Ground Improvement - Technical Proposal_compressed

CLIENT:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Government of India
Government of Orissa WorksDepartment
PROJECT:
CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR LANE ROB AND ITS APPROACHES IN LIEU OF EXISTING LEVEL
CROSSING NO. RV-71 AT LM 435 ON NH-217 (NEW -353) AT KHARIAR INCLUDING LAND
ACQUISITION UNDER NH(O) IN ANNUAL PLAN 2021-22 FOR THE STATE OF ODISHA. (BID
REF NO.-09 CE NH OF 2021-22).
EPC CONTRACTOR:
ASHIRBAD ENG & CONSTRUCTION PRIVATE LIMITED
PROJECT SITE OFFICE: UNIT NO. 16, CHALMUNDA P.S. - JONK, KHARIAR ROAD,DIST. - NUAPADA, ODISHA
HEAD OFFICE: PLOT NO. 20/261, MILAN PARADISE, SAILASHREE VIHAR, CHANDRASEKHARPUR,
BHUBANESWAR 751016, ODISHA
Technical Proposal on Ground Improvement

2023/08/11 R0
2023/08/29 R1
AUTHORITY ENGINEER:
Chief Construction Engineer Western NH Circle, Sambalpur
PROOF CONSULTANT:
EWAY ENGINEERING PVT LTD.

1/70, TF SECTOR -01, VASUNDHRA GHAZIABAD, UTTAR PRADESH-201012
DESIGN CONSULTANT:
Festal Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
414, 4th Floor, Orbit Plaza, Crossing Republik, Ghaziabad, UP201016
As mentioned in Schedule B – TCS 5, 5A, 6 of the Contract Agreement for the project ‘Construction of Four lane ROB and its approaches in lieu
of existing Level Crossing No. RV -71 at km 435 on NH-217 (New NH -353) at Khariar Road’ – from chainage 1047 m to 1550 m (in the approach
RE wall section towards Raipur side) – requirement of Ground Improvement using Sand Piles each of 500 mm diameter & 6 meter depth.
As per the Geotechnical Investigations held (Geotech Report attached), the said stretch of around 400-500 meters towards the Raipur side
approach RE Wall portion between chainages 1047 m to 1550 m is found to be heavily water-logged with sandy clay type soil with very low
bearing capacity & excessive settlement.
Hence, for the safety of the RE Wall structure above this stretch there is need for GROUND IMPROVEMENT for increasing the load bearing
capacity of the ground and reduce settlement.
The said provision of Ground Improvement using such Sand Piles is nor feasible & possible due to the below mentioned reasons & hence an
alternative method of Ground Improvement is proposed using Basal Reinforcement with Soil replacement (in which the entire poor soil in the
said stretch shall be replaced with select fill of good bearing capacity meeting all safety requirements along with use of MACCAFERRI High
Strength Uniaxial Geogrid, MACCAFERRI Non Woven Geotextile & Line Drains).
S NO. SAND PILE OF 500 MM DIA & 6 METER DEPTH BASAL REINFORCEMENT WITH SOIL REPLACEMENT USING
GEOGRID & GEOTEXTILE
There is no provision of the Ground improvement technique Basal Reinforcement with Soil replacement provision as per IRC :
using SAND PILES in any IRC/IS codes or MORTH guidelines 113 and IS : 13904 code for ground improvement techniques for
foundations in weak soils.
Sand Pile requirement of depth of 6 meter as given in Sch B Basal Reinforcement with Soil replacement is shallow ground
TCS 5, 5A, 6 is not feasible as the onset of DI rock starts just 2- improvement technique and suggested where this is loose strata of
3 meters below the ground level whereas Sand Piling is a deep natural ground for less than 5 meters.
ground improvement technique and suggested where there is
loose strata of natural ground for more than 7-10 meters
depth.
Depth of Sand Pile can go only up-to the depth of loose Depth of soil replacement depends on the bearing capacity and
stratum irrespective of influence zone of structure & if we rest settlement requirement and maximum depth of replacement goes
the sand piling at the loose stratum than it can punch into till influence zone.
loose stratum.
Sand Piling in the entire effected zone would take at-least 6 Basal Reinforcement with Soil replacement methodology will take
months’ time period and hence could delay the subsequent up-to 3 months and hence reduce.
construction activities of erection of RE Wal earthwork etc. &
eventually would delay the Project timelines.
Sand Piling provision will not be sufficient enough to prevent Basal Reinforcement along-with provision of Line Drains along the
the underground Water percolation inside the RE wall panels entire RE wall section would be required to drain out the
section. underground water percolation.
Compaction in case of Sand Piling is not uniform and area Compaction can be controlled and uniform in case of soil
replacement ratio is also not guaranteed. replacement with Basal reinforcement.
In present case rock is available at shallow depth, in the range Due to presence of rock at shallow depth, replacement of 1.5 m to
of 3 meters, out of which 1 meter is the minimum 3.5 m clay with select fill material and basal reinforcement is the
embedment depth of RE wall structure, hence only around 2- most suitable and safe option to retain the RE Wall Structure above
3 m of clay strata is available after foundation level. the said stretch.
Drilling for sand piles for such shallow depth is not feasible &
not a safe option to retain the RE Wall Structure above the
said stretch.
Technical Proposal
GROUND IMPROVEMENT SOLUTION FOR

FOUR LANING OF EXISTING LEVEL CROSSING
NO. RV-71 AT KM 435 ON NH-217 (NEW NH 353)
AT KHARIAR IN THE DIST. OF NUAPADA
CLIENT: MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

EPC CONTRACTOR: ASHIRBAD ENG & CONSTRUCTION PRIVATE LIMITED
SUBMITTED BY: MACCAFERRI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS PVT. LTD.
Reason for Prepared Reviewed Approved

Sr.No. Revision Revision Date
revision by by by
1 R0 16th August’23 First submission Saurabh Sonal Ratnakar
Minor modification
2 R1 29th August 23 Sonal Saurabh Ratnakar
done
Project No. BO0025239

MI/ TU /QF/17
R01/30.04.21
REV: R1 August 2023

1. Introduction to Maccaferri
Group Profile
Founded in 1879, Officine Maccaferri rapidly became a technical reference in the
design and development of solutions for erosion control and retaining structures.
Since then, through innovation, geographical expansion and focused diversification,

Maccaferri now offers solutions at a global level for a wide range of civil and
environmental engineering applications. Far from its humble beginnings with gabion
retaining walls and Reno mattress structures, Maccaferri now offers solutions from
shotcrete additives and steel fibre reinforced concrete to debris flow fences and mining
systems.
Maccaferri's scale and experience enables them to be a reliable partner for complex
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Maccaferri's solutions is an aptitude for technological innovation and the goal of
maintaining a sustainable environmental balance.
Technical partnership
Maccaferri is a partner who works alongside clients from the start of the project,
maximizing value for money due to technical expertise and an extensive portfolio of
quality products. Each project is approached with the aim of identifying, addressing
and resolving the specific needs of each customer. This result of this approach is long
term mutual benefits for both client and Maccaferri.
Continuous Research & Development to improve existing and development of new

solutions, is driven by Maccaferri's practical experience gained whilst solving clients’
problems. This virtual circle of improvement is simplified due to Maccaferri's vertically
integrated business, From manufacturing to final construction. This capability reduces
client risk and management workload, as there is a single interface with one service
provider, rather than several.
Organizational Structure
Maccaferri offers solutions for the construction market in over 100 countries
throughout the world. Our organizational structure has been designed to be global
and local at the same time; it is made up of subsidiary companies who manufacture,
design and install solutions throughout the world. This ensures greater flexibility, a
REV: R1 August 2023

widespread presence and a better awareness of continued market development.
Officine Maccaferri is at the heart of the Maccaferri Industrial Group which is, in turn,
part of the S.E.C.I Holding Group; A true conglomerate with interests in diverse fields
including, power generation, mechanical engineering, bioengineering and agriculture.
For Quick Glance
Major Products:
➢ Gabions
➢ Mattresses
➢ Terramesh& Green Terramesh
➢ Paraweb & ParaLink
➢ ParaGrid & ParaDrain
➢ Geogrids & Geotextiles
➢ Geomembranes & GCLs
➢ Geocomposites
➢ Glass Grids
➢ Erosion Control Mats
➢ Geocells
➢ Fabric Form Mats
➢ Prefabricated Vertical Drains
➢ Geotextile bags & Geotextile tubes
➢ Sack Gabion
➢ Road Mesh
➢ Rockfall Netting
➢ HEA Panels
Major Applications:
➢ Erosion Control
➢ Channel Protection
➢ River Training & Flood Control
➢ Shoreline Protection & Coastal Defense
➢ Reinforced Soil Structures
➢ Ground Improvement
➢ Gravity Retaining Structures
➢ Slope Stabilization
REV: R1 August 2023

➢ Landfill & Lining Solutions
➢ Pavement Strengthening & Rehabilitation
➢ Separation/ Filtration/ Drainage
➢ Rockfall Protection
➢ Landscaping
Services Offered:
➢ Design as per National and International Standards

➢ Consultancy
➢ Manufacturing
➢ Technical Support for Solution and Product selection
➢ On-site Technical Assistance
➢ Design & Build Turnkey Solutions
Our USPs:
➢ State of art manufacturing units in India

➢ Dedicated Research & Development team
➢ Project execution of highest quality
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Summing up all the services we strive to achieve- Engineering a Better Solution

while being as partner with the clients from concept to execution. To know more
about our company and its products please visit www.maccaferri.com/in
REV: R1 August 2023

2. Preamble
The Ministry of Road Transport and highways is developing the four lane ROB and its
approaches in lieu of existing level crossing no. RV 71 at km 435 on NH-217 at Khariar.
Ashirbad Eng & Construction Private Limited is doing the construction of the ROB and
its approaches, and they approach Maccaferri to design the RS wall for the ROB
approaches. While designing the RS wall, Maccaferri envisaged that the ground below
foundation of RS wall is having clay layer ranging from 2 m to 5 m and prone to water
logging. Hence there is need of treatment of soil below RS wall with a suitable ground
improvement solution. Water table is observed at shallow depth. The current proposal
discusses the technical feasibility of ground improvement solutions.
3. Problem Description and Solution Proposed
I) Problem Description
As per geotechnical investigation report, the stratum is found to be waterlogged with
sandy clay type of soil which extends up to depth of 4-5m. The stretch is prone to large
amount of settlement, hence required the ground improvement for carrying out the
construction of RS wall embankment.
The major problems associated with the clayey soils are low bearing capacity,
excessive settlement, and deep-seated foundation failure (shown in fig 1). The bearing
capacity observed for the locations is very low. Hence, there is need for ground
improvement for increasing its bearing capacity or in other way for increasing its load
carrying capacity and reducing the consolidation settlement.
1: Embankment, 2: Reinforcement, 3: Soft Clay foundation, 7: Deep seated rotation
Figure 1: Deep seated foundation & embankment failure
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II) Proposed Solution:
The proposed solution includes replacement of clay with selected fill along with high
strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink/ParaGrid HF), non-woven geotextile (MacTex N).
Paralink as a reinforcement layer is placed at foundation level to prevent shear failure

both in the embankment fill and in the foundation soil. Basal reinforcement distribute
load uniformly and reduce the differential settlement. The stresses due road
embankment is tackled by the tensile strength of basal reinforcement. Ground
improvement of existing stratum shall be done to:
• To increase the load bearing capacity of the foundation stratum
• To distribute the stresses uniformly
• To improve the shearing characteristics of soft foundation soil
• To minimize the differential settlement
Details of the solutions & design considerations are presented in design sections.
4. Solution Components
1. High strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink)

Paralink (figure 2) is a high strength uniaxial BBA certified geogrid
manufactured from high tenacity polyester yarns. The bundle of polyester yarns is
co-extruded with polyethylene to form the individual polymeric strip. A uniaxial
arrangement of these strips connected to each other at intermittent intervals by
polyethylene strips forms the geometry of the geogrid. Paralink is used as
embankment reinforcement element as per IRC-113: 2013.
Figure 2: High strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink)
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2. Non-woven geotextile:
Non-Woven Geotextile type-III (as per MORT&H Section-700) is used as separator
between the embankment and selected fill layer. It is made of virgin high tenacity
polypropylene or polyester staple fibers which are UV stabilized. They are
characterized by a high resistance to installation damage, high water permeability,
resistance to ultraviolet degradation and to biological and chemical environments.
Non-woven geotextile of type I (as per MORT&H Section 700) is proposed below
the stone pitching.
Figure 3: Non-woven Geotextile
3. Design Considerations
• RS wall Location- CH 0+450 to 0+762 and CH: 1+035 to 1+610
• Load- 24 kPa
• Maximum RS wall height = 16 m
• BH considered for design- BH 20 (CH: 0+750), BH 1 (A1-CH: 0+760) and BH 18

(A2-CH: 1+040)
• Foundation soil properties considered for analysis,
BH 20 (CH: 0+750)
Bulk Unit Sat. Unit

Type of Thickness, Cohesion, Friction Specific Void
Weight, Weight,
Strata m (t/m2) Angle,  gravity ratio
T/m3 T/m3
Sandy Clay 5 2.5 15 1.83 2.03 2.653 0.66
Disintegrated
8.5 0 32 1.977 2.177 2.705 0.568
Soft Rock
Hard Rock 8.5 0* 32* 2.103 2.303 2.723 0.530
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BH 1 (A1-CH: 0+760)
Bulk Unit Sat. Unit

Weight, Weight,
T/m3 T/m3
Clay 3.2 1 30 1.868 2.068 2.66 0.69
Disintegrated
10.8 0 35 1.949 2.149 2.71 0.57
Soft Rock
Hard Rock* 5 0* 35* 1.949 2.149
BH 18 (A2-CH: 1+040)
Bulk Unit Sat. Unit
Weight, Weight,
T/m3 T/m3
Clay 4.5 3 10 1.85 2.05 2.635 0.71
Disintegrated
11.5 0 32 1.952 2.152 2.71
Soft Rock
Hard Rock* 5 0* 32* 1.952 2.152
*Assumed
• Compression Index (Cc) values are not given in the report and the same are taken
as an average of below given correlation given in IS 8009-1
Cc = 0.009 (LL-10)
Cc = 0.3 (e0-0.27)
Where, LL = Liquid limit and e0 = Initial void ratio
• The water table is considered at ground level for critical case of design.
• The select fill parameters used for the design are:
Select fill
Angle of Internal Friction (min) 300
Cohesion (min) 0 kPa
Bulk Unit Weight 1.8 T/m3
Sat Unit Weight 2.0 T/m3
• The seismic zone & coefficients (Reference IRC 6: 2010 & IS 1893:2002)
considered for the design are
Seismic Zone III
Seismic Coefficients Ah = 0.08, Av =0.053
REV: R1 August 2023

• The proposed solution includes selected fill layer with high strength uniaxial
geogrid (Paralink/ParaGrid HF) & non-woven geotextile (MacTex N).
• The calculation has been performed as per IS 6403, IS 8009-I, IRC:75-2015 & IRC-
113: 2013.
• Untreated analysis includes a 10.4m and 15.2m high RS wall embankment over
ground level with existing soil strata.
• Treated analysis includes the following solutions,
Replacement of clayey layer up to 3.5 m thickness or up to disintegrated rock layer

with select fill below foundation level along with one layer of high strength uniaxial
geogrid (Paralink/ParaGrid HF) and non-woven geotextile (MacTex N) placed at 0.5
m below foundation level of RS wall. Refer to the typical cross section attached in the
solution drawing section.
From Chainage 1+430 to 1+600: Existing embankment shall be excavated, and RS
wall construction shall be done from natural ground level keeping the embedment as
given in construction drawing and above given replacement shall be considered below
the foundation level of RS wall.
• Bearing capacity factor & settlement targeted & achieved:
Case Bearing Bearing Settlement Settlement Replacement

Cap. FoS Cap. FoS achieved, targeted, depth below
achieved Targeted mm mm foundation, m
Untreated (BH 20) 2.62 2.5 379 100 Nil
Treated (BH 20) 4.33 1.5 78 100 3.0
Untreated (BH 1-A1) 4.90 2.5 331 100 Nil
Treated (BH 1-A1) 5.66 1.5 90 100 1.5
Untreated (BH 18-A2) 2.47 2.5 527 100 Nil
Treated (BH 18-A2) 3.15 1.5 67 100 3.5
• Targeted & achieved FOS for global stability check:
The calculation has been performed as per IRC:75-2015 & IRC-113: 2013.
Cases FOS Static Achieved FOS Static Targeted

Static >=1.4 1.4
Seismic >=1.05 1.05
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• Select fill of up to 3.5 m thickness below foundation level of RS wall is proposed
from stability & bearing capacity point of view.
• Based on the analysis, high strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink/ParaGrid HF) of

grade 400 kN/m is provided.
• Basal reinforcement is provided for improved pressure distribution and controlling

the differential settlement.
• With the use of high strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink/ParaGrid HF) approx. 10%
of reduction in stress is attained.
REV: R1 August 2023

4. Solution Drawing
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Crash barrier
Total Width Crash barrier
as per contract drawings as per contract drawings
Slope Slope
Coping Coping
Beam Beam
Mac Drain Mac Drain

PARAWEB PARAWEB
γ < 20 kN/m³ γ < 20 kN/m³

Ø > 30°(Minimum) Ø > 30°(Minimum)
PARAWEB PARAWEB
LHS RETAINED BACKFILL
% Fines <15 % Fines <15
γ < 20 kN/m³
PARAWEB PARAWEB RHS
Ø > 30°(Minimum)
RS Wall RS Wall
Spacing between layers 800mm constant Spacing between layers 800mm constant
H PARAWEB PARAWEB H
PARAWEB PARAWEB
DRAINAGE PIPE GRAVEL/AGGREGATE FILTER GRAVEL/AGGREGATE FILTER DRAINAGE PIPE
PARAWEB PARAWEB
OGL/SRL OGL/SRL
REINFORCED BACKFILL REINFORCED BACKFILL
PARAWEB PARAWEB
1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Minimum1.0m PARALINK PARALINK
Embedment 3.0 γ < 20 kN/m³ 3.0
SELECT FILL A* Ø > 30°(Minimum) A* SELECT FILL
0.3 0.3
1.5m Reinforcement Length Reinforcement Length 1.5m
Non-Woven Geotextile Non-Woven Geotextile

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF GROUND IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR REINFORCED SOIL WALL
5. Design
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Untreated (without ground improvement)
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BEARING CAPACITY CHECK FOR EMBANKMENT AS PER IS 6403
Location:
GROUND IMPROVEMENT SOLUTION FOR FOUR LANING OF EXISTING LEVEL CROSSING NO. RV-71
AT KM 435 ON NH-217 (NEW NH 353) AT KHARIAR IN THE DIST. OF NUAPADA
A.] Foundation Soil Data : Bore Hole @ BH-20 Untreated
Internal Angle of Saturated Unit Weight

Cohesion i.e. Bulk Unit Weight i.e.
Thickness of the Strata Friction i.e. i.e.
Reference Layer No Type of Strata cu gb
(m) f gsat
(t/m2) (deg.) (t/m3) 3
(t/m )
BH 20 1 Sandy Clay 4 2.5000 15 1.81 2.01
BH 20 2 DI Rock 8.5 0.0000 32 1.977 2.177
BH 21 3 Hard Rock 3.100 0.0000 32 2.103 2.303
Water Table: 0.5 Actual WT =0.5

Design Value of the Cohesion: 0.64 t/m2
Internal angle of friction : 27.641 degrees
Total Depth of Soft Foundation Soil: 4.00 m
Bulk unit wt: 1.959 t/m3
Sat unit wt: 2.159 t/m3
B.] Fill Material Data :
Cohesion of Fill i.e. cu = 0.000 t/m2
Angle of Internal Friction of Fill i.e. f = 30 deg.
Bulk Unit Weight of wall i.e. gbf = 2.000 t/m3
C.] Loading Data :
Surcharge Load i.e. qs = 2.813 t/m

2
D.] Dimensional Data :
Type of wall = without berm
Top Width of the wall = 24.00 m
Height of the wall = 10.400 m
For Embankment having No Berm --------
Side Slope of the Carriageway = 1 V 0.0 H
Base Width of the wall without Service Road = 24.00 m

E.] Check :
a.] IS 6403 :
Width of the bottom of the wall i.e. B = 24.00 m
Qult = Ultimate Bearing Capacity

= c Nc sc dc ic + q Nq sq dq iq + 0.5 g B Ng sg dg ig W'
Qult = 62.10 t/m2
Ultimate Bearing Capacity of the foundation i.e. Qult = 62.10 t/m2
Without any reinforcement, maximum stress below the

embankment (P)
= 23.70 t/m2
Factor of Safety against bearing capacity failure without any

= 2.62 OK
reinforcement
Bearing Capacity Calculation
(Reference:IS 6403)
B= Width of the foundation = 24.00 m.

c= Cohesion = 4.19 kN/sq.m
Φ= Friction angle = 19.33 Degree
Df = Depth of the Foundation = 1.00 m.
g= Bulk unit weight of the Soil = 19.22 kN/cum.m
g= Sat unit weight of the Soil = 21.18 kN/cum.m
q= Overburden pressure = γ * Df = 11.370 kN/sq.m
Depth of Water Table,m 0.50
d/B = Ratio d/B 0.00
W' = water table correction factor = 0.50 (cl:5.1.2.4 of IS 6403)
Nc = Bearing Capacity factor due to cohesion = 13.26 (table:1 of IS 6403)
Sc = Shape factor correction due to cohesion = 1.00 (table:2 of IS 6403)
Nq = Bearing Capacity factor due to surcharge = 5.21 (table:1 of IS 6403)
Sq = Shape factor correction due to surcharge 1.00 (table:2 of IS 6403)
Ng = Bearing Capacity factor due to weight of subsoil = 3.89 (table:1 of IS 6403)
Sγ = Shape factor correction due to subsoil wt.= 1.00 (table:2 of IS 6403)
ic , i q, i γ = inclination factors= 1.00 (cl:5.1.2.2 of IS 6403)
dc, dq, dγ = depth factors= 1.00 (cl:5.1.2.3 of IS 6403)
Qult = 609.185 kN /sqm
Ultimate Bearing Capacity

= 609.185 kN/m2
= 62.098 t/m2
Net ultimate Bearing Capacity 60.939 t/m2
Net Safe Bearing Capacity 30.46968 t/m2
Safe Bearing Capacity
= ((Ultimate Bearing Capacity- γ * Df)/ FS)+γ * Df
= 31.629 t/m2
= 310.277 kN/m2
Design of Embankment
Estimation of Total Settlement
[ As per IRC : 75, IS : 8009 (Part I) and "Foundation Analysis and Design" by Bowles ]
GROUND IMPROVEMENT SOLUTION FOR FOUR LANING OF EXISTING LEVEL CROSSING NO. RV-71 AT KM 435 ON NH-
Project:
217 (NEW NH 353) AT KHARIAR IN THE DIST. OF NUAPADA
Proposed Structure. RS Wall (Roadway embankment) Type of Embankment Roadway Embankment
Height of wall 10.4m high Reinforced soil wall Based on Boreholes BH-20
A) EMBANKMENT GEOMETRY AND ITS GEOTECHNICAL PARAMETERS :
1) Embankment Height = 10.400 m
2) Embankment Side Slope = 1.000 V 0.0000 H
3) Embankment Width at Top = 24.000 m
4) Embankment Length at Top = 24.000 m
5) Embankment Width at Base (B) = 24.000 m
6) Embankment Length at Base (L) = 24.000 m
7) Horizontal Projection of Embankment side slope along width (a) = 0.000 m
8) One half of Embankment Width at Top (b) = 12.000 m
9) Unit Weight of Embankment Material (g) = 2.000 t/m3
10) Total Pressure at the Base of Embankment (q) = 24.000 t/m2
11) Location of Settlement Estimation in Embankment = Center
B) EMBANKMENT FOUNDATION SOIL PARAMETERS :
LAYER 1 : Sandy Clay
excluding 1 m
1) Thickness ( H ) = 4.0 m
embedment
2) Saturated Unit Weight ( gsat ) = 2.030 t/m3
3) Effective Unit Weight ( gsub ) = 1.030 t/m3
5) Net Incremental Presure at the layer top (Dp) = 24.000 t/m2
6) Initial Void Ratio ( e0 ) = 0.660 As per GTI

7) Compression Index ( Cc ) = 0.1470 Emperically
C) ESTIMATION OF SETTLEMENT :
i]. Equations for Estimation of Settlement --------
1) Elastic (Immediate) Settlement --------
(i) For Center
Si = [ Dp * (B/2) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
(ii) For Corner
Si = [ Dp * (B) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]

2) Primary Consolidation Settlement --------
(i) Case I: If the Clayey Soil is not Preconsolidated i.e. Normally Consolidated [ p f > p0 > pc ] --------
Sc = Hc* [ Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
(ii) Case II: If the Clayey Soil is Preconsolidated and [ p0 < pc < pf ] ---------
Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]*log10 [pc/p0] + Hc*[Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/pc ]
(ii) Case III: If the Clayey Soil is Preconsolidated and [ p0 < pf < pc ] ---------
Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
3) Secondary Consolidation Settlement ---------
Sa = [ Ca * (H) * log((t - tprimary) / tprimary) ]
ii]. Equations for Estimation of Pressure Increment [ After J.D.Osterberg ] --------
Dp = 2 * (q * Isz)
iii]. Table for Estimation of Settlement --------
1) Elastic / Immediate Settlement
Layer No. Description of Layer Estimated Elastic Settlement (mm)
I Sandy Clay 0.000
2) Primary Consolidation Settlement
Net Incremental Primary Consolidation Settlement

Centre of Presure at the
Thickness Thickness of SubLayer from (m)
a b Overburden middle of the layer
Layer No. of Layer SubLayer base of the Isz
(rad.) (rad.) pressure (t/m2) (Dp)
(m) (m) embankment,z
(m) Case I Case II Case III
(t/m2)
1 4.00 4.000 2.000 0.000 1.406 #DIV/0! 2.060 22.154 0.379 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 1 0.379 0.000 0.000
Correction Factors --
Estimated Total "Primary Consolidation Settlement" before Correction = 379.1 mm
Estimated Total " Elastic / Immediate Settlement" before Correction = 0.0 mm
Estimated Total "Primary Consolidation Settlement" after Correction = 379.1 mm
Estimated Total "Elastic / Immediate Settlement" after Correction = 0.0 mm
D) ESTIMATION OF TOTAL SETTLEMENT :
ESTIMATED TOTAL ELASTIC SETTLEMENT = 0 mm
ESTIMATED TOTAL CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT = 379 mm
ESTIMATED TOTAL SETTLEMENT = 379 mm

Location:
A.] Foundation Soil Data : Bore Hole @ BH-1 (A1) Untreated

(m) f gsat
(t/m2) (deg.) (t/m3) 3
(t/m )
BH 18 1 Clay (below foundation) 2.2 3.0000 10 1.868 2.068
Assumed 2 Soft Rock 10.8 0.0000 35 1.949 2.149
Assumed 3 Hard Rock 2.600 0.0000 35 2.2 2.4

C.] Loading Data :

2

E.] Check :
a.] IS 6403 :

Qult = 118.31 t/m2

embankment (P)
= 23.70 t/m2

= 4.99 OK
reinforcement
(Reference:IS 6403)

Qult = 1160.630 kN /sqm

= 1160.630 kN/m2
= 118.311 t/m2
= 59.745 t/m2
= 586.098 kN/m2
Project:
Height of wall 10.4m high Reinforced soil wall Based on Boreholes BH-1 (A1)
Excluding 1 m
embedment

(i) For Center
Si = [ Dp * (B/2) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
(ii) For Corner
Si = [ Dp * (B) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]

Sc = Hc* [ Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Dp = 2 * (q * Isz)
I Sandy Clay 0.000

Layer No. of Layer SubLayer base of the Isz
(t/m2)
1 2.20 2.200 1.100 0.000 1.479 #DIV/0! 1.175 22.948 0.331 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 1 0.331 0.000 0.000

Location:
A.] Foundation Soil Data : Bore Hole @ BH-18 (A2) Untreated

(m) f gsat
(t/m2) (deg.) (t/m3) 3
(t/m )
BH 18 2 Soft Rock 11.5 0.0000 32 1.952 2.152
BH 18 3 Hard Rock 7.800 0.0000 32 1.952 2.152

C.] Loading Data :

2

E.] Check :
a.] IS 6403 :

Qult = 82.21 t/m2

embankment (P)
= 33.30 t/m2

= 2.47 NOT OK
reinforcement
(Reference:IS 6403)

Qult = 806.440 kN /sqm

= 806.440 kN/m2
= 82.206 t/m2
= 41.671 t/m2
= 408.792 kN/m2
Project:
LAYER 1 : Clay
excluding 1m
embedment

(i) For Center
Si = [ Dp * (B/2) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
(ii) For Corner
Si = [ Dp * (B) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]

Sc = Hc* [ Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Dp = 2 * (q * Isz)
I Clay 0.000

Layer a b Overburden middle of the layer
of Layer SubLayer base of the Isz
No. (rad.) (rad.) pressure (t/m2) (Dp)
(t/m2)
1 3.50 3.500 1.750 0.000 1.426 #DIV/0! 1.838 30.757 0.527 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 1 0.527 0.000 0.000

Treated (with ground improvement solution)
REV: R1 August 2023

Location:
A.] Foundation Soil Data : Bore Hole @ BH-20 Treated

(m) f gsat
(t/m 2) (t/m 3)
(deg.) (t/m 3)
Assumed 1 Select Fill 3 0.0000 30 1.8 2
BH 20 2 Sandy Clay 1 2.5000 15 1.81 2.01
BH 20 3 DI Rock 8.5 0.0000 32 1.977 2.177
BH 21 4 Hard rock 3.100 0.0000 32 2.103 2.303

Design Value of the Cohesion: 0.16 t/m 2
Cohesion of Fill i.e. cu = 0.000 t/m 2
Bulk Unit Weight of wall i.e. gbf = 2.000 t/m

3
C.] Loading Data :
Surcharge Load i.e. qs = 2.813 t/m 2

E.] Check :
a.] IS 6403 :

Qult = 102.61 t/m2
Ultimate Bearing Capacity of the foundation i.e. Qult = 102.61 t/m 2
Without any reinforcement, maximum stress below the embankment

(P)
= 23.70 t/m 2

= 4.33 OK
reinforcement
With basal reinforcement, maximum stress below the embankment

(P)
= 23.70 t/m 2
Factor of Safety against bearing capacity failure with basal

= 4.33 OK
reinforcement
FOS=1.5 as per IRS-113: 2013
(Reference:IS 6403)

Qult = 1006.606 kN /sqm

= 1006.606 kN/m2
= 102.610 t/m2
= 41.738 t/m2
= 409.452 kN/m2
GROUND IMPROVEMENT SOLUTION FOR FOUR LANING OF EXISTING LEVEL CROSSING NO. RV-71 AT KM 435 ON NH-217
Project:
(NEW NH 353) AT KHARIAR IN THE DIST. OF NUAPADA
RS Wall (Roadway
Proposed Structure. Type of Embankment Roadway Embankment
embankment)
Height of wall 10.4m high Reinforced soil wall Based on Boreholes BH-20
LAYER 1 : Select Fill
1) Thickness ( H ) = 3.0 m Below foundation
Tb-2-7, Bowle's "Foundation

12) Poisson's Ratio ( m ) = 0.35
Analysis and Design
13) Influence Factor ( Is ) = 0.036

14) Modulus of Elasticity ( Es ) = 5000 t/m2 Analysis and Design
1) Depth of the layer top from Embankment base level ( z ) = 3.0 m
9) Initial Void Ratio ( e0 ) = 0.660 Emperically

(i) For Center
Si = [ Dp * (B/2) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
(ii) For Corner
Si = [ Dp * (B) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
(i) Case I: If the Clayey Soil is not Preconsolidated i.e. Normally Consolidated [ pf > p0 > pc ] --------
Sc = Hc* [ Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Dp = 2 * (q * Isz)
I Select Fill 7.290
II Sandy Clay 0.000

Thickness of Thickness of SubLayer from (m)
Layer No. Layer SubLayer base of the Isz
(t/m2)
1 3.00 3.000 1.500 0.000 1.446 #DIV/0! 1.500 22.588 0.000 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 1 0.000 0.000 0.000
Centre of Primary Consolidation Settlement

Thickness of Thickness of SubLayer from Final Pressure (m)
a b Overburden (pf)
(rad.) (rad.) pressure (t/m2)
(m) (m) embankment,z (t/m2)
2 1.00 1.000 3.500 0.000 1.287 #DIV/0! 3.515 18.581 0.071 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 2 0.071 0.000 0.000


Location:
A.] Foundation Soil Data : Bore Hole @ BH-1 (A1) Treated

(m) f gsat
(t/m2) (deg.) (t/m3) 3
(t/m )
Assumed 1 Select Fill 1.5 0.0000 30 1.8 2
BH 18 3 Soft Rock 10.8 0.0000 35 1.949 2.149
BH 18 4 Hard Rock 1.700 0.0000 35 1.949 2.149

C.] Loading Data :
Surcharge Load i.e. qs = 2.813 t/m2

E.] Check :
a.] IS 6403 :

Qult = 134.24 t/m2

embankment (P)
= 23.70 t/m2

= 5.66 OK
reinforcement
(Reference:IS 6403)

Qult = 1316.891 kN /sqm

= 1316.891 kN/m2
= 134.240 t/m2
= 67.685 t/m2
= 663.988 kN/m2
Project:
RS Wall (Roadway
embankment)
Below
Foundation

Analysis and Design

9) Initial Void Ratio ( e0 ) = 0.690 Emperically

(i) For Center
Si = [ Dp * (B/2) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
(ii) For Corner
Si = [ Dp * (B) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
Sc = Hc* [ Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Dp = 2 * (q * Isz)
I Select Fill 3.294
II Sandy Clay 0.000

Thickness of Thickness of SubLayer from (m)
(t/m2)
1 1.50 1.500 0.750 0.000 1.508 #DIV/0! 0.750 23.273 0.000 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 1 0.000 0.000 0.000
Centre of Primary Consolidation Settlement

Thickness of Thickness of SubLayer from Final Pressure (m)
a b Overburden (pf)
(m) (m) embankment,z (t/m2)
2 0.70 0.700 1.850 0.000 1.418 #DIV/0! 1.874 20.794 0.087 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 2 0.087 0.000 0.000


Location:
A.] Foundation Soil Data : Bore Hole @ BH-18 (A2) Treated

(m) f gsat
(t/m2) (deg.) (t/m3) 3
(t/m )
Assumed 1 Select Fill 3 0.0000 30 1.8 2
BH 18 3 Soft Rock 11.5 0.0000 32 1.952 2.152
BH 18 4 Hard Rock 1.200 0.0000 32 1.952 2.152

C.] Loading Data :
Surcharge Load i.e. qs = 2.813 t/m2

E.] Check :
a.] IS 6403 :

Qult = 105.04 t/m2

embankment (P)
= 33.30 t/m2

= 3.15 OK
reinforcement
(Reference:IS 6403)

Qult = 1030.409 kN /sqm

= 1030.409 kN/m2
= 105.037 t/m2
= 53.079 t/m2
= 520.703 kN/m2
Project:
RS Wall (Roadway
embankment)
Height of wall 15.2 m high Reinforced soil wall Based on Boreholes BH-18 (A2)
Below
Foundation

Analysis and Design

LAYER 2 : Clay
9) Initial Void Ratio ( e0 ) = 0.710 GTI report

(i) For Center
Si = [ Dp * (B/2) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
(ii) For Corner
Si = [ Dp * (B) * ((1 - m2) / Es ) * m * Is * IF ]
Sc = Hc* [ Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/p0 ]
Dp = 2 * (q * Isz)
I Select Fill 10.024
II Clay 0.000
Centre of Net Incremental

SubLayer Primary Consolidation Settlement
Presure at the (m)
Thickness of Thickness of from base of
Layer No. Layer SubLayer the Isz
(m) (m) embankment,
z Case I Case II Case III
(m) (t/m2)
1 3.00 3.000 1.500 0.000 1.446 #DIV/0! 1.500 31.059 0.000 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 1 0.000 0.000 0.000

Centre of
SubLayer Primary Consolidation Settlement
Thickness of Thickness of from base of Final Pressure (m)
a b Overburden (pf)
Layer No. Layer SubLayer the Isz
(m) (m) embankment, (t/m2)
z Case I Case II Case III
(m)
2 0.50 0.500 3.250 0.000 1.306 #DIV/0! 3.263 25.967 0.057 N.A. N.A.
Total of Layer No. 2 0.057 0.000 0.000


6. Case Studies
REV: R1 August 2023

PARAPRODUCTS
BASAL REINFORCEMENT
PARAPRODUCTS
(Basal Reinforcement)
RAILWAYS APPLICATIONS
1
Maccaferri reserves the right to amend product specifications without notice and specifiers are
requested to check as to the validity of the specifications they are using.
CONTENTS
PREFACE 3
1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION 4
2.1 RESPONSIBILITIES 4
2.2 CONSTRUCTION DESIGN 5
2.3 PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE 5
2.4 SERVICES PROVIDED BY OFFICINE MACCAFERRI S.p.A. 5
2.5 MATERIALS PROVIDED BY OFFICINE MACCAFERRI S.p.A. 6
3. ORGANISATION OF INSTALLATION SITE 7
3.1 PLANT AND MACHINERY NEEDED BY THE CONTACTOR 7
3.1 EQUIPMENT NEEDED BY THE CONTACTOR 7
3.3 ESTIMATED PERSONNEL REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION 8
3.4 WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE CONTRACTOR 8
3.5 INSTALLATION RATE 8
3.6 EMBANKMENT MATERIAL 9
4. UNLOADING AND STORAGE OF PREFABRICATED ELEMENTS 9
4.1 PREFABRICATED CONCRETE PANELS 9
4.2 ParawebTM REINFORCEMENT AND ACCESSORIES 11
5. INSTALLATION 13
5.1 PROCEDURES FOR POSITIONING PANELS 13
5.2 INSTALLATION SEQUENCE 15
5.3 INSTALLATION OPERATIONS 16
OP 1) SITE PREPARATION 16
OP 2) POURING BLINDING LAYER AND SETTING OUT OF FACING 17
OP 3) POSITIONING AND STRUTTING OF THE FIRST ROW OF PANELS 17
OP 4) PLACING OF WEDGES AND CLAMPS 19
OP 5) PLACING GEOTEXTILE INSIDE PANELS 19
OP 6) FORMATION AND COMPACTION OF THE FIRST EMBANKMENT LAYER 19
OP 7) POSITIONING AND CONNECTION OF THE FIRST LAYER OF REINFORCEMENTS 21
OP 8) FORMATION AND COMPACTION OF THE SECOND EMBANKMENT LAYER 23
OP 9) POSITIONING OF THE BEARINGS AND THE SUBSEQUENT ROW OF PANELS 23
OP 10) REPETITION OF OPERATIONS 4),5),6),7),8),9) AND 10) UNTIL THE TOP LEVEL OF
THE FACING REQUIRED IN THE DESIGN IS REACHED 24
OP 11) INSTALLATION OF ANY TOP SLABS, BARRIERS OR ANY OTHER SUPERSTRUC-

TURE INCLUDED IN THE CONSTRUCTION DESIGN. 24
5.4 COMPLETION OF THE STRUCTURE 25
6. CAUSE-EFFECT RELATIONS 25
7. REGISTERED TRADE-MARK 27
8. TYPE AND NAME OF THEPREFABRICATED ELEMENTS 27
2
PREFACE
MACCAFERRI Group owns 100% of Linear Composites Ltd based in U.K. who manufactures the Paragrid and
Paralink geogrids.
Paralink geogrids are planar structures consisiting of a monoaxial array
of composite Geosynthetic strips. Each longitudinal strip has a core of
high modulus, low creep polyester yarn tendons encased in a tough, du-
rable polyethylene sheath.
The single strips are connected by low strength cross laid polyethylene
elements which give a grid like shape to the composite. Paralink has su-
perior unidirectional strength and is available as a custom-made product
in a range of strengths between 100 kN/m ultimate up to 1350 kN/m.
Bidirectional strength can be obtained by installing two paralink Layers
at right angles to each other.
Paralink conforms to CE marking for reinforcement applications, and is
certified by the British Board of Agreement for applications in soil rein-
forcement.
Paragrid geogrids are planar structures consisting in a monoaxial array

of composite Geosynthetic strips. The single strips are connected by low
strength cross laid polyethylene elements which give a grid like shape to
the composite. The strips comprise a core of high modulus, low creep
polyester yarn tendons encased in a tough, durable polyethylene sheath.
Paragrid has good bidirectional strength and is available in strength
from 30 kN/m ultimate to 200 kN/m in the main direction (longitudinal)
and from 5 to 100 kN/m in the secondary direction.
Paragrid conforms to CE marking for reinforcement applications, and is
certified by the British Board of Agreement for applications in soil rein-
forcement.
1. INTRODUCTION
Paraproducts have been used many years in soil reinforcement applications in many different countries in a variety
of different applications such as:
• Steep slope construction
• Basal reinforcement of railway and road embankments
• Foundation reinforcement of piled embankments
• Geosynthetic foundations on weak soils
All these applications have been deeply investigated and their design is fully detailed in the first edition of BS 8006.
This is the first European Code dedicated to Reinforcement Application. In order to comply with this Code of Prac-
tice the Paragrid and Paralink range of materials have been tested and certified by the British Board of Agrement
since the early 1990’s and the base strip material Paraweb since 1978 (actually we have the third edition of these
certifications)
“This certicate relates to Paralink geocomposite ma-

terials for use as basal reinforcement under highway
embankments.
The products are for use as basal reinforcement for
embankments constructed on or over:
• Soft foundation soils
3
• Piled foundations
• Areas prone to subsidence”
“This certificate relates to Paragrid geocomposites

for use as reinforcement in embankments with slope
angles up to 70°”
2. RAILWAY APPLICATIONS
The products have been widely used in railway applications mainly as basal reinforcement; the first applications
have been done in UK while the most extensive and documented applications are in Italy where both Paragrid and
Paralink have been used in the construction of a new high speed railway lines.
Hereafter is reported the list of the main application and for some projects pictures, certifications and more detailed
information.
UK References
1. Piled Embankment reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the construction of the railway link from the
British rail main line (London-Cambridge) to the new airport terminal buildings of Stansted (London
Airport 3)
Designer/client: British railway board
Contractor: Peter Birse Ltd.
Notes: Paper presented to the International Conference on Geotextiles, geomembranes and related pro
ducts - The Hague (NL) - 1990
4
5
6
7
Table 2. Settlement analysis

H η η ∆η/∆t
[ (3years) (13years) [m/10ye
m] [m] [m] ars]
7 No 0.18 0.23 0.05
.0 Piles
Piles 0.05 0.07 0.02
6 No 0.14 0.19 0.05
.0 Piles
Piles 0.04 0.06 0.02
5 No 0.14 0.18 0.04
.0 Piles
Figure 1. Stratigraphic profile of the piled
Piles 0.05 0.06 0.01
embankment area
4 No 0.09 0.12 0.03
.0 Piles
Piles 0.04 0.05 0.01
DESCRIPTION OF THE DESIGNED SOLUTION

As suggested by the BS8006 the maximum distance be-
tween the consolidation piles has been assumed equal to
2,00 m.
Each pile has a variable length according to the different
height of the embankment ; this length has been settled ac-
cording to the settlement calculation results. The diameter
of the pile
is constant
and equal
to 500 mm.
No caps are
present on
top of the
piles and it
means that
the foundation geogrids has been placed directly on the
piles; to be pointed out that a bed of compacted sand has
been placed on top of the piles between them and the
geogrids (see sketch 2 for details).
Figure 3 shows a picture of the layout of installation of the
cross resistant geogrid (characterised by a nominal break-
ing load ranging from 900 to 1050 kN/m according to the
height of the embankment) while figure 4 shows the fol-
lowing step of the installation phase when also the longitu-
dinal reinforcement grid was laid (to be emphasized that
no overlap was required with an important saving of cost
on the geosynthetic material).
The “reinforcement package” has been completed with a
layer of approx 0,50 m of gravel materials; at the toe of the
embankments the geogrids – as per calculation results of
the lateral anchorage
Figure 2. Details of the installation layout
of the reinforcement geogrids
requested length ac-
23
Figure 3. Installation layout of the cross resistant geogrids
Figure 4. Installation layout of the longitudinal geogrids
24
Figure 5. both side anchorage of the cross resistant geogrid

cording to the BS8006 indications – have
been wrapped around inside the embankment in the filling layer (see figure 5).
VALIDATION NUMERICAL ANYLISIS
Numerical analysis according to the BS8006:1995

method
The tensile strength applied to the geogrids of rein-
forcement have been calculated as indicated in chapter
8 of the BS8006 “Code of Code of practice for
Strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills”; the re-
sults of these analysis are reported in a graphical way
in the following figure 6.
It is clear that increasing the pile cap size the ten-
sile strength in the reinforcement is reduced (the de-
crease is not a linear function); the designed solution
settled the pile cap size at 0,50 m equal to the diameter
size of the piles.
The design decision not to enlarge the caps of the
piles has dramatically influenced the choice of the re-
inforcement elements; these elements had to guarantee Figure 6 Tensile Strength of the geogrids Vs. Pile Cap
a tensile strength at ultimate state close to 310 kN/m Size (BS8006/95).
in the longitudinal direction and ranging between 450
and 550 kN/m in the cross-embankment direction.
25
The tensile strengths required are very high especially if we take into consideration the elongation limits
imposed; the maximum elongation acceptable at the working stress have in fact not to exceed the 5%.
These working conditions have driven the choice of the reinforcement geogrid (see following paragraph).
To be emphasized that the high resistance are a logical result of the BS8006 assumption of not taking
into account the positive contribution of the confined soil so that the embankment is fully sustained by the
reinforcement element only.
This supposition can be, at first impact, considered excessively cautious but the working difficulty in
compacting the soil around the pile caps has as a
result that the real contribution of the soil is prac-
tically negligible.
REINFORCEMENT MATERIAL
The reinforcement geosynthetic

This was not only the first massive application
of the piled embankment technology in Italy but
also a really severe application (railways embank-
ments dedicated to the high speed trains) so that Figure 7. Strip type geogrid used to reinforce the embank-
the specifications requested to the reinforcement ments
material have been very tight in order to have no
risk at all.
The material had not only to fit the requested design strength at the maximum elongation of 5% (see
paragraph 4.1) but these performances had to be certified for similar severe applications by a competent
testing authority like the British Board of Agreement.
Finally it was chosen a strip based geogrid (see figure 7) already widely used for similar application
worldwide and certified by the BBA (certificates 3338-1997 and 4065-2003) as basal reinforcement of em-
bankments since the 1997.
Finally a strip based geogrid was chosen (BBA certificate 4065-03)
CONCLUSION
Many other embankments, following the path opened by this first applications (in the same area have been
built five piled embaments: RI83, RI84, RI87, RI89 and RI90 where “RI” ins the Italian shortening for em-
bankment), have been done in Italy on railways and highway embankments.
The interest for these first embankments is anyway still very high because these are the only one where
the contractor and the designer decided to squeeze at top level the geosynthetics performances in order not
to build additional caps to the piles. It is still under discussion if it is the best solution from the economical
point of view (but this was the point of view of the contractor) but most important fat is that the solution
works perfectly and the results are as estimated during the design phase; for sure this is the most welcomed
solution by the railways authority side.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to extend special thanks to: the Consorzio CEPAV UNO, the EUROVIE S.c.a.r.l., Dott.
Eng. A. Boschi.
REFERENCES
26
Hewlett W.J. & Randolph M.F. (1988). “Analisis of piled embankments”, Ground Engineering, Vol.22, No.3, April 1988, pp.
12-18.
“Code of practice for Strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills” – British Standard 8006/95.
Rehnman S-E, Eriksonn U.B., Jendeby L. (1999). “Embankment on soft soil, interaction between embankment, reinforced and
piles. Long term measurement at Urvalla, Sweden”, Geothecnical engineering for transportation infrastructure, pp. 1867-
1872.
8. Piled Embankement reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the construction of the railway high
speed train track from Bologna to Milano - Italain Railway identification of the Embankment RI 84
Designer/client: Italferr Spa/TAV Spa
Contractor: Eurovie scarl (Parma)
Materials used: Paralink 600 m2 7.800
Paralink 800 m2 4.000
G E O G R IG LIE TR AS V E R S A LI
tipo lung h ezza largh ezza n°
da a mq
pa ralink rotolo ro to lo roto lo
1 26 11 50 40 4.5 26 4 680
27 36 10 50 38 4.5 10 17 10
37 39 8 50 36 4.5 3 48 6
40 44 8 50 38 4.5 5 85 5
45 60 8 50 36 4.5 16 2 59 2
Installation pictures done during the construction of RI 84

G E O G R IG LIE LO N G ITU D IN A LI
da a tipo lung h ezza largh ezza n°
mq
Each roll is especially designed according to the requirements and labelled pa ralink rotolo ro to lo roto lo
61 66 600 88 4.5 6 2 3 76
with an identification number. This identification code is shown on an in- 67 67 600 88 3.0 1 264
68 68 600 68 *2 4.5 1 306
stallation sketch (see following page) and on a summary table (see aside) 69
70
69
71
600
600
86
88
4.5
4.5
1
2
387
792
to enable correct installation and positioning of each roll. 72
74
73
74
600
600
90
68 *3
4.5
3.0
2
1
810
204
75 75 600 44 *1 3.0 1 132
76 77 600 44 *2 4.5 2 396
78 78 600 42 *3 4.5 1 189
With these tools the installation team will make a quick and easy job wi- 79 79 600 44 3.0 1 132
80 83 600 86 4.5 4 15 48
thout any possibility of mistakes and with assurance of no wastage of ma- 84 84 600 88 3.0 1 264
terials. Fo rnitura in so luzio ne u nica co n trasseg nata p er il ta glio

* 1 : 2 rotoli da 44m sp =4 .5m
* 2 : ro tolo da 42 m e rotolo d a 68m
* 3 : 2 rotoli da 44m sp =3 .0m
27
Installation sketch of RI84 - Installation documents given from Maccaferri tech. Dpt to the contractor installation team
28
29
16
17
18
19
20
7. Piled Embankement reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the construction of the railway railway
high speed train track from Bologna to Milano - Italain Railway identification of the Embankment
RI 83
Notes: Paper presented to the International Conference on Geotextiles, geomembranes and related
products - Yokoama (J) - 2006 (hereafter attached)
The use of geogrids in the construction of piled embankments on the

new lines of the Italian high speed train
Marchi G.F.
D.I.S.T.A.R.T. – University of Bologna
Schiavo M., Kempton G.
Consultants
Naughton P.
Institute of Technology, Sligo, Ireland
Scotto M.
Officine Maccaferri Spa
Keywords: Piles, Embankments, geogrids
ABSTRACT: The new railway line running from Milano to Bologna crossed an area of compressible soils
in the Parma area, in particular at some sites the prevalent hydrostatic level suggested different solution –
from the “classical method” – to solve the settlement problem based on geosynthetics; the designers and
the main contractor due to this problem had to compare many different technical solutions for the construc-
tion of the embankments. The classical deep piles foundation and short pile foundation on “concrete” slab
was compared with a geosynthetic solution based on the use of high tensile strength polyester based
geogrids and an evaluation of the technical, construction and cost benefits of each solution was carried out.
The design was prepared at the instruction of the railway engineering company ITALFERR – following
the design procedure of the BS8006:1995 and a full scale investigation program was carried out on the soil
foundation characteristics; some technical options were left in order to let to the contractor evaluate the
best choice, for him, from the point of view of construction speed.
The first embankment was built in 2003 and the construction phase was fully monitored to verify the effec-
tiveness of the design following which the final design decisions were taken.
In the following two years many other embankments were built on the same railway line and most of the
concepts originally conceived have been confirmed even through some small changes were made to certain
of the construction details mainly related to the pile cap size.
INTRODUCTION
In the construction of the new Italian high speed railway line (“Treno Alta Velocità”) connecting the cities
of Napoli and Milano some piled embankments have been build in the area of Parma (on the portion of line
connecting Bologna to Milano) in place of the traditional consolidation system based on drainage systems.
The choice of a “non traditional solution” was due to the need to solve in a very short time the settle-
ment problem; this in order to satisfy the construction time requirements and to minimize the local and dif-
ferential settlements on the embankments.
More than this, new consolidation solutions – as far as concern the Italian market – were easily accepted
in areas characterized by the presence of a prevalent water table able – in time - to reduce to zero the bene-
fits of any consolidation done with drainage systems. The drainage solutions option have been studied but
it was not possible to guarantee either the reduction of the constructions time or to obtain gradients of set-
21
tlements acceptable for the ordinary work of the railway line (the main contractor’s need was a maximum
gradient of settlement equal to 5 cm/10 years in standard working conditions).
The piled embankments area is located south of the city of Parma parallel to the motorway A1 (Milano-
Bologna). This area is well known as rising spring-water area in the province of Parma and this could have
caused an increase of the speed of the settlement without guarantee of the functional work of the embank-
ment.
In order to solve the problem, in place of a solution based on drainage systems, it has been decided to
design a solution based on a wide-spread use of piles with a top foundation layer of the embankment done
with a crossed layer of mono directional high resistance geogrids.
Because of the lack of a relevant national standard the BS8006 Code of Practice has been used to design
the geogrid foundation layer; this was also a specific request of the Italian railways authority in order to
have no risk in the design of this innovative application.
This paper will give some information on the geotechnical background of the surrounding area, details
of the final solution and the design key elements calculated according to the indication of the chapter 8 of
the mentioned BS8006; finally the results will be compared with a modified design calculation based again
on the BS8006.
GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATIONS AND EVALUATION OF THE EXPECTED SETTLEMENTS
Gotechnical informations
The full piled embankment area has been geotechnically investigated with “in situ” and laboratory tests.
The stratigraphic profile is detailed in figure 1.
In the following table 1 are reported the thickness of the different soil stratum intersected by the piles and
the most relevant soil parameters of the area of the piled embankment.
Table 1. Soil characterization.

U Depth γ E cv
nits
From To [kN [MP [m2/
[m] [m] /m3] a] s]
1 0.0 4.0 19.0 7.0 1.5x
a 10-7
1 4.0 20. 18.0 5.3+ 1.0x
b 0 0.4z 10-7
2 20.0 27. 18.5 13.0 2.0x
a 0 10-7
2 27.0 33. 19.5 41.0 -
b 5
2 33.5 46. 19.0 22.5 1.5x
c 5 10-7
3 46.5 - 19.5 55.0 -
a
Settlement calculation
The evaluation of the settlements has been done with the elastic method according to the geotechnical pa-
rameters obtained by the analysis tests. The consolidation method, according to the model of Broms
(1987), has been supposed to be as an improvement of the elastic parameters of the soil interested by the
pile injection.
The most relevant results of the settlement analysis is reported in table 2, where H is equal to the height
of the analysed embankment and η is the settlement measured at 3 and 13 years from the beginning of the
construction of the embankment.
22
8
9
Italy references
2. Piled Embankement reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the costruction of the railway link from the
main line (Roma-Neaple) to the new facilities of the Rome terminal of the High Speed Train (TAV) -
Italain Raiway identification of the Embankment RI 01
Contractor: Condotte Spa (Rome)
Materials used: Paragrid 200/05 m2 11.500
10
3. Piled Embankement reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the costruction of the railway
link from the main line (Roma-Neaple) to the new facilities of the Rome terminal of the
High Speed Train (TAV) - Italain Raiway identification of the Embankement RI 02
11
4. Piled Embankement reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the costruction of the railway link from
the main line (Roma-Neaple) to the new facilities of the Rome terminal of the High Speed Train (TAV)
- Italain Railway identification of the Embankment RI 04
5. Reinforced Foundation Embankement on soft soils with Paralink geogrids in the costruction of the
railway high speed train track from Bologna to Milano - Italain Railway identification of the Emban-
kment RI 61
Contractor: CMB scrl
Notes: Paper presented to the National Conference on Geotextiles, geomembranes and related pro-
ducts - Bologna (IT) - 1997
6. Reinforced Foundation Embankement on soft soils with Paragrid geogrids in the costruction of the
railway high speed train track from Roma to Neaple - Italain Railway identification of the Embank-
ment RI 44
Designer/client: Italferr Spa/IRICAV 1 Spa
Contractor: Pegaso scarl (Rome)
Notes: Paper presented to the National Conference on Geotextiles, geomembranes and related pro
ducts - Bologna (IT) - 1997
12
Hereafter attached the approval certificate iussued to Paragrid 110/15S iussed by IRICAV 1
13
(committent of the contractor Pegaso scarl) and transmitted as approved to Italferr (Italian Railway’s
enginnering company working as supervisor). Certificate was issued in October 95 to Terram Ltd (at
that time LCL’s property) and to Maccaferri Italy and Maccaferri France (France Gabion)
14
15
30
31
32
9. Piled Embankment reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the construction of the railway railway high
speed train track from Bologna to Milano - Italain Raiway identification of the Embankement RI87
Paralink 850 m2 800

10. Piled Embankment reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the construction of the railway high speed
train track from Bologna to Milano - Italain Railway identification of the Embankment RI 89
Designer/client: Italferr Spa/
TAV Spa
Contractor: Eurovie scarl
(Parma)
Materials used:
33
11. Piled Embankment reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the construction of the railway high speed
train track from Bologna to Milano - Italain Raiway identification of the Embankment RI 90
34

Works in Progress (2007)
12. Piled Embankment reinforced with Paralink geogrids in the costruction of the railway high speed
train track from Bologna to Milano - Italian Railway identification of the Embankment RI 08 (Bologna
Installation of Paralink 400 and

Paragrid 150/05 in RI08 (Site
TAV43 contractor BTP Spa; detail
of the cross link of the two different
Paraproducts materials
area)
Contractor: Baldassini-Tognozzi-Pontello Spa (Firenze)
Materials used: Paralink 400 (cross direction) Paragrid 150/05 (main direction)
13. Reinforced Foundation Embankement-Trench on soft soils

with Paragrid 150/05 geogrid in the construction of the railway
35
high speed train track from Bologna to Milano - Italain Railway identification of the Embankement RI 05
and TR 05 (Bologna area)
Contractor: Baldassini-Tognozzi-Pontello Spa (Firenze)
Materials used: Paragrid 150/05
14. Reinforced Foundation Embankement-Trench on soft soils with Paragrid 150/05 geogrid in the con-
struction of the railway high speed train track from Bologna to Verona - Italian Railway identification
of the Embankment RI 04 and TR 03 (Bologna area)
Contractor: Baldassini-Tognozzi-Pontello Spa (FI)
Materials used: Paragrid 150/05
Tests done by the contarctor on the material supplied by Cesi

laboratori based in Milano (Indipendentent lab. Chosen by the
committent—Italian Railways supervisor ITALFER)
36
Case Studies- Ground Improvement using
ParaLink as Basal Reinforcement
MACCAFERRI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

PVT. LTD.
www.maccaferri-india.com
PARALINKTM REFERENCES
SELECTED GLOBAL PARALINKTM PROJECTS
JOB: A92 East Fife Regional Road Phase 2
YEAR: 1985
LOCATION: UK - Lochgelly Link Road, Scotland
CLIENT: Scottish Development Department
APPLICATION: Embankment over mine workings
PARALINK: 200S
JOB: Northern Approach to the Trowse Swing Bridge – railway embankment
YEAR: 1986
LOCATION: UK- Norwich
CLIENT: British Railway Board
APPLICATION: Piled Embankment
PARALINK: 300S
JOB: Stansted Airport Link
YEAR: 1988
LOCATION: UK - Stansted, Essex
CLIENT: British Railways Board
PARALINK: 350S and 450S
JOB: A55, North Wales Coast Road
YEAR: 1988
LOCATION: UK - Wales
CLIENT: The Welsh Office
APPLICATION: Embankment over soft ground
PARALINK: 300S
JOB: Railway Sidings, London Docklands
YEAR: 1989
LOCATION: UK - London, England
CLIENT: Docklands Development Corporation
PARALINK: 600S
JOB: Salgadinho’s Bridge
YEAR: 1991
LOCATION: BRAZIL - Maceiò (AL)
CLIENT: OAS Constructor
APPLICATION: Embankment over piles
PARALINK: 400 ; 2.000m2

JOB: Preston’s Road, London Docklands
YEAR: 1992
LOCATION: UK - London, England
CLIENT: Docklands Development Corporation
PARALINK: 700S ; 12.000m2
JOB: A494 Mold Bypass, Flintshire

YEAR: 1992
LOCATION: UK - Flintshire, Wales
CLIENT: The Welsh Office
APPLICATION: Embankment over mine-workings
PARALINK: 200S
JOB: A61 Ripon Bypass, North Yorkshire

YEAR: 1995
LOCATION: UK - North Yorkshire, England
CLIENT: North Yorkshire County Showground
APPLICATION: Embankment over Karstic sinkholes
JOB: A13 Trunk Road

YEAR: 1995
LOCATION: UK - Rainham to Dagenham, Essex, England
CLIENT: UK Department of Transport
APPLICATION: Piled embankment
PARALINK: 300S - 1250S; 250.000m2
JOB: Kochi Expressway, Tonami Area

YEAR: 1996
LOCATION: Japan - Shikoku Kochi
CLIENT: Japan Highway Public Corporation
APPLICATION: Basal reinforcement
PARALINK: 700 - 8.800m2
JOB: Nigg Drydock, Scotland

YEAR: 1997
LOCATION: UK - Nigg, Scotland
CLIENT: Barmac
APPLICATION: Hybrid reinforced Earth Structure with Terramesh System facing units
PARALINK: 300
JOB: Rehabilitation of the road connecting Cagliari and Perdaxius
YEAR: 1998
LOCATION: ITALY - Villamassargia
CLIENT: National Road Authority (ANAS)
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure used in

combination with Terramesh System and Green units
PARALINK: 300 - 9.450 m2
JOB: Construction of villas in a new development area

YEAR: 1998
LOCATION: ITALY - Buda (CZ)
CLIENT: Real Estate Development Private Company
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure

used in combination with Terramesh units
PARALINK: 300 - 5.850m2 ; 200 - 3600m2
PARAGRID: 100/15 ; 5.100m2
JOB: A40 Carmarthen Bypass, Carmarthen
YEAR: 1998
LOCATION: UK - Carmarthen, Wales
CLIENT: Welsh Office
APPLICATION: Piled Embankment, Paralink Strip System
PARALINK: 1250 and 150
JOB: Raw material urban wastes reinforced with polymeric geogrids
YEAR: 1998 - 2007
LOCATION: ITALY - Sestri Levante (GE)
CLIENT: Municipality of Sestri Levante (GE)
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced wastes embankments used in combina-

tion with Paragrid (100/15 – 50/15 and 80/05) geogrids:
PARALINK: 300 - 45.000m2
JOB: Jansen’s pond

YEAR: 1999
LOCATION: BRAZIL – São Luis (MA)
CLIENT: COESA
APPLICATION: Embankment on soft soils
PARALINK: 400 - 2.000 m2
JOB: BR101 railway

YEAR: 1999-2000
LOCATION: BRAZIL – Tijucas (SC)
CLIENT: Construcap/Modern/Ferreira Guedes
APPLICATION: Embankment on soft soils
PARALINK: 400 - 10.000 m2

JOB: Rehabilitation of the provincial road from the S.P. Premartello and the
village of Loreto Aprutino
YEAR: 2000
LOCATION: ITALY – Loreto Aprutino (PE)
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure used

in combination with Terramesh units.
PARALINK: 800 - 225 m2 ; 300 - 6.700 m2
JOB: Torres Avenue, Curitiba

YEAR: 2000
LOCATION: BRAZIL – Curitiba (PR)
CLIENT: J. Malucelli Contractor
APPLICATION: Embankment on soft ground
PARALINK: 400 - 13.050 m2
JOB: A1041, Carlton Bridge

YEAR: 2000
LOCATION: UK - Carlton, North Yorkshire
CLIENT: Highways Agency, Area 18
JOB: Logistics Terminal, Manaus

YEAR: 2001
LOCATION: BRAZIL – Manaus (AM)
CLIENT: Super Terminais Comércio e Industrias
APPLICATION: Embankment on soft soil
PARALINK: 400 - 9.300m2
JOB: Reclamation of a landslide occurred on the provincial road

“Valdinievole”
YEAR: 2001
LOCATION: ITALY – Calcinaia (PI)
CLIENT: Province of Pisa
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure used in combination

with Terramesh units and Paradrain geogrids
PARALINK: 300 - 1.000m2
PARADRAIN: 150 - 1.500m2
JOB: A664, Kingsway Canal Bridge, Rochdale
YEAR: 2001
LOCATION: UK - Rochdale
CLIENT: Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council

JOB: Retail Park Construction
YEAR: 2001
LOCATION: PORTUGAL - Leiria
CLIENT: Real Estate Company
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure

used in combination with Terramesh units
PARALINK: 600 - 5.400m2 ; 300 - 4.050m2
JOB: Jyoban Expressway Tsukuba JCT area
YEAR: 2001-2005
LOCATION: JAPAN – Ibaraki Tsukuba
PARALINK: 100, 150, 250, 350, 600 - 60.700m2
JOB: High Speed railway track from Milano to Bologna;

Railway Embankment N° 83
YEAR: 2002-2003
LOCATION: ITALY – Parma (PR)
CLIENT: Eurovie srl. – CEPAV1
PARALINK: 600 - 10.500m2 ; 850 - 6.200m2; 950 - 4.900m2 ; 1050 - 2.100m2 ;

1150 - 3.000m2
JOB: Retaining structure, Alcega, Santa Catalina de Siena
YEAR: 2003
LOCATION: Venezuela
CLIENT:
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure used in combination with

Terramesh units
PARALINK: 400 - 3.000 m2
JOB: High Speed railway track from Rome to Neaples; embankments N° 1,2
&4
YEAR: 2003-2004
LOCATION: ITALY—Rome
CLIENT: Società per Condotte d’Acqua Spa
PARALINK: 200 - 11.500m2 ; 400 - 11.100m2 ; 800 - 4.500m2
JOB: High Speed railway track from Milano to Bologna;

YEAR: 2002-2003
CLIENT: Eurovie srl. – CEPAV1
PARALINK: 600 - 7.800m2 ; 800 - 4.000m2 ; 1050 - 1.800m2 ; 1150 - 4.700m2 ;

JOB: IP3 Highway Villa Real-Regua
YEAR: 2002 - 2003
LOCATION: PORTUGAL
CLIENT:
Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure used in combination with

APPLICATION:
Terramesh units
PARALINK: 200 - 16.200m2 ; 300 - 69.300m2
High Speed railway track from Milano to Bologna;

JOB:
YEAR: 2002-2003
CLIENT: Eurovie srl.-CEPAV1
600 - 7.200m2 ; 850 - 800m2 ; 900 - 1.600m2 ; 1050 - 2.700m2 ;

PARALINK:
1150 - 3.700m2 ;
JOB: Tateyama Expressway Kimitsu IC area

YEAR: 2002-2006
LOCATION: JAPAN - Chiba Kimitsu
APPLICATION: Basal reinforcement (with vertical drains)
PARALINK: 100, 200, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650,700, 950 - 81.000m2 (Total)
JOB: MSE structure supporting highway

YEAR: 2003
LOCATION: USA – Los Alamos, New Mexico
CLIENT: Los Alamos County, NM (USA)

APPLICATION:
Terramesh System units
PARALINK: 800 - 9.000yds2 ; 200 - 11.300yds2
JOB: Expansion of the Landfill of Chieti

YEAR: 2003
LOCATION: ITALY – Chieti
CLIENT: Waste Management Private Company

APPLICATION:
Terramesh units
PARALINK: 300 - 4.050m2
Construction of the third branch of the “Strada delle Terme” road in

JOB:
connection with National Road 533
YEAR: 2003-2004
LOCATION: ITALY – San Marco Argentano (CS)
CLIENT: Coimpre srl.
Basal reinforcement of Embankment on an authorised landfill area (“soft

APPLICATION:
soil”)
PARALINK: 400 - 6.200m2

JOB: Ariake Engan Road
YEAR: 2003 - (july)2008
LOCATION: JAPAN - Fukuoka Ariake
CLIENT: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
APPLICATION: Surface soil stabilization
100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 900 - 164.900m2
PARALINK:
(Total)
JOB: Taranto Landfill – Reinforced confining dyke
YEAR: 2003 - 2007
LOCATION: ITALY – Taranto
CLIENT: Italcave Spa

APPLICATION:
Paragrid geogrids
PARALINK: 300 - 13.100m2 ; 200 - 7.000m2
JOB: MSE structure supporting highway
YEAR: 2003 - 2005
LOCATION: GREECE - Metsovo
CLIENT: J & P AVAX for Egnatia Road Authority
Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure used in

APPLICATION:
combination with Terramesh System units
PARALINK: 400 - 150.250m2

JOB:
YEAR: 2004
600 - 17.320m2 ;850 - 3.800m2 ;900 - 3.100m2 ; 1050 - 5.420m2 ;

PARALINK:
1250 - 6.700m2
JOB: Rehabilitation of the road connecting Macomer to Bosa

YEAR: 2004
LOCATION: ITALY – Sindia
APPLICATION: Basal reinforcement of Embankment on soft soil
PARALINK: 300 - 5.850m2

JOB:
YEAR: 2004
CLIENT: Rodano Consortile scarl
APPLICATION: Basal reinforcement of Embankment on soft soil
PARALINK: 400 - 13.300m2 ; 200 - 12.200m2 ;

JOB:
YEAR: 2004
PARALINK: 600 - 6.200m2 ; 850 - 3.600m2 ; 1050 - 2.500m2 ; 1150 - 2.300m2
JOB: Expansion of the third lane of the Rome ring road at the Aurelia exit
YEAR: 2004
LOCATION: ITALY – Rome
PARALINK: 400 - 22.700m2 ; 200 - 19.800m2 ;
JOB: Ken-o-do Expressway

YEAR: 2005 - (july)2008
LOCATION: JAPAN - Chiba Ibaraki
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism & East Nippon

CLIENT:
Expressway Company Limited
50, 100, 150; 200, 250, 300, 350, 450, 500, 550, 650, 750, 800, 850, 950 -
PARALINK:
109.800m2 (Total)
JOB: Expansion of an Industrial area

YEAR: 2005
LOCATION: ITALY – Sorso (SS)
CLIENT: Municipality of Sorso (SS)

APPLICATION:
Terramesh units
PARALINK: 300 - 5.000m2
JOB: Rehabilitation of the road from Osilo to Nulvi

YEAR: 2005
LOCATION: ITALY – Sassari
CLIENT: Province of Sassari

APPLICATION:
Terramesh units
PARALINK: 300 - 9.500m2
JOB: Highway 2000, Kingston

YEAR: 2005
LOCATION: JAMAICA - Kingston
CLIENT: Reinforced Earth Company
APPLICATION: Load transfer platform – Transition layer
PARALINK: 400 - 1.500m2 ; 800 - 900m2

JOB: Liquid Propane Gas Bunds in Tengiz Oil Field, Second generation project
YEAR: 2005
LOCATION: KAZAKHSTAN – Tengiz Oil Field
CLIENT: Tengiz Chevroil
PARALINK: 400 - 25.000m2 ;
JOB: Construction of the ring road of Forlì
YEAR: 2005 - 2006
LOCATION: ITALY – Forlì
PARALINK: 400 - 47.700m2 ; 150

JOB:
Railway Embankment N° 8, 5 & 4.
YEAR: 2005 - 2007
LOCATION: ITALY – Bologna
CLIENT: BTP Spa for TAV (Treno Alta Velocità)
APPLICATION: Piled Embankment & basal reinforcement on soft soil
PARALINK: 400 - 48.300m2 ; 150 - 50.000m2 ;
JOB: Retaining structures on the highway connecting Mafra to Ericeira

YEAR: 2006 - 2007
LOCATION: PORTUGAL
CLIENT: Municipality of Mafra

APPLICATION:
Terramesh units
PARALINK: 200 - 46.000m2 ; 400 - 55.000m2 ;
JOB: Landfill of Aydin – reinforced confining dykes
YEAR: 2006 - 2007
LOCATION: TURKEY – Aydin
CLIENT: Municipality of Aydin

APPLICATION:
Paragrid geogrids
PARALINK: 700 - 5.000m2 ;500 - 5.000m2 ;400 - 32.000m2 ;
JOB: Raposo Tavares’s Railway
YEAR: 2006
LOCATION: BRAZIL – Sorocaba (SP)
CLIENT: Conc.de Rodov Oeste SP - Viaoeste
APPLICATION: Embankment on soft soil
PARALINK: 400 - 3.150m2 ;

JOB: BR101 railway
YEAR: 2006-2008
LOCATION: BRAZIL – Maracajá (SC)
CLIENT: Construcap/Modern/Ferreira Guedes
APPLICATION: Soil Reinforcement
PARALINK: 400 - 12.500m2 ; 800 - 900m2
JOB: Retaining structures on new ring road, Municipality of Lousada
YEAR: 2007
LOCATION: PORTUGAL – Lousada
CLIENT: Municipality of Lousada
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure with Terramesh facing units
PARALINK: 300 - 6.300m2
JOB: Alphaville
YEAR: 2007
LOCATION: BRAZIL – São Paulo (SP)
CLIENT: LRA Participation
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in reinforced earth structure with Terramesh facing units
PARALINK: 400 - 1.000m2
JOB: Valley Terminal Storage Bins

YEAR: 2007
LOCATION: SOUTH AFRICA – Richards Bay
CLIENT: Project & Industrial Engineering
APPLICATION: Basal Reinforcement
PARALINK: 300 - 11.000m2
JOB: Gold Mine Ore Stockpile
YEAR: 2007
LOCATION: CANADA – Val D’Or (Quebec)
CLIENT: Goldex – Eagle Agnico
APPLICATION: Foundation Reinforcement
PARALINK: 600 - 13.500m2 (2 layers @ 6.250)
JOB: Construction of a new export terminal
YEAR: 2008
LOCATION: AUSTRALIA – Kooragang Island
CLIENT: Connel Hutch
APPLICATION: Basal Reinforcement of a section of the rail loop
PARALINK: 850 - 28.500m2

JOB: Romania Dn17
YEAR: 2008
LOCATION: ROMANIA
CLIENT: S.c.Iridex Group Constructii srl
APPLICATION: Paramesh Structure
PARALINK: 200 - 11.700m2 ; 300 - 10.800m2
JOB: Koskovce dam

YEAR: 2008
LOCATION: SLOVAKIA
CLIENT: Slovensky vodohospodarsky podnik, s.p.
APPLICATION: Basal reinforcement of dam
PARALINK: 300 - 1.750m2
JOB: Triumphal Presidential Flagpole Park on the shore of the Caspian Sea
YEAR: 2008-2009
LOCATION: Azerbaijan – Baku
CLIENT: Azenco
APPLICATION: Slope reinforcement
PARALINK: 500 - 70.000m2
PARAGRID: 100/15 - 92.000m2
Motorway reconstruction on the highway connecting Pyatigorsk with

JOB:
Georgievsk
YEAR: 2008-2009
LOCATION: Russia – Stavropol’skiy Krai
CLIENT: Inter-Lider
PARALINK: 200 - 900m2 ; 300 - 2.450m2
JOB: Autoroute 30 Noise Berm

YEAR: 2009
LOCATION: CANADA – Saint-Constant, Quebec
CLIENT: Genivar/Ministère des Transports du Québec
Main reinforcement in reinforced soil slope with Terramesh System

APPLICATION:
Basal reinforcement over soft soils
PARALINK: 200 - 9.000m2 ; 300 - 6.300m2
JOB: Bridge F06 Olympic Park

YEAR: 2009
LOCATION: UK – London
CLIENT: Olympic Delivery Authority
PARALINK: 100 - 2.400m2 ; 700 - 3.850m2 ; 1250 - 300m2 ; 1350 - 500m2

JOB: EN 351- Isna de Oleiros – Soil retaining structure
YEAR: 2009
LOCATION: PORTUGAL – Proença a Nova
CLIENT: Lena Construções
Main reinforcement in reinforced retaining structure with Terramesh System

APPLICATION:
units as facing and secondary reinforcement
PARALINK: 300 - 4.100m2
JOB: Railway track from Wenzhou to Fuzhou
YEAR: 2009
LOCATION: CHINA – Fujian Province (PR)
CLIENT: China Railway Constructor
Main reinforcement in reinforced retaining structure with gabion facing units

APPLICATION:
along the railway track
PARALINK: 350 - 18.000m2
JOB: Agriport
YEAR: 2009
LOCATION: SA - Durban
CLIENT: Transnet Port Terminals
APPLICATION: Basal Reinforcement over soft soil
PARALINK: 600 - 33.700m2 ; 1000 - 6.700m2
JOB: Erosion Control Project
YEAR: 2009-2010
LOCATION: CONGO - Brazzaville
CLIENT: Zapoge
APPLICATION: Main reinforcement in combination with Terramesh System units
PARALINK: 200 - 15.300m2 ; 300 - 10.800m2
JOB: Maizuruwakasa Expressway
YEAR: 2009-2010
LOCATION: JAPAN - Fukui
CLIENT: Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited
100 - 460m2 ; 150 - 1.720m2 ; 250 - 4.800m2 ; 300 - 10.400m2 ; 350 -

PARALINK: 12.200m2 ; 400 - 2.110m2 ; 450 - 2.650m2 ; 500 - 1.140m2 ; 650 - 2.500m2 ;
700 - 19.110m2 ; 1000 - 5060m2 ; Totale: 72.360m2 ;
JOB: Blackwood Sports Facility
YEAR: 2010
LOCATION: UK – West Lothian, Scotland
CLIENT: West Lothian Council
APPLICATION: Construction over Mine Workings
PARALINK: 800 - 1800m2

JOB: Recriation Pond Esto-Sadok
YEAR: 2010
LOCATION: RUSSIA – Sochi
CLIENT: Rosinzhiniring
APPLICATION:
PARALINK: 500 - 77.000m2
PARAGRID: 200/15 - 67.500m2
PARADRAIN: 200/15 - 57.500m2
JOB: IC-Camara di Lobos Medeira & IP2-Pocinho

YEAR: 2009 - 2011
LOCATION: PORTUGAL – Madeira & Pocinho
CLIENT: Estradas da Madeira & Estradas de Portugal-Rosas Construtora

APPLICATION:
PARALINK: 200 - 5.400m2 ; 300 - 1.800m2 ; 400 - 2.700m2
JOB: Improvement Plans for Realignment of Clemsonville Road
YEAR: 2010
LOCATION: USA - Frederick County, MD
CLIENT: Lehigh Cement
Sinkhole damage prevention design by the use of Paralink 1000 geogrid in

APPLICATION:
the road embankement foundation
PARALINK: 1000 - 19.000m2
JOB: Reinforced Soil Structure for Airport

YEAR: 2009-2010-work in progress
LOCATION: INDIA - Sikkim
CLIENT: Airport Authority of India

APPLICATION:
200 - 12.600m2 ; 300 - 12.100m2 ; 400 - 8.300m2 ; 500 - 19.100m2 ; 600 -
PARALINK:
302.000m2 ; 700 - 334.000m2 ; 800 - 58.0000m2 ; Total: 746.100m2 ;
Design & Construction of reinforced soil wall for ROB on proposed road from
JOB:
Mundra connecting NH – 8A in the stateof Gujarat.
YEAR: 2009-2010
LOCATION: INDIA - Mundra, Gujarat
CLIENT: Mundra Port & Special Economic Zone Ltd.

Basal reinforcement resting on stone columns. Foundation improvement for
APPLICATION:
MacRes (ParaWeb reinforced soil wall)
PARALINK: 200 - 26.100m2
JOB: Soil Retention and Road Formation at Calicut, Kerala.
YEAR: 2008-2010
LOCATION: INDIA - Kerala
CLIENT: Hajj Commitee

APPLICATION:
PARALINK: 100 - 3.250m2
CASE HISTORY
Rev: 00, Issue Date 30.11.2010
ROB FOR CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN MUNDRA AND NH8A

MUNDRA , GUJARAT, INDIA
GROUND IMPROVEMENT
Technique: Stone Columns + ParaLink
Problem:
Mundra Special Economic Zone is located in Kutch District, Gu-
jarat and is one of the largest SEZ in India. An ROB was pro-
posed over the railway line that cuts across the connectivity road
between Mundra and NH8A. The approaches of ROB were pro-
posed to be retained by ParaWeb Reinforced Soil wall system
However, foundation soil comprising primarily of sandy silt with
clay was found to have inadequate load bearing capacity to
bear the load of retaining walls.
Keeping in mind the high water table and high consolidation set-
tlements, such a ground improvement technique was to be pro-
posed which would improve bearing capacity of soil, reduce
post– construction settlement and also facilitate process of im- Fig. 1 Project Location
plementation. Thus, considering all these factors, stone column
technique with a geosynthetic raft was adopted.
Wall Height in m Settlement in mm
Solution: 200
8.8
The stone column technique, also known as vibro-replacement 180
or vibro-displacement, is a ground improvement process 8.0
where vertical columns of compacted aggregate are formed 160
through the soils to be improved (Refer Photo 1) 7.2
120
Primary purpose of soil improvement by stone column technique 6.4
is mainly to increase the bearing capacity of foundation soil and
also to reduce post construction settlement. 100
5.6
Stone column derives its support from lateral resistance provided
by the surrounding soil caused by
Table 1 Estimated settlements at different wall
• bulging of the uncemented stone column under the load
• the resistance due to surcharge effect
• the bearing support offered by intervening soil.
Client name:
M/s Mundra Port & Special Economic Zone Ltd
Consultant name:
M/s. Multimedia Consultant Pvt. Ltd
Contractor
M/s. Chetan Engineers
Technique used:
Stone Column + ParaLink™
Construction info: Photo 1 During Construction — Installing stone
Construction Start: April 2009
Construction end: June 2010
The geosynthetic raft is ParaLink™, which are monoaxial array of geosynthetic strips having uni-
directional strength ranging from 100 to 1350 kN/m. The purpose of providing ParaLink™ as basal rein-
forcement is to ensure proper distribution of the load from the superstructure to the stone columns and
reduce differential settlements.
Photo 2 During Construction— Installing drainage layer Fig. 2 Stone column layout (South side)
Project section drawing
Fig. 3 Typical cross section drawing—North side

Ground Improvement details:
The area is recommended to be excavated till the founding level where the stone columns are
installed.
Stone columns :
• South side - entire zone including the reinforced and unreinforced section was im-
proved by stone column technique.
• North side - owing to relatively better quality of soil, stone columns were provided only
under reinforced soil.
ParaLink™ was laid throughout the entire zone both in the North and South side of the struc-
ture. The surface of the stone column was covered with a free draining granular fill compacted
to 95% of Modified Proctor density.
Table 2 Summary of ground improvement
Photo. 3 and 4 Laying of ParaLink™

Photo 5 Panel with Adani Logo Photo 6 ParaWeb wall construction in progress
Photo 7 Completed structure
Present Status : Project is completed in June 2010 and serving its purpose.
Maccaferri Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

206, 2nd Floor, Salcon Aurum, Plot no. 4, Jasola District Center,
New Delhi – 110 044
Tel: +91- 11- 4379 8404, 4379 8400, Fax: +91- 11- 4654 6330
E-mail: technical@maccaferri-india.com - Web site: www.maccaferri-india.com
CASE HISTORY
Rev: 00, 07/04/11
ROAD OVER BRIDGE NEAR DIBRUGARH (ROB 15)

ASSAM, INDIA
REINFORCED SOIL WALL/ GROUND IMPROVEMENT

Product: Paraweb and ParaGrid
Problem:
A Road Over Bridge was to be constructed in Dibrugarh, district

Assam by Northeast Frontier Railway. The approaches of the
ROB were to be retained by Reinforced Soil walls. Moreover, the
soil at the site was cohesive (CI) for the top 3m, followed by
loose to medium dense fine silty sand. After investigation it was
found that the shear properties of the soil were weak and hence
a major problem of bearing and global instability could be ex-
pected.
Solution:
For retaining the bridge approaches, Maccaferri proposed

ParaWeb wall system as the retaining vertical wall. In order to Photo 1. Installed geotextile ( Ground Improvement)
avoid deep excavation and replacing the soil, the ParaWeb
wall system with Basal Reinforcement as ground improvement
was proposed.
Basal reinforcement provided for construction of embankments
on soft soils, is a very efficient technique to improve the bearing
and global stability of the foundation as all the stresses on the
foundation is taken care of by the reinforcement that is pro-
vided. Basal reinforcement prevents collapse and limit vertical
movement of the embankment surface following the formation
of a void in the foundation.
Ground improvement was done for heights ranging from 6m to
5m and 5m to 1m for Seismic and Static conditions present at
the site. ParaGrid reinforcement with a tensile strength of 50kN/
m was used for ground improvement. Then Reinforced soil wall
was constructed at the approaches with concrete facia and
Paraweb as reinforcement.
Foundation / Reinforced soil used : Photo 2. Spreading material on installed geotextile

Angle of friction = 30 °
Bulk density = 20 kN/m3
R S Wall Details:
Maximum Height of Wall: 6 m
Client name:
Northeast Frontier Railway
Main contractor name:
M/s Raitani Engineering Works Pvt. Ltd.
Consultant:
Products used:
PARALINK AND PARAGRID
Construction info:
Construction Start: Photo 3. Compaction of material over geotextile
Construction end:
Photo 3. Installed ParaGrid Photo 5. Installed ParaGrid
Fig.1 Cross-Section of reinforced soil wall for 6 m height near abutment

Photo 6. Laying of ParaWeb reinforcement Photo 7. Compaction of lifts
Photo 8 & 9. Installed Reinforced Soil wall facia panels

Photo 10. Completed RS wall with ParaWeb as reinforcement
Photo 11. Completed RS wall with ParaWeb as reinforcement
Present Status of the Project
The project has been completed successfully.

206, 2nd Floor, Salcon Aurum, Plot no. 4, Jasola District Center,
New Delhi – 110 044
Tel: +91- 11- 4379 8404, 4379 8400, Fax: +91- 11- 4654 6330
E-mail: technical@maccaferri-india.com - Web site: www.maccaferri-india.com
Case History
S. Marco Argentano (CS)

Rinforzo alla base di rilevato stradale su fondazione cedevole
Figura 1 Durante la costruzione del 3° tronco

della “Strada delle Terme” dall’innesto
con la S.S. n° 533 (località S. Marco
Argentano) allo svincolo di Spezzano
Terme dell’autostrada Salerno-Reggio
Calabria si è verificata l’esistenza di u-
na discarica abusiva tra le sezioni 219
e 225.
La zona interessata aveva uno spesso-
re di circa 2.50 m ed un’estensione di
circa 8.000 mq (figura 4). La presenza
di tale materiale creava diversi proble-
mi di natura statica al rilevato, come
evidenziato dalle verifiche eseguite, ed
Figura 2 inoltre era sicura causa di cedimenti di
tipo differenziale sul corpo dello stesso.
Al fine di sopperire a tali problematiche
è stato sviluppata una proposta proget-
tuale (vedi figure 5 e 6) articolata che
ha previsto:
• La livellazione del piano di posa me-
diante l’ausilio di un sottile strato di ter-
reno arido di appoggio;
• La posa di un geotessile nontessuto
di separazione Terram® 1000 (vedi fi-
gure 1 e 7);
• La posa di una geogriglia di rinforzo
monodirezionale Paralink® M400 (vedi
figure 2,7 e 8).
La progettazione si è svi-
luppata secondo due fasi.
Una prima fase secondo
quanto descritto nelle nor-
me BS8006:1995 con verifi-
che agli stati limite ultimi e
di servizio e quindi una ve-
rifica di stabilità globale del-
la struttura (vedi elaborato
di calcolo risultante in figura
3).
La figura 5 e 7 mostrano il
particolare dell’ancoraggio
trasversale della geogriglia
mentre la figura 9 mostra il
rilevato terminato ed in fase
di esercizio.
Figura 3
Soluzioni
per l’ambiente
S. Marco Argentano (CS) Case History
Figura 7
Figura 4
Figura 5 Figura 8
Figura 9
Figura 6
Garanzia di Qualità
La produzione, il sistema di gestione interna e l’assistenza
tecnica sono certificati in conformità alle norme ISO 9002
Soluzioni Officine Maccaferri SpA

per l’ambiente Via Agresti, 6 — P.O.Box 396
40123 Bologna — Italia
Tel. ++39 051 6436000
Fax ++39 051 236507
e-mail: comit.officine@maccaferri.com
Web site : www.maccaferri.com
CASE HISTORY
ZAF / CH / 061: Eng - Rev. 00 , Aug 2009
AGRIPORT, MAYDON WHARF

DURBAN,KZN
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING / EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT SOIL
Product: ParaLink™
Problem
A 12 000m² warehouse for storage of thousands of tons of
soya had to be built on of low bearing, silty, fine hydraulic fills
which are up to 4m in depth at the Durban Harbour area.
These hydraulic fills are underlain by silty sand horizons which
are interspersed by sandy clay and sandy clayey silts, which
vary from 2m to about 20m in thickness. Calcareous
sandstone, soft shale and siltstones were also found at depths
of between 25-27m below ground. The water table was at 1.6m
below natural ground. The client needed the structure to be
finished as quickly as possible. The challenge was to provide a
suitable foundation to carry such huge loads, on such poor
founding conditions, in the quickest time.
Solution The top 1.5m of in situ material was removed in readiness of the
A raft foundation of Paralink ™ basal reinforcement was found contraction of a reinforced soil raft.
to be the most cost-effective solution for this problem. Piled
foundations would have served this purpose from a structural
view point, but construction was going to take much longer
than the client was willing to tolerate. Paralink ™reinforcement
did not only offer a fast and sound engineering solution, but a
cost analysis showed that this alternative provided a huge cost
saving as well.
A Layer of the river sand sandwiched between two layers of AG

400 geotextile provided a drainage and separation layer below the
proposed soil reinforced raft.
Client name:
TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS
LIVIERO
Consultant:
MOORE SPENCE JONES
Product used:
PARALINK™ 600 and 1000
Construction info:
A compacted layer of decomposed granite was placed on top of
Construction date: 09 MAY 2009 the geotextile followed by the first layer of GeoGrids of
Completion date: 17 JUNE 2009 ParaLink™600 and ParaLink ™1000
Page 1 of 2
CASE HISTORY
ZAF / CH / 058 Eng - Rev. 00 , Aug 2009
VALLEY TERMINAL
RICHARDS BAY, KZN
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING/ EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT SOIL
Product: Paralink ™, ParaWeb™
Problem
Two 5000 m² warehouses for storage of thousands of
tons of sulphate had to be built on of low bearing, silty,
estuarine area. The ground was unable to carry the high
loads and engineering solution was needed to provide a
suitable foundation to carry the large loads as
economically and possible and with the fast construction
programme.
Solution
A piling solution to meet the loading requirements was
ruled out as to slow and to expensive. A raft foundation
The ground was too wet and too soft even for pedestrian access
of ParaLink™ 300 basal reinforcement laid on a pre- necessitating in pioneer paths being laid to provide access for
consolidated base using the dynamic compaction and soil sampling.
replacement method was found to be the best solution
for this problem. ParaLink™ 300 reinforcement did not
only offer a fast and sound engineering solution, but a
cost analysis showed that this alternative provided a
huge cost saving as well.
Design Features
Knowledge of the geology of the area and very specific
soil details are necessary for any basal reinforcement
design. In this project the Dutch Probe tests, DCP,
boreholes, inspection pits, etc were all carried out to
determine the site conditions. The level of the
groundwater table was also determined.
The rolls of ParaLink™ 300 were unrolled into position and then
covered with structural fill.
Client name:
RICHARDS BAY MINERALS VALLEY TERMINALS
LEO MAT
Consultant:
GEOTECH MOORE SPENCE JONES
Product used:
PARALINK™ 300, PARAWEB
Construction info:
Construction date: November 2007 The limiting factor was the availability to provide a structural
Completion date: December 2007 cover at the same rate that the ParaLink™ 300 was laid.
Page 1 of 2
Maccaferri SA (Pty) Ltd reserves the right to amend product specifications
without notice and specifiers are requested to check as to the validity of the
specifications they are using.
Benefits
The laying of ParaLink™ 300 is easy and simply entails
unrolling the roll of ParaLink™ 300 onto well prepared
ground and then cover with a selected granular fill,
compacted as per specification. The rate of construction
was therefore very quick, the contractor was able to lay
an average of 1000m² of ParaLink™ 300 per day and
completed the 11 000 sq metres raft foundation in six
weeks on time and on budget.
A traditional piled foundation would have not made the

project feasible, both in terms of cost and time.
Typical cross section
Maccaferri SA (Pty) Ltd

HEAD OFFICE—DURBAN JOHANNESBURG CAPE TOWN EAST LONDON MADAGASCAR
P O Box 15777, Westmead, 3608 P O Box 2285, North Riding, 2162 P O Box 22150, Fish Hoek, 7974 P O Box 5481, Greenfields, 5208 BP 168 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Tel: +27 31 700 8456 Tel: +27 11 704 0160 Tel: +27 21 788 1210 Tel: +27 43 731 1580 Tel: +261 20 22 231 02
Fax: +27 31 700 8469 Fax: +27 11 704 0159 Fax: +27 21 788 1204 Fax: +27 43 731 1584 Fax: +261 20 22 553 90
e-mail: dbnsales@maccaferri.co.za e-mail: jhbsales@maccaferri.co.za e-mail: cptsales@maccaferri.co.za e-mail: ecsales@maccaferri.co.za e-mail: maccaferri@moov.mg
www.maccaferri.co.za
Page 2 of 2
MACDRAIN REFERENCES
SELECTED MACDRAIN PROJECTS - Flat applications under embankments
JOB: Manchester Airport - 2nd Runway
YEAR: 1999
LOCATION: UK
COMMITTENT: -
CONTRACTOR: -
APPLICATION: -
MACDRAIN: N 1051– 300,000 m2
JOB: Atyrau Oil field - Internal road network
YEAR: 2004-2005
LOCATION: KAZAKHSTAN
COMMITTENT: Agip Petroli SpA
CONTRACTOR: Local Contractor
APPLICATION: Anticapillarrity and drainage layer at the base of the road embankments
MACDRAIN: N 1054 -250,000 m2
JOB: Highway Catania-Siracusa
YEAR: 2004-2006
LOCATION: ITALY
COMMITTENT: National Road Authority (ANAS)
CONTRACTOR: Impresa Pizzarotti C. SpA
APPLICATION: Anticapillarrity and drainage layer at the base of the road embankments
MACDRAIN: N 1051 - 330,000 m2
JOB: High Speed Railway from Padova to Mestre
YEAR: 2004-2006
LOCATION: ITALY
COMMITTENT: RFI SpA
CONTRACTOR: Salvatore Materrese SpA
Drainage layer at the base of the enlarged embankments (type N 1081) and
APPLICATION:
vertical drainage behind concrete structures (N 1050)
MAC DRAIN: N 1081 - 90,000 m2 ; N 1050 - 25,000 m2
JOB: Railway track expansion Decimomannu-S.Gavino
YEAR: 2004-2006
LOCATION: ITALY
COMMITTENT: RFI SpA - Railway track Cagliari-Golfo Aranci
CONTRACTOR: Saferr scarl.
APPLICATION: Anticapillarrity and drainage layer at the base of the railway embankments
MAC DRAIN: N 3083 - 65,000 m2

JOB: High Speed Railway from Padova to Mestre
YEAR: 2005-2006
LOCATION: ITALY
COMMITTENT: RFI SpA
CONTRACTOR: Mattioli SpA
APPLICATION: Anticapillarrity and drainage layer at the base of the railway embankments
MACDRAIN: N 1081– 13,000 m2
JOB: New Motorway Connection Asti-Cuneo; section 1– portion 3-4-5

YEAR: 2009-2010
LOCATION: ITALY
COMMITTENT: Autostrada Asti-Cuneo SpA
CONTRACTOR: Itinera SpA
APPLICATION: Drainage layer at the base of the roads embankments
MACDRAIN: W 1091 - 500,000 m2
Officine Maccaferri Group - Head Office

Via JF Kennedy, 10 - 40069 Zola Predosa (BO) - ITALY
Tel: +39 051 6436000 Fax: +39 051 224925
Email: comes@maccaferri.com
Web: www.maccaferri.com
CASE HISTORY
Rev: 04, Issue Date 10.04.17
CANAL LINING
HARYANA,INDIA
CANAL LINING
Product:Mac Drain N - 105 M
Problem:
Haryana Irrigation department has taken up construction work of canal
with concrete lining. The canal section has a cross sectional length of
about 16m and the total length of the canal is about 65 km.
A major portion of the canal, around 30 km, exists in cut section where
high level of pore water pressure is expected to act on the proposed
concrete lining.
The expected uplift pressure on concrete lining necessitates provision
of elaborate drainage arrangement underneath the lining and as a safe-
guard an additional thickness for the lining.
Haryana Irrigation department was looking for alternatives solutions
which will be technically better and cost effective to overcome from
problem.
Solution: Photo 1.Site Before Construction

The client was looking for a product which can replace the conventional
granular gravel layer & arrangement of network of perforated pipe pro-
vided underneath the lining system.
Due to striking technical features of Geocomposite it was decided to
place the drainage composite beneath the concrete lining.
By ensuring consistent quality and proper drainage function the proposed
Geocomposite takes out lots of uncertainties of conventional solution and
hence the concrete lining thickness can be reduced to minimum stipu-
lated in codes i.e. 3 to 4 inches.
The Geocomposite performs filtration, drainage and impermeability
function all at the same time and with a much simpler operation in the
construction process.
Product Used:
Mac Drain N- 105 M
- Maccaferri Drainage Composites reduce pore water pressures. Photo 2. MacDrain N - 105M
- This enables threatening saturated ground conditions to be avoided.
- Simple and fast to install, this system cuts the cost of conventional
drainage systems and gives superior performance.
Client name:
Haryana Irrigation Department
Mehta Construction company
Consultant:
Products used:
MacDrain N - 105M - 3,49,000 Sq.m
Construction info:
Construction Start: February 2009
Photo 3. Leveling of surface before laying Drainage
Construction end: 2010 composite
Drainage composite
Mac Drain N - 105 M
Photo 4.Unrolling of Drainage Composite Photo 5. Laying of Drainage Composite using Machine
Drainage composite
Concreting
Photo 6. Placing Drainage composite with concreting Photo 7. Finished lining
Diagram.1. Drainage Composite Details

Photo 8,9.Leveling other side for Lining
Solution with Geocomposite:
• Geotextile layer at the base acts as filter.

• The drainage net will do the function of draining off the water with Geotextile layer acting as a filter which will not allow
clogging to occur.
• Improved impermeability will be achieved due to presence of geomembranes which will act as second layer of imperme-
able barrier below concrete lining.
• High level of consistency in quality is maintained,
• Construction is simple as it is very easy to lay the Geocomposite along the beds and banks.
• Reduction in excavation, elimination of gravel bed, perforated pipe network and slurry seal, and ease of laying Geocom-
posite results in lower cost of construction. Savings in terms of reduction of concrete lining thickness also adds up. Faster
construction also results in savings in establishment cost.
• Proper bonding and sealing shall be ensured between the pressure release valves and the Geocomposite, especially with
geomembranes, in order to prevent any escape of water in between the lining and geomembranes.
• Permeability of Geotextile is 5 to 10 times the permeability of Soil.
Advantages :
• Better filter function because of controlled quality.

• A much thicker drainage layer can be replaced with a thin layer of Geocomposite performing equal or better for the re-
quired drainage function.
• Better and consistent quality.
• Faster and economical construction
• Cost effective and faster construction
Other Details:
Permeability of soil is approximately 2x10-4 cm/sec.
FLOW RATE OF GEOCOMPOSITE:
Considering Hydraulic gradient = 1
Flow rate = 100 lit/Sq.m./sec @ 100kPa.
Photo 10 : Finished Lining
Photo 11 : Finished canal with Concrete lining

Photo 12 : Structure after 4 years

Unit no. 403-409, Fourth Floor, Suncity Success Tower, Main Golf Course Ext. Road - Gurgaon , Haryana – 122005
Tel: +91- 124- 284 1400, Fax: +91- 124- 284 1444
Web site: www.maccaferri.com/in Email: info@in.maccaferri.com
CASE HISTORY
Rev: 2, Issue Data 12.10.2020
SIX LANING OF GURGAON-KOTPUTLI-JAIPUR SECTION OF NH-8

GURGAON-KOTPUTLI-JAIPUR, HARYANA AND RAJASTHAN, INDIA
Vertical Drainage Works
Problem
Client: NHAI
The Gurgaon-Kotputli-Jaipur on NH-8 is a high traffic corridor Designer / Consultant: Maccaferri (Designer) / CEG
(km 42.7 to km 273.0) connecting Haryana and Rajasthan. and SNC Lavlin
The corridor was four laned as part of NHAI’s Golden Contractor: M/s. NKC Projects Ltd.
Quadrilateral project. Due to high traffic congestion, this
Products used (Qty.)
four laned road was proposed to be developed into six lane.
- MacDrain N 34,800 sqm
It was decided to construct a masonry wall along the Date of construction: 12/2009 - 02/2010
highway to retain the embankment. As per MORTH
requirements, 600mm thick gravel filter shall be provided
behind retaining wall as a drainage media to quickly drain
off excess pore water which may develop behind the wall.
Weep holes were provided throughout the length of the wall
to drain out the seepage from the backfill.
M/s. NKC Projects Ltd. requested Maccaferri for a suitable

solution to replace this 600mm thick gravel filter, as it was
very difficult to maintain quality and consistency of
conventional graded gravel filter. Also, time required for
construction of graded gravel filter was high.
Solution
Maccaferri proposed a better alternative solution of placing

a layer of MacDrain® behind the retaining wall, replacing
the conventional drainage arrangement of graded gravel
layer.
MacDrain® is a specifically designed geocomposite to meet

the drainage and protection requirements in structurally
demanding water draining applications.
NHAI requested to conduct field trial on MacDrain® for a

stretch of 20m. M/s. NKC Projects, submitted a detailed plan
to conduct field trial on MacDrain®. The trial was witnessed
by M/s CEG (Project Management Consultant), independent Photo 1: Masonry retaining wall
consultant M/s. SNC Lavlin and NHAI officials. The trial
program spanned over 20 days. The drainage composite
was retrieved by removal of backfill after 20 days.
Advantages of MacDrain:
- Effective solution compared to gravel drain.
- Non-biodegradable.
- Being factory made, high quality is ensured.
- Convenient to install.
- Economical.
- Eco-friendly.
With due consideration to the above it can be concluded

that the trial was successful and clearly indicate the
effectiveness of MacDrain as a drainage layer.
Photo 2: Dressing of protrusions

Photo 3: Placement and joining of MacDrain® Photo 4: Placement of backfill till top of wall
Photo 5: Seepage noted from weep holes Photo 6: MacDrain® retrieved after test
Typical project drawing section
MACCAFERRI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS PVT. LTD

D40, MIDC Ranjangaon, Tal-Shirur, Dist. Pune - 412 220
Tel: +91 2138 393000 , Email: info.in@maccaferri.com
.
CASE HISTORY
Rev: 1, Issue Data 08.10.2020
BHAVNAGAR PAVEMENT STABILIZATION

BHAVNAGAR, GUJARAT, INDIA
Sub-grade Improvement
Problem
Client: Road & Buildings Department, Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar is a city in the state of Gujarat situated 198 km Designer / Consultant: Road & Buildings Design
away from the state capital Gandhinagar. This proposed Circle
Creek Kalatalav Sanesh road is the approach road to Contractor: Kalathiya Engineering & Construction
Bhavnagar District and for the nearby Salt Industries as well.
Ltd
The proposed road is formed between the creeks, where the Products used (Qty.)
ground water table is high and flood level is also high during - MacGrid EG 90,888 sqm
the monsoons. Also, sub grade strength was found to be of - Road Mesh 1,41,775 sqm
CBR less than 2 percent with poor soil properties. The road - ParaLink 91,789 sqm
used to demand high maintenance and repairs cost. - Gabion 38,329 cum
- MacDrain N 27,817 sqm
Solution
- MacTex N 1,55,779 sqm
R & B department referred the problem to Maccaferri for the Date of construction: 07/2011 - 06/2012
improvement of 14 km length proposed road. Ease and
speed of construction was a key element in the design
selection process. Considering the site conditions and poor
soil properties, Maccaferri suggested a composite that will
offer the design strength for road pavement construction
necessary for this project.
The solution included Double Twist wire mesh products such

as gabion and Road Mesh® and geosynthetic products such
as MacTex®, ParaLink®, MacGrid® and MacDrain®.
Gabions were provided to act as an embankment protection
on the sides of the proposed road. Nonwoven geotextile was
provided to perform the separation and filtration. High
strength geogrid- ParaLink® improved the ground
conditions and uniform stress transfer to subsoil.
Selection of products and solution was done meticulously to

mitigate the present problems of coastal road.
Photo 1: Site conditions of proposed road
Photo 2: Gabion wall embankment edges

Photo 3: Laying of GSB over ParaLink® Photo 4: Laying of MacGrid® EG
Photo 5: Installation of MacDrain® for drainage Photo 6: Laying of Road Mesh®
Cross section drawing
MACCAFERRI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS PVT. LTD

D40, MIDC Ranjangaon, Tal-Shirur, Dist. Pune - 412 220
Tel: +91 2138 393000 , Email: info.in@maccaferri.com
.
7. Technical Specifications
REV: R1 August 2023

PROVIDING AND LAYING NON-WOVEN GEOTEXTILE AS SEPARATOR &
FILTER as per MORT&H Section700 specifications (Type III)
1. Material
The nonwoven needle punched or thermally bonded or any equivalent geotextile shall be used. The
geotextile shall be made of polyester or polypropylene manufactured through machine made process
of needle punching techniques. The mean Values of Geotextile shall be as shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PROPERTIES: MARV Values Test Method
Mechanical:
Tensile Strength 7kN/m ASTM D 4595
Elongation at maximum > 50 % ASTM D 4595

load
Grab Tensile Strength 500 N ASTM D 4632/IS 13162 Part 5
Grab Elongation > 55 % ASTM D 4632/ IS 13162 Part 5
Puncture Strength (CBR) 1200 N ASTM D 6241
Hydraulic:
Apparent Opening Size, 0.4 mm ASTM D 4751

AOS90
Permittivity 0.02 sec-1 ASTM D 4491
2. Method of measurement
Quantity of filter geotextile shall be determined from cross sections and the linear distance and
paid for under the appropriate bid items.
3. Basis of Payment
Accepted filter geotextile shall be paid for at the unit price (per square metre area) for each pay
item included in the contract.
4. Method of Testing
The supplier has to submit a Certificate of conformity for the parameters indicated in Table 1 for
every lot/shipment.
Providing and laying of high strength uniaxial flexible BBA Certified geogrids
as basal reinforcement as ground improvement solution, made of polyester core
with polyethylene coating with minimum long-term strength for 120 years
design life at 30 degrees celsius
1) Scope of work
This specification covers the use of high strength uniaxial geogrids for Basal
reinforcement (as per IRC 113) including the scope of furnishing and installation as
per the special provisions mentioned in the specifications, instructions from the
manufacturer/supplier and as directed by the Engineer-In-Charge.
2) Supply of high strength uniaxial geogrids
All high strength uniaxial geogrids shall be new and undamaged. Materials which are
not new or damaged will not be accepted. These shall follow the design as shown and
mentioned in the manufacturers set of drawings for the pavement application.
• The company providing the materials must demonstrate the High strength
Geogrid products have been used and proven in Embankment structures.
• The company must have proven ability to manufacture the required shapes of
the high strength uniaxial geogrids.
The manufacturing facility shall operate under a management system that is 3 rd party
certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards. The high strength geogrids shall be
manufactured in such a way so as to ensure an efficient and durable reinforcement
system suitable for pavement applications.
3) Tests, Inspections and verifications
I) Pre supply approvals
Prior to the supply of the material the supplier or manufacturer should ensure that the
ParaLink shall meet the requirements as specified in the Tables 1&2. Conformance
testing shall be performed on random samples by the manufacturer or supplier in
accordance with approved quality control practices and form accredited test
laboratories.
II) During Supply approvals
After the finalization of the supplier, ParaLinks shall be provided for the testing. The
tests that are to be carried out are Tensile strength (MD), Elongation (MD), Puncture
Resistance, Apparent Opening size and permittivity and the tests should meet the
requirement as per Tables 1& 2.
III) Material
The geogrid for basal reinforcement shall be high strength flexible geogrid with a high-
quality coating like LDPE or equivalent. Latex or PVC or modified bitumen coating or
geotextile shall not be permitted. The geogrid shall be manufactured from polymeric
strips comprising of tendons made from high tenacity polyester fibers concentrated in
separated bundles and encased in a durable polyethylene sheath. The polyester yarns
are placed in tension and polyethylene is then co-extruded on to the polyester to form
polymeric strip. The polyethylene sheath used on geogrid shall act as a chemical
barrier and also provide protection against any form of installation damage. The
selection of the geogrid needs to be strictly based on the long-term design strength
values for a design life of 120 years at 30°C.
IV) Long term design strength properties
The long-term design strength shall be derived as per guidelines given in ISO TR
20432 for design life of 120 years and design temperature of 30C considering
following factors
Tallow = TUTS / RF
RF = RFCR x RFID x RFW x RFCH x FS
Tallow = Allowable tensile strength
TUTS = Ultimate tensile strength
RF = Reduction factor
RFCR = Reduction factor for creep
RFID = Reduction factor for the effect of installation damage
RFW = Reduction factor for weathering
RFCH = Reduction factor environmental degradation (chemical and biological) at the
service temperature
FS = Reduction factor related to the mass of information available and to the production
quality.
The adoption of reduction factors should be strictly based on reliable test data and
performance data available with the manufacturer from accredited independent
agency or the manufacturer should provide a valid third-party accredited certification
like BBA (British Board of Agreement) certifying the Reduction Factor (RF) value for
their geogrid for design temperature of 30°C and design life of 120 years. Manufacturer
should have creep test data from independent accredited laboratory for period over 10
years at design temperature of 30°C.
Table (1) Minimum RF for up to 120 years design life, 30°C temperature
applications
For geogrids characterized by an UTS up to (kN/m) 4 00
RF at 300C Temperature and 4<Ph<9 for 120 years

1.761
design life for fill material with D50 up to 0.7 mm and
D90 up to 4 mm (concrete sand)
Table 2: Long term design strength of high strength uniaxial geogrid
Sr.
Parameter Unit Geogrid grade
No.
1 Ultimate tensile strength (MARV) kN/m 400
2 Secant stiffness at 5% strain kN/m 2298
Long Term Design Strength at 300C

Temperature and 4<ph<9 for 120 years design 227.11
3 kN/m
life for fill material with D50 up to 0.7 mm and
D90 up to 4 mm (concrete sand)
v) Testing and acceptance criteria
The material should get approval from the client before the actual supply start. Contractor
within 30 days of issue of work order shall intimate Engineer in charge about the brand of
material he intends to procure along with technical literature, past experience and other
details about the manufacturer and if client intended for testing of supplied material,
contractor shall arrange a visit of client to factory for inspection and testing of the material.
The visit expenses (traveling, lodging and boarding) and testing expenses will be borne
by the Contractor.
Tensile strength test shall be done on one sample per every 40,000 sqm of geogrid
supplied at manufacturer laboratory. Manufacturer of the geogrid should provide
“Manufacturers Test Certificate’ for the tensile strength of geogrid strip elements.
VI) Eligibility criteria- Manufacturer

• The manufacturer of the geogrid should have in-house facility to test the tensile
strength of the geogrid.
• The manufacturer shall have in-house technical support facilities to provide site
specific design and required technical assistance at site. The manufacturing plant
should be ISO 9001:2015 certified plant. The flow chart of quality procedures
adopted in the plant should be submitted to the client for getting the source
approval.
• Manufacturer should have supplied minimum 90,000 sqm geogrid for similar
application. Manufacturer shall submit the certificate from Govt. Department
mentioning the same.
• The Manufacturer / Supplier should not have a history of poor performance such
as abandoning the works, financial failures, blacklisting. If it is observed,
Manufacturer / Supplier will be automatically disqualified.
VII) Method of Measurement

Quantities of geogrid reinforcement shall be determined from cross sections and the
linear distance of the structure. The measurement shall be in square meters of
geogrid, measured in their final position in plan area. Site specific design and material
availability will determine the actual grade of geogrid to be used.
VIII) Basis of Payment
Accepted geogrid reinforcements will be paid per square meter quantity of various
grades for each pay item included in the contract.
A copy of contract specification shall also be provided to manufacturer to confirm

that his material conforms to the specification for material.
8. Guidelines
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REV: R1 August 2023
REV: R1 August 2023
Rev: R1 – August 2023
Rev: R1 – August 2023

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CLIENT:

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Government of Orissa WorksDepartment

Technical Proposal on Ground Improvement

EWAY ENGINEERING PVT LTD.

GROUND IMPROVEMENT SOLUTION FOR

CLIENT: MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

Reason for Prepared Reviewed Approved

1 R0 16th August’23 First submission Saurabh Sonal Ratnakar

Project No. BO0025239

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Since then, through innovation, geographical expansion and focused diversification,

Continuous Research & Development to improve existing and development of new

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➢ Design as per National and International Standards

➢ State of art manufacturing units in India

Summing up all the services we strive to achieve- Engineering a Better Solution

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3. Problem Description and Solution Proposed

1: Embankment, 2: Reinforcement, 3: Soft Clay foundation, 7: Deep seated rotation

Figure 1: Deep seated foundation & embankment failure

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Paralink as a reinforcement layer is placed at foundation level to prevent shear failure

1. High strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink)

Figure 2: High strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink)

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Figure 3: Non-woven Geotextile

• RS wall Location- CH 0+450 to 0+762 and CH: 1+035 to 1+610

• Maximum RS wall height = 16 m

• BH considered for design- BH 20 (CH: 0+750), BH 1 (A1-CH: 0+760) and BH 18

• Foundation soil properties considered for analysis,

Bulk Unit Sat. Unit

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Bulk Unit Sat. Unit

Where, LL = Liquid limit and e0 = Initial void ratio

• The select fill parameters used for the design are:

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• Treated analysis includes the following solutions,

Replacement of clayey layer up to 3.5 m thickness or up to disintegrated rock layer

Case Bearing Bearing Settlement Settlement Replacement

• Targeted & achieved FOS for global stability check:

Cases FOS Static Achieved FOS Static Targeted

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• Based on the analysis, high strength uniaxial geogrid (Paralink/ParaGrid HF) of

• Basal reinforcement is provided for improved pressure distribution and controlling

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Mac Drain Mac Drain

γ < 20 kN/m³ γ < 20 kN/m³

1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

1.5m Reinforcement Length Reinforcement Length 1.5m

Non-Woven Geotextile Non-Woven Geotextile

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A.] Foundation Soil Data : Bore Hole @ BH-20 Untreated

Internal Angle of Saturated Unit Weight

BH 20 1 Sandy Clay 4 2.5000 15 1.81 2.01

BH 20 2 DI Rock 8.5 0.0000 32 1.977 2.177

BH 21 3 Hard Rock 3.100 0.0000 32 2.103 2.303

Water Table: 0.5 Actual WT =0.5

Internal angle of friction : 27.641 degrees

Total Depth of Soft Foundation Soil: 4.00 m

Bulk unit wt: 1.959 t/m3

Sc = Hc* [ Cr / (1+e0)]log10 [pc/p0] + Hc[Cc / (1+e0)]*log10 [(p0 + Dp)/pc ]