Case studies
Trunk road renewal scheme
The problem
The sand on peat underlying the road slabs on the A565 Formby by-pass resulted in much settlement and consequent unevenness requiring major improvement and control.
The solution
Project Manager, Frank Stones, said: "The solution is to increase the load-bearing capacity of the underlying soil."
The Uretek process involved drilling many small holes through the pavement to enable injection of resin into the sub-soil. The material hardens within a matter of seconds; with the hardening comes expansion which exerts significant upward thrust, raising slabs by measureable amounts at the same time as increasing the load-bearing capacity.
John Thorp, Head of Highways Laboratory, Lancashire County Council – the Managing Agents for Area 17 at the time – added: "We had good reports of Uretek from trusted sources and were looking for the right application. The results appear controllable, effective and can be achieved without resorting to major road building."
