The Wind Farm project in Texas required the construction of a temporary access road to support the transport of construction materials and turbine equipment. Given the scale of the project and the heavy and consistent traffic stirring dust plumes and coating sensitive equipment, building a durable and cost-effective road became a priority. Budget constraints for the project ruled out full-depth stabilization, leading to the decision for a topical treatment with AggreBind’s RoadMaster as the solution.
The Challenge
The existing road at the wind farm site was an ordinary dirt road, naturally compacted by the traffic and trucks using it. Stabilizing it, needed a solution that could withstand heavy loads from 40-ton tractor-trailers, pick-up trucks, and heavier construction vehicles, as well as control the dust due to the dry conditions in the area. The challenge was to enhance the road’s durability and minimize dust without a complete stabilisation process for the six-month project timeline.
AggreBind’s Topical Treatment Solution
The project team employed AggreBind’s RoadMaster Topical Surface Treatment that is employed regularly as a solution specifically for temporary road construction and dust control. This method offered a cost-effective way to strengthen the surface while avoiding the expense of a full-depth stabilization.
- Site Investigation: The team conducted a thorough site assessment to identify the soil types, areas requiring dust control, and the intended usage of the road. This step was crucial to understanding the conditions and planning the application effectively.
- Area Preparation: The dirt road was compacted to create a stable foundation. Additional protective measures, such as berms around pipes, were also installed to preserve the integrity of the road.
- Solution Mixing and Application: The AggreBind concentrate was mixed in a water truck at a 1:5 dilution rate. The solution was then applied at 0.35 liters per m² ensuring even distribution and proper penetration.
- Inspection: Once the surface was dry to the touch that road was opened for heavy traffic vehicles. The following day the road was inspected to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment in forming a durable crust that could withstand heavy use.
Results and Performance
Exceeding the project timeline, for more than twelve months the treated road endured continuous traffic from pick-up trucks, tractor-trailers, and construction vehicles without requiring reapplication. Despite starting as a simple dirt road, the topical stabilization treatment created a hard-wearing surface capable of supporting heavy-duty traffic. The contractor reported that the road maintained its integrity throughout the project timeline and beyond, confirming the effectiveness of AggreBind’s solution.
Similar results were observed in a temporary parking lot project in California, where the treatment lasted over five months despite heavy rainfall and significant temperature variations, and countless more renewables projects and construction projects. This versatility highlights the reliability of AggreBind’s topical surface treatment for diverse applications beyond temporary roads, including:
> Dust control for rural and industrial areas
>Temporary parking lot construction
> Access roads for construction sites
> Access roads for solar farms and wind farms
Key Benefits of AggreBind Topical Treatment
The Wind Farm project showcased several key advantages of AggreBind’s solution for temporary roads in renewables projects:
- Cost-Effective Road Construction: The 1:5 dilution rate enabled the project to save on material costs while maintaining road stability.
- Enhanced Durability: The treated road effectively supported 40-ton vehicles and heavy traffic well beyond the six months’ time frame for the project without requiring maintenance.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: The non-toxic, non-hazardous polymers used in the solution provided an environmentally conscious option for temporary construction needs.
- Quick and Easy Application: The method statement allowed for rapid deployment and minimized road downtime.
The temporary road at the Wind Farm was a prime example of how AggreBind’s RoadMaster Topical Treatment delivers a durable, dust-free, and cost-effective surface in challenging conditions. By strengthening an ordinary dirt road without the need for full-depth stabilization, AggreBind’s solution proved to be a practical and efficient choice for the temporary road project.