Stabilizing soft agricultural land for heavy crane loads

Overview

A time-sensitive ground stabilization project in Germany required a fast, reliable solution to prepare soft agricultural land for heavy crane operations. With a narrow construction window and winter conditions approaching, the site demanded rapid reinforcement to prevent subsidence and ensure structural safety during lifting operations.

The project team turned to Solmax for geosynthetics that could meet strict performance requirements under tight timelines. Solmax recommended a tailored combination of high-modulus interlayers and separation geotextiles to deliver effective load distribution and base layer stabilization. The solution was deployed within four weeks, enabling safe crane operation on previously unstable ground.

Challenge

The core challenge of the project was to create stable crane platforms on soft agricultural land with poor bearing capacity. The subgrade lacked the structural integrity required for heavy load-bearing, and traditional reinforcement methods such as thick gravel layers would have been cost- and time-prohibitive, particularly given the seasonal conditions.

To compound the complexity, the project had to be completed in winter, within just four weeks from material delivery to installation completion. Unpredictable weather and frozen ground conditions posed risks for both the installation schedule and material performance.

The installation method required the ground to be prepared ahead of time, with geosynthetics installed in layers to provide separation, filtration, and reinforcement. The tight deadline left no room for error in material delivery or on-site application. Coordination between the wholesaler, construction team, and Solmax’s technical specialists was essential to keep the project on track.

Adding to the novelty of the installation was the use of MIRAFI^® HMi – a relatively new product in Solmax’s portfolio – without existing calculation tools to assist with load distribution design. The engineering team had to rely on field expertise, performance specifications, and rigorous quality assurance to ensure the product would meet the project’s requirements.

Solution

MIRAFI HMi was chosen for its ability to deliver reinforcement in soft soil conditions without the need for extensive excavation or over-dimensioned gravel structures. Though calculation tools for this newer material were not yet available, the product met all specified requirements, including a target strength of 150 MPa, verified during testing.

The installation was completed on schedule despite the winter timeline. Solmax’s efficient delivery logistics, combined with clear on-site instructions and product performance, ensured smooth integration into the contractor’s workflow. The recommendation of the specific system by the Solmax representative played a decisive role in the success of the project, as it balanced performance demands with construction constraints.

The project reinforced Solmax’s reputation for engineering support, material reliability, and solution-focused collaboration. The wholesaler and contractor have since expressed strong satisfaction with the outcome, citing Solmax’s timely delivery, technical guidance, and confidence in the product recommendation as key differentiators.

This case not only validated the performance of MIRAFI HMi in field conditions but also highlighted the importance of integrated geosynthetic systems in achieving rapid ground stabilization. The ability to meet high mechanical requirements under winter constraints – without additional sub-base material – demonstrated the cost and efficiency benefits of geosynthetics for crane pad applications.

In conclusion, this project showcases how geosynthetics can enable fast, sustainable, and technically sound infrastructure development, even under pressure. Solmax’s commitment to innovation and reliability made it possible to turn a complex ground condition into a safe operational platform in just four weeks.