Guidance on Use of Geofoam Lightweight Fill and Complementary Technologies Using GeoTechTools

Abstract

Geofoam provides sustainable solutions for embankment and pavement construction, provided it is appropriately designed and detailed, specified, and installed. Prior to selecting geofoam, an engineer will evaluate the potential use of alternate lightweight fill materials and of other ground modification technologies on their project. Thus, the engineer must access and assess information on a variety of materials and ground modification techniques. Today, this information can be readily accessed on one website—www.GeoTechTools.org. GeoTechTools is a knowledge system that provides a synthesis of critically important information about geofoam, as well as other ground modification techniques, and makes the information readily accessible. The two primary components of this comprehensive toolbox are a Catalog of Technologies and a Technology Selection Assistance System. For each technology, eight distinct tools can be accessed through the Catalog of Technologies. Technology selection assistance is provided by use of an interactive selection system. This system aids the user in identifying a short-list of potential technologies for a particular project. GeoTechTools was developed to assist engineers make more informed decisions on issues to reduce risk and minimize construction surprises. The value of this system is that it collects, synthesizes, integrates, and organizes a vast amount of critically important information about geotechnical solutions on a readily accessible website. This paper discusses the system and its application on the use of geofoam for transportation projects.