the following standard and/or optional work phases, as per the specific requests of the client:
Survey phase
- Survey of subsided areas and mapping of cracks in airport surfaces;
- Documentary survey of the subsided base (depth, material, etc.);
- Optional on request: in-depth investigations using HWD, ERT3D, core drilling and RADAR tests.
Preparation phase
- Creation of injection bores in accordance with project layout.
Injection phase
- Positioning of laser measuring devices to monitor lifting;
- Injection of the expanding resin in accordance with a pre-established order;
- Real-time monitoring of any lift achieved;
- Optional on request: control of the results using HWD testing campaign, E.R.T diagnostics.
Technical benefits
The GEOSEC® SOIL STABILISATION method for consolidating airport surfaces guarantees the following benefits:
- Structural renovation of the original surface is unnecessary unless it is seriously compromised and damaged. In this case, our teams are equipped to perform resin injections into the subgrades alternating with teams who strip and subsequently relay a new wear surface.
- The whole procedure is extremely swift and clean. Our teams are able to consolidate up to 80 square meters of surface in a single work shift.
- The expanding resin used in this procedure is tested by specialized laboratories and is perfectly stable, eco-friendly and durable over time.
- When allowed for by the surface structure, it is possible to lift and completely re-level subsided paving slabs.
- The method involves targeted resin injections, especially near the joints in subsided airport paving slabs, so as to eliminate height differences of up to several centimetres.