Foamed Glass UK lightweight aggregate has been used in a bridge abutment project in Rotterdam, demonstrating its application in infrastructure built on soft ground.
Supplied by distributor Steinag, FG65 foamed glass aggregate was used as lightweight structural fill behind a retaining structure founded on soft ground. Its low density helps reduce the loads placed on the underlying soils and the lateral earth pressures acting on the retaining structure.
A Lightweight Solution for Soft Ground
Construction on soft or compressible ground can present challenges, particularly around bridge abutments and retaining walls. The weight of traditional backfill materials can increase structural loading and contribute to settlement.
FG65 offers a lightweight alternative to conventional stone fill. With a typical compacted density of approximately 200–250 kg/m³, compared with more than 1,800 kg/m³ for traditional stone fill, it can significantly reduce the weight of the backfill.
This reduction in weight can help limit vertical loads transferred to weak foundation soils and reduce lateral earth pressures on retaining structures, supporting more efficient designs in settlement-sensitive environments.
Key Benefits of FG65 Foamed Glass Aggregate
Alongside its lightweight properties, FG65 offers several benefits for geotechnical and infrastructure applications:
Reduced loading: Its low density helps reduce pressure on retaining walls and loads transferred to the underlying ground.
High permeability: Supports effective drainage and helps reduce hydrostatic pressure build-up behind retaining structures.
Frost resistance and durability: Supports long-term performance in demanding infrastructure applications.
Recycled material: Manufactured from recycled glass, contributing to resource efficiency and circular economy objectives.
Low leachate potential: Offers benefits for projects where groundwater quality is an important consideration, subject to project-specific requirements.
UK-Manufactured Lightweight Aggregate
Foamed Glass UK manufactures lightweight aggregate in the UK from recycled glass, providing an alternative to traditional fill materials for a range of construction and ground engineering applications.
Projects such as the Rotterdam bridge abutment demonstrate how foamed glass aggregate can be used where reducing structural loads, managing drainage, and working with challenging ground conditions are key considerations.
FG65 is suitable for consideration in applications including bridge abutments, retaining walls, and other geotechnical structures, subject to project design and specification requirements.
To find out more about Foamed Glass UK's lightweight aggregate and its potential applications, contact the team to discuss your project requirements: Technical.enquiries@foamed-glass.uk