Flowable Fill, Geofoam to Reduce Pressure on Foundation?

[Munster1]

I'm looking for specifications, recommendations on reducing soil pressure against a poured foundation wall with inadequate reinforcing to support backfill to it's 10 ft height. What are the specifications(weight) for flowable fill and does it need to be poured as a seperate wall from the foundation or can it be used as backfill?
Thanks,
H C Cook

 

[BigH]

Check out

http://www.elastizell.com

. It is a very lightweight foamed cement/mortar - about 30 pcf with better than soil compressive strengths. You would pour it in, say, 2 ft lifts so then the formwork would be minimal. They have specfications for the product (out of Ann Arbor Michigan) - I've used it before and had good success. Also, do a search of Horvath Geofoam and you should get some hits about the use of geofoam.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Flowable fill can be used as backfill, we have used it often in situations where future excavation may be required, such as backfill over an electrical ductbank. Here is a link to general information

http://www.gcpa.org/flowable_fill.htm

here is a typical specification

http://www.gcpa.org/FlowableFillSpec.pdf

please note that it is not a lightweight material at 90 to 125 lb/ft^3

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[jdonville]

Munster1,

To expand on BigH's point, elastizell is avalable in a range of densities. Obviously, lighter may be more expensive and have less strength. As with other flowable fills, it does become self-supporting after it sets up.

Jeff


Jeffrey T. Donville, PE
TTL Associates, Inc.

http://www.ttlassoc.com

 

[Munster1]

Okay, thanks for the info.
We were thinking of erecting a form for the flowable fill away from the foundation and filling in between with something to keep soil pressure off the wall. We need about 25-28 pcf or less to make the wall work. Elastizell sounds interesting, does anyone know how the costs work out versus Geofoam?

Thanks,
H C Cook

 

[BigH]

Why not contact Leo Legatski at Elastizell directly? I have always found him quite helpful.

 

[dicksewerrat]

Would it be easier to form up and pour a new wall with the proper reinforcing right next to the existing wall?

 

[geonet]

I found the folks at both elasizell and Voton to be helpfull specifications and design properties. I believe that the geofoam will typically come out less expensive but does have a few design issues. Contact NCHRP regarding geofoam report (Or Timothy Stark at Univ. of Ill.).