1a:T517,

The client needed to increase the load-bearing capacity of the subgrade below a crane hardstand. The subgrade of the existing area was weak, and the consultant had anticipated challenges with the required bearing capacity for the crane’s movement.

The natural subgrade of the ground below the crane hardstand was weak in bearing capacity. Due to the heavyweight of the crane, the client needed to ensure a robust foundation. The conventional approach would have been multiple layers of aggregate with high thickness below the RCC pavement for the slab support that could withstand loads of the crane movement.

The innovative design provided by the client consisted of StrataWeb® geocells that helped reduce the thickness of the aggregate layer while providing effective load support. The product acted as a stiff foundation mattress that spread the crane loads over a larger area of the subgrade.

Strata’s value addition included faster execution of work due to ease of installing StrataWeb® with unskilled labour, providing a stable foundation for heavy loads. Also resulting in a reduction in the aggregate thickness.

1b:T4cd,Foundation base stabilization is achieved by installing [StrataWeb®](https://www.strataglobal.com/strataweb-geocell-for-soil-erosion-and-stabilization/) within the prepared foundation layer over the subgrade. The system forms a cellular confinement structure that contains and stabilizes the infill material placed within the cells. \n During construction, the [geocell](https://www.strataglobal.com/glossary/geocell/) panels are expanded and positioned across the foundation footprint. The cells are then filled with suitable granular materials and compacted to form the stabilized base layer. \n The cellular structure confines the infill material and limits lateral movement of the particles when subjected to structural loads. As loads are transferred from the foundation into the base layer, the confined infill works together with the cellular system to distribute stresses across the reinforced layer and into the supporting [soil](https://www.strataglobal.com/glossary/soil-types/). \n This interaction between the [infill material](https://www.strataglobal.com/glossary/infill-material/), the cellular structure, and the underlying ground forms a stabilized base that supports the foundation system under applied loads.