Reducing structural loads is a common challenge across infrastructure projects. Addressing weak or compressible soils, minimizing settlement, or reducing lateral earth pressures typically requires costly excavation, deep foundation systems, or complex engineered solutions. Foamed glass aggregate is a lightweight fill that reduces loads by up to 90% while providing structural support, a high friction angle, and straightforward installation with no specialized equipment.
From embankments to MSE walls and bridge abutments, foamed glass aggregate simplifies fill applications and enables stable, long-term performance across challenging geotechnical conditions.
90% lighter than crushed stone, reducing loads on poor quality soils and structures.
Up to 125 psi when compacted, supports structural loads with minimal settlement.
Walking floor trailers deliver 130CY per load with no special equipment needed for installation.
Enables steeper slopes and reduced reliance on geogrid reinforcement.
Prevents moisture buildup and reduces hydrostatic pressure.
Inert, closed-cell structure maintains stability with minimal settlement.
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.
Yes. Foamed glass aggregate and foam glass gravel are the same material.
Foamed glass aggregate combines benefits that traditional fill materials cannot match in a single product. Unlike EPS Geofoam, it offers high compressive strength, free-draining properties, and long-term durability. Foamed glass aggregate is lighter than expanded shale while providing similar compressive strength and drainage. Its inert structure means no degradation from moisture, UV exposure, or petroleum contact.
Foamed glass aggregate is especially well-suited for unstable or poor quality soils. Its low density reduces pressure on soil, helping to minimize settlement, while its high friction angle allows for steeper slopes and more stable fills compared with traditional granular materials.
Foamed glass aggregate is delivered in bulk and placed with standard construction equipment. It is typically spread in 15 inches layers and compacted with tracked equipment (4-7 psi ground pressure) or lightweight plate compactors to achieve the desired grade. Because it is free-draining and lightweight, installation is faster and easier than conventional fills, with minimal risk of overloading the underlying soil or structures.
Yes. Foamed glass aggregate is made from 100% recycled glass and is inert, so it does not leach harmful chemicals. Its use can reduce the environmental impact of a project by lowering embodied carbon compared with traditional fill and insulating materials.
Consider your project’s weight constraints, soil stability, drainage needs, and sustainability goals. Foamed glass aggregate is ideal when you need a lightweight, durable, and free-draining fill. Consulting a geotechnical engineer can help confirm suitability for specific soil and load conditions.
