UDOT to use geofoam in freeway construction

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Transportation said it is using geofoam blocks to build a freeway ramp in a press release Tuesday morning. 

Geofoam is similar to Styrofoam, the material used in packaging materials and coolers, said UDOT. The blocks will allow crews to build the new freeway ramp near I-15 and the Union Pacific Railroad without causing additional shifting or settlement. 

If UDOT were to use dirt, the weight would cause the ground underneath to settle. Land settling, anywhere from a few inches to a few feet, is normal in construction. Some engineers accommodate this in their designs, but UDOT said that isn’t possible this time. Settling could negatively affect the existing freeway and rail lines nearby. 

According to UDOT’s press release, the ramp will be comprised of approximately 3,000 geofoam blocks. Each block weighs about 200 pounds. After being transported to the site, the blocks can be placed on the project in their original shape, or cut to fit where needed. 

After the blocks are in place, a concrete slab will be poured over the top to evenly distribute the weight load across the ramp. Pavement and concrete walls will then be installed. 

The ramp will connect West Davis Highway to I-15 southbound in Farmington. 

Geofoam

The material was first used in road construction in Oslo, Norway in 1972.  According to the Geofoam Research Center at Syracuse University (GRC), geofoam can be recovered from previous construction sites and reused. 

After more than 20 years, geofoam was exhumed from a project and proved to be in good condition. The blocks exhumed were reused in another project. 

Geofoam can also be shredded and formed into new blocks or sheets at the end of its life. According to the GRC, the process of recycling it does not involve chemical processing. 

The GRC also said that geofoam is not biodegradable, but when it is installed underground, it does not have adverse impacts on soil or groundwater. 

The use of geofoam has shown reduced environmental impacts. Geofoam, unlike soil, does not need to be compacted, shortening project timelines. Shorter project timelines mean less pollution from traffic slowdowns and construction vehicle activity. 

UDOT projects

UDOT said it is one of a few state transportation departments in the U.S. that has extensive experience using geofoam. The press release said geofoam was also used in the reconstruction of I-15 before the 2002 Olympic Games, the 1100 South Bridge in Brigham City, and the bridge on 5600 west near 700 south in Salt Lake City. 

The UDOT Traffic website and UDOT Traffic app provide the latest information on traffic restrictions during construction. 

Related reading: 

• January construction to watch out for on the upcoming West Davis Hwy
• UDOT plans for I-15 interchange in Spanish Fork concerns residents
• Highway construction becoming more costly due to rampant inflation