Value engineered option using HBM

CHALLENGE

Normally roads like this would only be resurfaced. Longevity would not be ensured and asphalt would continue to crack due to poor road foundations. The road would need to be resurfaced again in two to three years or sooner.

THE RESULTS

Normally roads like this would only be resurfaced.

Longevity would not be ensured and asphalt would continue to crack due to poor road foundations. The road would need to be resurfaced again in two to three years or sooner. 

We take a strategic approach to road problems and advise our clients of better and longer-lasting options meaning there will not need to be so many roadworks in the future.

PROJECT SCOPE

• We excavated the carriageway going deeper than some other highways companies by excavating the road to a depth of 280-390mm from existing levels, instead of only planing off 50mm to 80mm of asphalt
• We supplied and laid recycled HBM (hydraulically bound mixtures) to an average depth of 290 mm
• We applied asphalt and reused tar bound material
• The surfacing included SMA and Superflex
• We supplied, adjusted and replaced kerbs
• We reset and replaced granite sets and improved block paving
• 4,124.22 sq m of improvements were carried out around services
• Saved on waste going to landfill and on the use of marine aggregates
• Over £1m-worth of plant was deployed during the project

CARBON SAVINGS

In this case, and in line with Hailsham Roadways’ ethical approach, the road surfaces were built in a more environmentally friendly way.

Carbon savings are made by recycling materials dug from the existing broken road, not using aggregates from the sea or quarries.

This follows circular economy principles of designing waste out of the environment, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.

Normally, asphalt contaminated with tar cannot be recycled back to hot asphalt as when it is heated it becomes carcinogenic, unfortunately it often so normally it goes to landfill.

During this project all dug out material including that contaminated with tar asphalt was  recycled and put back in the same road. The road as sub-base was made of recycled dig-out plus adding recycled material strengthening agents.

This project will not only save on waste going to landfill but on the use of new aggregates and the carbon footprint of transportation and the effects on marine life from sea drenching it takes to get to site.

Over 20 highly skilled operatives, supervisors and engineers were involved.

WORKING DURING LOCKDOWN

This repair project was carried out during the last 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

Hailsham Roadways’ operatives are considered key workers as they help keep the region’s roads and footpaths repaired and operational. 

Lockdown presented extra emotional and physical challenges.

The team had to socially distance from each other and from members of the public.

Keeping two metres apart in the construction industry is not always possible. This caused reputational, health and safety and mental pressures.  Everyone was very tense. Every working person was scrutinised by the public.

the team had several queries from local communities asking if works were truly essential and could be done after lockdown. 

Managing tension was extremely important and the Roadways team did it successfully. 

Additional safety and information mechanisms were put in place:

•       only one operative per vehicle
•       additional welfare and hand sanitizing facilities
•       COVID-19 signage / boards were introduced for the public and for operatives on sites
•       every team had a COVID-19 marshal to remind about social distancing and easy up changes required to be implemented to keep everyone safe