Using wood chips as fill 1

[AKGeotech]

I am looking for information on concerns/considerations in recommending methods for using wood chips as fill in a gravel pit reclamation. I plan to recommend that the chips be placed in a uniform layer as low as possible, with a 25% fines minimum cover to inhibit oxygenation, and at least 3 to 1, fill/chip layer cover. Any comments, missing considerations? This is in Alaska, so ground temp is below 40 degrees.

 

[BigH]

Will the chips be "under water" later on? If so, I don't see a big problem. Wood chips (aka hogfuel) were extensively used in the Burnaby Freeway back in the 1960s in British Columbia and also subsequently in other embankments although they later were encapsulated in plastic.
[cheers}

 

[AKGeotech]

Thanks for your reply. I am looking for case history type info. Is there an internet site that might have some write up on the Burnaby Freeway project? The wood chips may not be under water, GW is variable in this 250 acre project. That is why I am recommending a fines cap over the layer, hoping that low ground temperature and anaerobic atmosphere will keep it from composting. This is in a housing development and will only have playfields constructed on the surface.

 

[BigH]

Doubtful on the Burnaby Freeway project - this was done in the 1960s. Chuck Brawner (formerly of Golder Brawner and a proffesor at University of British Columbia) was heavily involved in this work. I've a lot of info but it is back in Toronto in storage (I'm in Calcutta). Might look into the Canadian Geotechnical Journal of many years ago - they might have something. If I think of anything I'll let you know.

 

[BigH]

AKGeotech - I posted some data about Brawner for you (in the wrong thread x2 - see thread274-102180 on peaty soils in this forum.