1.024 - UK - Gateshead - 2007

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maxit LWA Geotechnical Fill

Civil Engineering

Th e S a g e C a rp a rk - G a t e s h e a d m a xi t LWA Re d u c e s E a r t h P re a s u re maxit LWA Lightweight aggregate fill provided a cost-effective solution for engineers faced with raising the level of a site earmarked for parking and outdoor activities at The Sage Gateshead, a new £70 million international music and entertainment venue. The Jennings Yard site posed a challenge for Gateshead Council as its previous use as railway sidings and more recently as a scrap yard had contaminated the ground.

To avoid the considerable cost of removing the contaminated ground, it was decided to raise the level of the site by increasing the height of the gravity retaining wall and an access ramp. Original drawings of the existing structures were not available; consequently the council’s engineers devised a plan to ensure that there would be no overall increase in horizontal thrust. Sub-contractors Lumsden & Carroll Construction, of Durham, raised the levels using some 480m 3 of lightweight maxit LWA 10-20mm, which was delivered in 60m 3, tipped into place and compacted in 600mm layers using a vibrating plate compactor.

maxit Building Products Ltd. The Heath, Runcorn Cheshire WA7 4QX Tel.: +44 (0)1928 515656 Fax: +44 (0)1928 576792 Web: www.maxit-uk.co.uk Email: sales@maxit-uk.co.uk

Due to the light weight of maxit LWA, the horizontal earth pressure to a retaining wall is reduced by

75% when compared with conventional aggregate fills. The maxit LWA pellets are made from marine clay expanded at high temperatures and are not susceptible to contamination by oil, diesel or other similar substances. Comments a spokesman for the project team: “maxit lightweight fill was chosen because of the simplicity of the assessment, specification and construction to ensure that the tight programme for the completion of the works coincides with the opening of The Sage Gateshead.” Designed by Foster and Partners, The Sage, Gateshead is the latest landmark building on Tyneside’s rejuvenated waterfront.


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