Tensar Foundation Support for Data Centre Culverts

The client faced weak subgrade with an undrained shear strength (s_u) 24kPa at the Data Centre site, raising concerns over ground stability under a 260 kPa working load. An engineered solution was required to allow the stable construction of concrete drainage culverts. The ground was required to achieve bearing capacity and settlement targets whilst controlling project costs.

Tensar proposed the design of a Tensar mechanically stabilised layer (MSL) incorporating Tensar stabilisation geogrids. These products have been used extensively around the world to enhance the efficiency of load distribution through granular layers to increase bearing capacity over low strength soils under a wide range of loading conditions. Once installed, the Tensar MSL was tested to confirm it would achieve the required 260kPa bearing capacity to allow stabilised support to the concrete culvert sections. On site plate bearing tests showed the Tensar MSL would sustain loads up to 700kPa with minimal deflection. A project specific settlement criteria of 20mm was also achieved during the testing.