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Infrastructure and Geotechnical Uses |
| Void Filling Sink holes, wells, tunnels, cisterns, abandoned utility pipes, annular grouting Flows easily and provides reduced weight on soil
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| Sub-Grade Soil Remediation Even low density (<40 pcf) cellular concrete has compressive strength exceeding type A soils Not subject to shifting or water absorption & shrink/swell behavior
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| Utility Trench Fill Common in England Protects and supports utility lines and reduces or eliminates need for compaction Can also result in significant money savings Thermal insulation
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| Flowable Fill Improvement Reduces cost and weight Flows more easily for faster placement
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| Culvert Trench Fill In previously compacted sub-grade Prevents later soil settlement and subsequent dips in road
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| "Bridge
abutments" are often cited as uses for cellular concrete by companies involved in cellular concrete. At
Richway, we have also listed “bridge abutments” as a use, without taking time to examine the validity of the
statement. Recent reflection on the use has caused us to realize that it is an error to call a bridge abutment a use
for cellular concrete. A bridge abutment is the load carrying structure at the end of the bridge. It is designed to support the end of the bridge and to transmit both vertical and horizontal forces to the earth. Thus the abutment itself is a structural member and is NOT a candidate for the use of cellular concrete. However, using cellular concrete for the fill around the abutment and under the approach to the bridge would be superior to compacted earth fill. 
First, and most important, cellular concrete will be fully compacted, with no post construction settling. This
alone would be a vast improvement over the “bump at the end of the bridge” which is so common. However,
there are likely benefits beyond that.Cellular concrete will serve to laterally stabilize the abutment and preserve its long term integrity. Because there will be no post construction settling or deterioration of the approach, there would be a cost savings from not having to periodically reconstruct the approach. Frost heaving, common with some fill materials, is not a problem with cellular concrete, further lengthening the life of the approach and the bridge. Finally, flood water scouring of fill soil around the abutment can be largely eliminated through the use of cellular concrete fill, without the need for extensive rip-rap protection. The photo below shows an example of scouring or erosion of fill around a bridge abutment in central Mississippi. |
| Bridge and Railroad Approach Fill Eliminates post-construction settling
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| Backfill Walls and Foundations Strength enhancement and reduced lateral hydrostatic pressure Low water absorption and thermal insulation are "bonuses"
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| Fence Panels Along Highways For sound control and visual blocking Significant cost reductions possible
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| Crash Barriers / Energy Absorption Pre-cast variable density cubes or pour on location
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Richway Industries, Ltd. 504 North Maple P.O. Box 508 Janesville, Iowa USA 50647 |
