Pioneer in sustainable soil stabilization and improvement

During the upcoming InfraTech, TerraStab cannot and should not be missing. At stand 1.100, the Harderwijk-based company will not only show its extensive expertise in soil stabilization and soil improvement. From January 17 to 20 in Rotterdam Ahoy, TerraStab will also show that it has already taken major steps on the sustainability and circularity front. For example when it comes to road renovations and verge stabilization, two disciplines in which the company, which was founded in 2002, is emphatically leading the way with regard to the formulated climate objectives. As (knowledge) partner, initiator and pioneer.

Over the past 20 years, TerraStab has developed into a unique and knowledgeable specialist for the execution of the most diverse soil stabilization and soil improvement works. With, among other things, its own R&D laboratory and engineering office, a well-stocked data cabinet and an impressive, self-developed fleet of equipment, everything is present within the company walls to service clients as desired and required with a specific customized project solution. For roads, roadsides, levees, buildings, port and container terminals, rail lines, airports and even wind farms, among others. The applications are broader than broad and the approach is always grafted onto sustainability and circularity, two aspects that are central within the climate objectives formulated globally for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. It is precisely in these areas that TerraStab clearly makes a difference and can draw on a very well-equipped 'kitchen'. This includes conducting project-based preliminary studies, devising innovative product and equipment developments and an excellent performance in the field. At TerraStab they are at home in many markets. The close cooperation with leading research institutes, such as TU Delft, makes a solid contribution to this. "The knowledge and expertise, experience and data we have amassed over the years are literally the foundation of our activities," says director Anton Bunt. "And always the structural properties desired by the client are the starting point of our work. These invariably begin with a thorough preliminary geotechnical investigation and culminate in the most optimal soil solution. In any situation."

Maximum reuse

At TerraStab, providing the best-fit answer to customer demand goes hand in hand with maximum reuse of locally available minerals and minimum transport movements. In addition, high stakes are placed on a solid extension of the technical lifespan of the foundation in question. According to Bunt, this is the gateway to a better, more sustainable world in which CO₂-reduction, circularity and reduced MKI values are both desirable and necessary. "It's about making the subsurface ready for use in a circular sense," he says. "We do that by reusing existing primary raw materials and foundation materials as much as possible and transforming them into building materials. That avoids a lot of dragging and reduces disposal costs. Furthermore, the lead time of the project is considerably shortened and the nuisance for the surrounding area is much less. But first and foremost, the environment benefits. Simply because you only need to purchase a few valuable raw materials. The most important factor in that respect is the use of the binders we have developed, available in many varieties and each with a unique composition."

Eco binder

One example is the Ecostab developed by TerraStab, a CO₂-low and completely cementless binder that is composed of natural residues for 100%. In addition, Ecostab is very strong, can be processed quickly in much the same way as traditional binders, and meets all the requirements included in the Soil Quality Decree. In addition, it is low shrinkage and lends itself well to the realization of bonded foundations. "As a result, you can suffice with far fewer layers of asphalt, up to 40%," Bunt endorses the product benefits. "At the same time, the lifetime of the deck is extended and it is also more resistant to root growth. Welcome benefits that fit in perfectly with the desire to be economical with what we have. TerraStab is clearly leading the way in that regard. Look, everyone today is talking about sustainability. The question is: What are you as an organization really doing about it? We provide an answer to that question that is so badly needed now and in the future. Looking at the environmental targets set for 2030 and beyond, I can say that we have already taken major steps forward. In terms of expertise, facilities, equipment and products. The world is already benefiting from our expertise. Because green really is green with us..."    

Project case: renovation Heerenweg in Leimuiden
Commissioned by Versluys Group, TerraStab performed renovation work on the Heerenweg in Leimuiden. In five phases, no less than 20,000 m² road to be stabilized. "Here, the bearing capacity of the soil stabilization was matched to the function of the road," Bunt reflects on the project. "Before we started the renovation work, we did - as always - a preliminary investigation. In this case, the existing soil composition was determined and, in relation to the road function, the dosage of the binder was determined. By subsequently taking test samples in the laboratory and testing them extensively, we were able to establish in advance with certainty that the desired bearing capacity would actually be achieved. If the subgrade had been less load-bearing, for example due to the presence of certain types of clay and peat, we would have chosen to first apply soil improvement in a deeper layer of soil at a depth of 40 centimeters." 

Project case: construction of parking lot and access roads Floriade Expo 2022
The approximately 2 million expected visitors to the Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere had to be transported to the event site by buses. This required the construction of a huge parking lot for as many as 154 coaches. Commissioned by main contractor Dura Vermeer and the Municipality of Almere, TerraStab was asked to apply its extensive expertise in soil improvement and stabilization for both the parking lot and the surrounding access roads. Construction began in May 2021. "Due to the CO₂-poor binder Terrastab Light, we realized a durable, stable substrate that could be finely milled and returned to nature after the six-month exhibition ended," Bunt says. "With this we offered a 100% sustainable solution with reusable materials and avoided unwanted waste streams."