Beneath the Build: Smarter Ground Prep When Pushing Through Mud
by Natalie Springfield, on June 27, 2025
At the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in Northwest England, construction progress was at a standstill. Persistent rain had saturated the site, turning the subgrade into a near-liquid state. The original plan was using chemical stabilization, but they were no longer able to utilize this solution because of the persistent wet weather. In this week's episode of Beneath the Build, we explore how ground stabilization with geogrid kept this project on track. Without the luxury of time or additional site testing, Tensar proposed a fast, engineered fix: a Mechanically Stabilized Layer (MSL) built with Tensar InterAx® geogrid, placed directly over the soaked subgrade. The result? Immediate site access and a safe working platform for heavy machinery—without waiting for drier weather. The platform passed all bearing capacity requirements, enabling construction of the concrete floor slab without compromise.
By eliminating the need for chemical treatments and additional testing, Tensar and its InterAx geogrid helped keep the project on schedule, reduced risk, and delivered lasting value. The Lomeshaye project isn’t just a story of overcoming one site’s muddy challenges, though. It’s also a case study in how smarter ground preparation strategies can keep construction moving in even the most difficult conditions.
Lomeshaye’s soil conditions—soft, wet, and low-strength—are not unusual, especially in older industrial zones across the UK. Sites like this often require robust pre-construction planning to avoid costly surprises. What the Lomeshaye project highlights is the value of building flexibility into ground preparation and early-construction-stage strategies.
For developers and contractors around the globe working in regions prone to poor soils or unpredictable weather, mechanically stabilized layers can be a game-changer—keeping work moving while ensuring long-term structural performance.Facing poor soil conditions or inclement weather? Don’t wait for the ground to dry - learn more here.
Did you miss this episode of Beneath the Build? Catch up now.