At GeoGrow, we know that creating a sustainable construction process while maintaining cost-effectiveness of your retaining wall is essential. One of the ways to achieve this is through the use of as dug materials within reinforced soil.
What Is As Dug Material?
As dug material, also known as site won material, is retrieved from the site as part of the cut/fill operation and is not imported from an external source. The use of as dug materials within reinforced soil structures has been gaining popularity due to several reasons.
One of the significant benefits of using as dug material as backfill is the cost savings that it offers. Importing engineered fill can be expensive, and reducing the volume of fill imported to the site can lead to significant cost savings. This can result in a more cost-effective solution for the client or allow for reinvestment in other aspects of the project.
Another important advantage of using as dug material is the potential for net carbon reduction. By reducing the volume of imported stone, we can reduce the overall carbon usage on the site, helping to create a more sustainable construction process. Additionally, reusing materials on site potentially reduces the materials that need to be taken off-site, which has additional cost and carbon savings.
Are There Any Downsides?
However, there are several challenges and considerations that need to be taken into account when using as dug material. Not all materials are suitable for reuse, and they need to be classified to ensure they are suitable for use. Additionally, the variability of as dug materials can affect the performance of the reinforced soil structure and lead to additional costs if not accounted for.
The reuse of clay materials can also present challenges. The reuse of clays may require longer geogrids than sand and gravel. It may also affect the drainage of the backfill, leading to potential instability of the reinforced soil structure if not designed and maintained suitably. Use of cohesive fills also lead to settlement within the backfill material which needs to be considered - this is not an issue for granular as dug materials.
Furthermore, careful consideration needs to be made with respect to how the material is stored on site. As the material is likely to be stored on site for a longer period of time, it is susceptible to water saturation, which may affect its usability.
Get In Touch
In conclusion, the use of as dug materials within reinforced soil retaining walls can provide significant cost savings and contribute to a more sustainable construction process. However, careful consideration needs to be made with respect to material suitability, variability, and storage. We believe that using as dug materials within reinforced soil structures is an effective way to achieve a more sustainable and cost-effective construction process. If you're interested in learning more about our construction solutions or the use of as dug materials, please contact us for more information.
Image source: Canva
