CalTrans Freeway Roadway Stabilization

The Challenge

Settlement of bridge abutments causing dips on high-traffic roadways.

The Irvine Toll Roads experienced settlement of 1/3 inch to 3 inches at 4 bridge abutments and departures along a section of the roadway, leading to noticeable dips in the pavement. This settlement was particularly problematic due to the heavy traffic in the area, as the roadways consisted of 3-lane highways used by many commuters and commercial vehicles daily. The need for repairs was urgent, but the work had to be done without significantly disrupting traffic flow.

Key Facts

The Solution

Soil densification and pavement lifting with polymer.

To address the settlement, Groundworks utilized its proprietary polymer to densify the soil beneath the roadway, increasing its weight-bearing capacity and allowing the pavement to be lifted back to grade. Groundworks worked in coordination with CalTrans to develop a traffic control plan, ensuring that the work could be completed safely without causing major disruptions to the busy highway. Groundworks took on the role of General Contractor, managing the project from start to finish, ensuring that all work was completed within the defined schedule and scope.

The Impact

Successful pavement restoration with minimal disruption

The project had minimal operational impact due to the strategic use of the polymer, which allowed the pavement to be leveled back to grade quickly and effectively. This approach mitigated the need for full pavement replacement and extensive downtime, saving both time and costs. Due to high traffic volumes during the day, the team completed the majority of the work during night-time shifts, reducing disruption to the traveling public. The project was successfully completed within a 2-week installation timeline, with the roadway fully restored and functional.