Infrastructure projects require building materials that reduce loads, resist settlement, and perform across varying site conditions. Foamed glass aggregate addresses applications where weak soils, settlement concerns, or load constraints require an alternative to traditional fill. It reduces loads on weak soils and subgrade structures by up to 90% while providing the compressive strength, drainage, and durability required for roads, bridge approaches, embankments, and MSE walls. Foamed glass aggregate minimizes settlement and installs with standard equipment, making challenging site conditions buildable without deep excavation or extensive ground improvements.
Supports structural roadway sections and engineered embankments with up to 125 psi when compacted.
90% lighter than crushed stone, reducing loads on weak soils, foundations, and retaining structures.
Minimizes pressure on underground utilities and structures.
Inert, closed-cell structure maintains stability with minimal settlement.
Supports steeper slopes and reduces reinforcement requirements.
Prevents moisture buildup and reduces hydrostatic pressure.
A typical Passive House slab-on-grade assembly with foam glass gravel consists of the following layers from bottom to top:
This assembly eliminates the traditional layers of crushed stone for drainage and rigid foam boards for insulation, consolidating both functions into the foam glass gravel layer. The result is simpler construction, fewer materials to coordinate, and continuous thermal performance without interruption. For frost-protected shallow foundations, foam glass gravel can be used both beneath the slab and as insulated backfill around the perimeter, creating a continuous insulated envelope that protects against frost heaving while maintaining thermal performance.
Property | Glavel Foamed Glass Aggregate | Crushed Stone | EPS Geofoam |
|---|---|---|---|
Weight (per cubic foot) | 10 lbs | 100+ lbs | 2 lbs |
Compressive Strength | 115 – 125 psi | 100+ psi | 5-40 psi |
Drainage | Free-draining | Free-draining | Non-draining |
Installation | Standard Equipment | Standard Equipment | Special Handling |
Durability | High | High | Degrades |
Foamed glass aggregate is used in bridge approaches, roadway embankments, MSE wall backfill, slope stabilization projects, and anywhere load reduction or settlement control is critical. It is especially useful when building on weak or compressible soils.
Both materials reduce loads on weak soils, but foamed glass aggregate offers distinct advantages: higher compressive strength (up to 125 psi vs up to 40 psi for EPS), better drainage capacity, and no need for special handling. Unlike EPS Geofoam, foamed glass aggregate won’t degrade from UV exposure, petroleum contact, or compression over time.
Foamed glass aggregate’s compressive strength (up to 125 psi) and high friction angle (up to 42°) make it suitable for roadway applications with moderate to heavy loads. It has successfully been used in bridge approaches, highway embankments, and MSE wall systems. A 12” capping layer is suggested between asphalt and a foamed glass aggregate layer.
