Benchmark Service: Design & Bid Services + Construction Phase Services
Issue: The pavement in a semi-trailer parking area, along with its adjacent roadway, was exhibiting significant signs of deterioration after more than 10 years in service. Spanning approximately 5,800 square yards, this concrete pavement showed extensive wear, joint failure, and an overall decline in structural integrity.
The primary causes? Heavy truck traffic paired with inadequate drainage design. The compromised pavement not only impacted functionality but also posed safety risks, increased repair costs, and disrupted operations.
Solution: Benchmark brought its expertise into action by designing and executing a full-scale rehabilitation plan to address the pavement's wear and long-standing drainage issues. Our team provided design services, full-time construction observation, inspection, and budget management throughout the project.
Here are the key steps taken to ensure durability and improved performance outcomes for the new pavement:
Grade Adjustments to Enhance Drainage
During the excavation process, the existing elevations were reviewed and revealed that the slope of the pavement was below standard. Poor slope design was a contributing factor to pooling water and further erosion over time. Benchmark adjusted the grades to promote proper surface drainage, ensuring water would seamlessly flow into the appropriate outlet points.
Additionally, we factored in future reconstruction plans, ensuring the new design would complement the drainage requirements for adjacent areas yet to undergo rehabilitation.
Subgrade Stabilization for a Solid Foundation
Following the removal of the old concrete, a proof roll was conducted to test the stability of the subbase. Where subbase instability was detected, particularly in the areas where grades were lowered to improve flow lines, additional stabilization measures were implemented.
This involved:
Concrete Replacement Optimized for Longevity
Once the subgrade was secured, the team placed 8 inches of reinforced concrete pavement using a pump truck for consistent delivery and placement. To ensure long-term durability and load-bearing capability, steel dowel bar baskets and wire mesh reinforcement were integrated into the design.
The concrete strength was verified via frequent Quality Control (QC) testing throughout the process, ensuring compliance with project specifications and exceeding expectations for structural performance.
Erosion Control and Enhanced Drainage
To combat erosion, riprap was placed in the ditch line at the outfall of the newly adjusted flow line. This provided additional protection against water damage while directing runoff toward the existing drainage system.
Concrete-filled bollards were installed along the edge of the pavement near the riprap outfall, adding both durability and practicality by preventing vehicle damage to the drainage system.
Sealing and Joint Protection
Once the concrete was completed, all control joints were sealed to mitigate water intrusion into the pavement system. This proactive measure will significantly reduce the risk of premature wear caused by trapped moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and subgrade erosion.
Impact: The rehabilitation of the semi-trailer parking area delivered both immediate and long-term benefits for the client. Improved drainage was achieved through grade adjustments and new flow lines, effectively eliminating standing water and ensuring the pavement remains dry and durable during wet conditions. This enhancement also benefits adjacent areas by accommodating better drainage when they are reconstructed in the future. Structural integrity was significantly improved with the stabilization of the subbase and reinforced concrete installation, creating a foundation capable of supporting heavy truck traffic and extending the pavement's lifespan well beyond standard expectations. Additionally, minimized maintenance needs were achieved through better drainage and sealed joints, reducing the risk of water-related damage and erosion, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs and fewer operational interruptions. Finally, operational efficiency was restored, as the new pavement is designed to handle heavy commercial loads, ensuring smooth vehicle operations and fully restoring the functionality of the parking and roadway areas.
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| Steel dowel bar baskets and wire mesh reinforcement were integrated into the design. | Riprap placed in the ditch line at the outfall of the newly adjusted flow line. |