Roadway reconstruction on STH-106 with MIRAFI

Overview:

Wisconsin Highway 106 (STH-106) underwent reconstruction over a marsh area but soon faced problems with uneven settling. The Jefferson County Highway Department sought a quick reconstruction method that would limit the need to remove large volumes of wet, organic soil while ensuring a stable base for the flexible pavement road. The solution needed to be sturdy enough to prevent uneven settling along the road, maintaining a smooth and ridable surface.

Challenge:

The main challenge was dealing with wet, saturated silt and peat deposits, extending over 30 feet (9.14 m) beneath the existing pavement. The solution involved a robust construction approach using a single layer of MIRAFI^® H₂Ri geosynthetic material placed directly on the subgrade. This was followed by a 15-in (38 cm) layer of crushed stone, a layer of MIRAFI BXG110 biaxial geogrid, and another 15-in (38 cm) layer of crushed stone. The MIRAFI H₂Ri reinforcement and moisture management created a "raft"-like platform for the road, improving drainage, particularly during spring thaws and heavy rains.

Solution:

The Jefferson County Highway Department was satisfied with the installation process. The multi-layer geosynthetic reinforcement provided a strong, stable base, allowing for smooth paving operations. This robust system reduced the need for subgrade removal to just 30 in (76 cm), significantly less than the 5-8 ft (1.52-2.44 m or more) that might have been necessary given the soil conditions. The MIRAFI H₂Ri not only saved costs but also allowed for quicker installation.

The multi-layer geosynthetic reinforcement provided a strong, stable base, allowing for smooth paving operations

Explore more case studies

View all

14 September 2026

Lake bank stabilization at Vivid Shores

At Vivid Shores in Bonita Springs, Florida, PROPEX® Armormax®, MIRAFI® FW403 and MIRAFI 140N stabilize lake banks exposed to wind-driven wave erosion. Completed sections are performing as designed.

14 September 2026

Crowne point country club case study

Crowne Point Country Club rehabilitated a deteriorated Vermont access road with MIRAFI H2Ri, using active moisture management to address saturated soils, frost-related distress and subgrade instability.

23 August 2026

GSE HD geomembrane lined salt ponds ensure long-term brine containment

GSE® HD geomembrane lined over 3.4 million m² of evaporation ponds to prevent brine seepage under extreme heat and UV exposure. This continuous barrier eliminated salt discharge and protected the surrounding environment.