How Lightweight Fills Fix Bumpy Bridges

🌍Bridge bumps occur when the embankment settles at a different rate than the bridge, leading to a bump. Lightweight fills can help reduce settlement and prevent bumps.

💡Materials like expanded shale, foam glass, and EPS foam are commonly used as lightweight fills in embankments.

🏗️Lightweight fills not only reduce settlement, but also reduce lateral pressure on retaining walls, saving costs and simplifying designs.

🌉Geofoam, made from EPS foam, is a popular lightweight fill choice for embankments. It is lightweight, easy to place, and provides sufficient strength for traffic loads.

💲While lightweight fills may be more expensive than traditional backfill materials, they can still save costs by reducing the size of structural elements and simplifying construction.

What causes bumps on bridges?

—Bumps on bridges occur when the embankment settles at a different rate than the bridge, creating an uneven transition.

What are some common lightweight fills used in embankments?

—Some common lightweight fills include expanded shale, foam glass, and EPS foam.

How do lightweight fills reduce settlement?

—Lightweight fills reduce settlement by reducing the weight of the embankment, which decreases the load on the underlying soil.

What are the advantages of using lightweight fills?

—Using lightweight fills can reduce lateral pressure on retaining walls, save costs by simplifying designs, and speed up construction.

Are lightweight fills more expensive than traditional backfill materials?

—While lightweight fills may be more expensive, they can still save costs by reducing the size of structural elements and simplifying construction.

00:01Introduction to the problem of bumps on bridges caused by settlement of embankments.

02:46Explanation of ground modification techniques and the focus on increasing the strength of the underlying soil.

04:41Introduction to the concept of lightweight fills as a solution to reduce settlement and lessen the weight on soft soils.

06:04Examples of different lightweight fill materials, such as expanded shale, foam glass, and EPS foam.

08:53Discussion of lightweight fills in retaining walls and their ability to reduce lateral pressure.

10:55Overview of lightweight fills made from concrete and their advantages in terms of ease of placement.

11:59Explanation of EPS foam as a lightweight fill material, including its strength and considerations for use.

13:52Sponsorship mention for HelloFresh and the benefits of their meal delivery service.