How Leca® Lightweight Aggregate Solved Complex Groundwork Challenges on Poland’s S6 Expressway
The S6 expressway in Poland is a vital part of the TEN-T trans-European transport network, enhancing connectivity between Szczecin and Gdańsk. Designed to boost regional development and reduce travel time, this large-scale infrastructure project also presented significant geotechnical challenges—particularly in the Koszalin–Sianów section.
Thanks to Leca® Lightweight Aggregate (LWA), engineers were able to address these issues effectively and sustainably.
Why Leca® LWA Is the Ideal Lightweight Fill Material
Leca GEOTECHNICAL 8/10-20 RX was used in three strategic ways to overcome subsoil and water table difficulties in the region:
1. Reduced Loads on Raised Embankments
In sections where the embankment height was increased, previous reinforcement techniques couldn't bear the additional weight. Using Leca® LWA reduced vertical stresses at the subsoil level, ensuring long-term stability and settlement control.
2. Shorter Columns in Organic Soil Zones
Engineers used reinforced concrete columns to build embankments over thick organic soils. Leca®'s low density allowed for shorter column lengths, avoiding disturbance of cohesive soil layers and protecting artesian groundwater reserves.
3. A Reliable Solution in Difficult Hydrogeological Zones
Construction delays occurred near Góra Chełmska, where dual aquifers and high hydrostatic pressure complicated foundational work. After design revisions, Leca® LWA mattress layers were installed to stabilize the base without compromising groundwater dynamics.
Project Highlights: S6 Expressway – Koszalin–Sianów
Location: Northern Poland (Koszalin to Sianów)
Project: S6 Expressway – TRANSPROJEKT Gdańsk
Main Contractor: Polbud-Pomorze
Leca Product Used: 52,200 m³ of Leca GEOTECHNICAL 8/10-20 RX
Application: Ground load reduction, embankment fill, aquifer protection
Leca®: Engineering Smarter Infrastructure
From highways to railways, Leca® continues to offer reliable, eco-friendly solutions to complex engineering challenges. This project shows why Leca® Lightweight Aggregate is the preferred choice for engineers aiming to reduce settlement, improve ground stability, and minimize environmental impact.
