PROJECT SUMMARY
The University of Saskatchewan Cancer Center Parking Lot required a durable pavement foundation capable of supporting long-term traffic loads while addressing challenging subgrade conditions. ASL Paving, the project contractor, required a reinforcement solution that would improve the performance of the gravel base supporting the asphalt pavement structure. Due to the presence of softer subgrade soils, the design called for both soil separation and mechanical stabilization to prevent aggregate contamination and maintain structural integrity over time.
The project presented typical site challenges associated with pavement construction over variable ground conditions. The objective was to create a reinforced foundation that would improve load distribution, reduce the risk of rutting, and provide a stable platform for asphalt placement while maintaining installation efficiency. Layfield was selected to provide a solution that met the project requirements.
SOLUTION
Layfield supplied Geogrid QuikGrid® Flex 45, an innovative composite geogrid designed and manufactured in Canada to provide both separation and reinforcement in a single product. Supplied as 5m wide rolls, the material was easily deployed and overlapped across the prepared subgrade, reducing installation time.
A key advantage of QuikGrid® Flex 45 was its flexibility and ease of handling. The material readily conformed to the existing subgrade surface and was easily fitted around site features such as manholes and curved concrete boulevards.
CHALLENGES & RESULTS
Once aggregate placement began, gravel mechanically locked into the geogrid apertures, creating a reinforced composite structure that enhanced load distribution, stabilized the gravel layer, and anchored the granular structure above as it was pushed into place. The primary challenge for this project was constructing a reliable pavement structure over soft subgrade soils while maintaining a practical and efficient installation process.
QuikGrid® Flex 45 delivered several notable benefits during installation and construction. The material rolled out smoothly, remained flat after placement, and required minimal anchoring to keep it in position. Contractors reported that the product was significantly easier to cut and handle than traditional PP geogrids, eliminating the cuts and abrasions commonly experienced during installation.
The flexibility of the material allowed it to be folded and fitted without wrinkles, improving constructability around complex site conditions. During aggregate placement, crews observed excellent gravel interlock within the geogrid structure, providing immediate stabilization and reinforcement of the pavement foundation.
The project successfully demonstrated the performance advantages of QuikGrid® Flex 45 while delivering a safer, faster, and more installer-friendly reinforcement solution for roadway and parking lot construction.
“Easy to work with and cut. I never got any cuts like I do when working with other materials. Nice to be able to fold over the material with no wrinkles like other products. Great to have a locally made product available for roadway applications.” — ASL Paving (Customer)
Learn more about what makes QuikGrid® Flex unique. Check out the QuikGrid® Flex Technical Specifications.
