High Compressive Strength, Non-Leaching, Closed Cell
Foam glass gravel is an engineered lightweight fill solution ideal for geotechnical applications such as soft soil support, embankments, retaining walls, mechanically stabilized earth structures, and roadway subgrade systems. Its low unit weight (300lbs per cubic yard) significantly reduces vertical and lateral earth pressures compared to conventional granular fills, mitigating settlement and improving overall soil-structure interaction.
The closed-cell structure provides high compressive strength (150-160psi at 30% compaction), ensuring mechanical stability under loads while maintaining thermal insulation properties. This combination makes foam glass gravel well-suited for load-bearing applications where insulation against frost penetration and thermal bridging is critical.
Foam glass gravel is non-absorptive due to its impermeable closed-cell structure, resulting in excellent freeze-thaw resistance and long-term dimensional stability in saturated environments. Its inert chemical composition resists degradation from acids, alkalis, and salts commonly encountered in soil and groundwater, reducing the risk of material breakdown and costly maintenance.
Manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled glass using a controlled thermal foaming process, foam glass gravel supports sustainable construction practices by reducing reliance on virgin aggregate mining and lowering embodied carbon footprints. Its granular shape and lightweight nature enable rapid placement with conventional earthmoving equipment, improving construction efficiency and reducing project timelines.
Incorporating foam glass gravel into geotechnical designs enables engineers to optimize foundation loads, enhance slope and retaining wall stability, and improve subgrade performance through thermal regulation and drainage control, all while advancing sustainability goals and minimizing lifecycle cost.
