KlimaGrunn reduces greenhouse gas emissions in ground stabil

In development projects, ground stabilization is carried out to improve ground conditions and increase safety, especially in areas with quick clay. The most common method is to mix in large amounts of binder to improve ground conditions and increase safety. This makes it possible to build safely even with demanding ground conditions.

The challenge is that it also leads to large greenhouse gas emissions through the production and use of binder. In some development projects, binder use accounts for over a quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions for the entire facility.

The major development players, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Statsbygg and BaneNOR, wanted to do something about greenhouse gas emissions and established the innovation partnership KlimaGrunn. Multiconsult, Cautus Geo, Argeo and Heidelberg Materials were commissioned to develop a new technology and methodology to ensure climate-friendly ground stabilization for development projects in areas with quick clay.

Laboratory and field testing

The work was led by Multiconsult, and the parties carried out a number of laboratory tests and measurements with different amounts of binders. Field tests were then carried out in ongoing development projects, such as seismic measurements and the installation of temperature sensors in binder-stabilized piles. The results from the field were linked to results obtained in the laboratory. Two test trials were carried out in connection with the development of the E18-Western Corridor, and the client's test was carried out in connection with the ground reinforcement works at the Viking Age Museum in Oslo. The testing gave reliable results that showed much better agreement between the strength achieved in the field and in the laboratory, than current test methods and procedures.

Optimizing binder use

The working methodology and technology developed through KlimaGrunn thus make it possible to predict and monitor the actual strength development in binder-stabilized piles in the field. In the design phase, the amount of binder used in the construction phase itself is optimized, and during the construction phase, measurement technology is used to continuously monitor the strength development. This makes it possible to optimize further while providing increased control. This avoids overuse of binder, ensures safety, and the project achieves a significant reduction in both greenhouse gas emissions and costs.

The development cycle was completed in spring 2023. The measurement technology and working methodology are now available via Vegvesen.no. The goal is to implement the technology and method in the industry's manuals and guides during 2024 so that more people can use it in their projects.