Base Stabilization, Rockford, IL

Case Study 

Application	Base Stabilization	Job owner	Van Matre Health
Location	Rockford, IL	Engineer	Arnold Lundgren and Associates
Product	Mirafi® RS380i	Date of Installation (m/y)	October 2011

THE CHALLENGE

The parking lot at a medical facility in Rockford, IL was being redone and expanded. The pavement on the parking lot was cracking and had shown signs of failure for several years. Water was coming up through the pavement, indicating a poorly drained base course.

THE DESIGN 

Underdrains were installed and edge drains were placed to remove the collected water. Several “soft” areas were noted during subgrade preparation. TenCate Mirafi® RS380i* woven geosynthetic was selected to bridge over the soft areas.

THE CONSTRUCTION 

The subgrade was cut to depth after the removal of the old pavement section. A proof roll was done to confirm compaction. Some movement was noted, so Mirafi® RS380i was placed on the subgrade. The engineer was concerned about movement of the geotextile during installation so 3M adhesive was used at the seams. Mirafi® RS380i was overlapped 6”, then a layer of the adhesive was sprayed on and the two layers were pressed together. A 6” lift of stone was placed with a tracked skid steer. Curb and gutter were installed and the parking lot was paved with asphalt.

THE PERFORMANCE

The pavement section has performed well since the installation in October, 2011. Mirafi® RS380i allowed the soft soils to stay in place without increasing the stone depth or increasing the undercut. Mirafi® RS380i provided separation and confinement and also provided drainage and filtration for the base course and soil subgrade.