March/April 2023 - 81

Dumping lime without a spreader truck
FEATURE ARTICLE
Working Platforms and Load Transfer Pads:
Design and Construction Using Soil Stabilization
The design and construction of working
platforms is a high-risk activity with
potentially disastrous outcomes if not
properly conducted. It is a critical yet
over looked component of deep
foundation projects. Cranes and piling
rigs used to install deep foundation
elements generate numerous static and
dynamic loads that many native jobsite
soils cannot support. These conditions
warrant consideration in working pad
selection. This article discusses the use
of soil stabilization to build working
pads and load transfer pads. The
following discussion is written from the
point of view of the soil stabilization
subcontractor, sharing relevant
chal lenges, solut ions and steps
involved with installing a working pad.
AUTHORS Don Greb, P.E., Griffin Soil Group
DEEP FOUNDATIONS * MAR/APR 2023 * 81
The intent of this article is not to
understate the importance of due
diligence in their design, but rather to
offer a simplistic approach based on
actual projects and empirical data.
First, a few definitions.
Working platform is a temporary
geotechnical structure or existing
subgrade that provides a stable support
surface for a piece of equipment to
safely operate. The types of equipment
that require working pads are large,
specialized cranes used for heavy lifts,
deep soil mixing, soil nailing, auger rigs
and piling rigs.
Load transfer pad is a permanent
engineered system that works in conjunction
with a support pile system,
such as auger cast piles. Essentially the
load transfer pad and pile system
creates an inverted " bed of nails " to support
building structures. Load transfer
pads can also offer the same benefits as
working pads if properly designed.
Soil stabilization is the process by
which the engineering properties of the
soil are permanently altered to provide a
more stable and higher performing soil.
This is achieved by mixing the native
soil with either cement, quicklime or a
combination of the two. The existing
soil types define which reagents are
best suited to improve the soil. By
mixing the appropriate reagent and
quantity with the soil, the properties
can be dramatically enhanced. Improved
soil properties include the
following: reduced plasticity, reduced

March/April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March/April 2023

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March/April 2023 - Intro
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