“Reducing Time and Cost Through Smarter Ground Engineering”
A lightweight working platform that stays in place. Foamit foam glass helps simplify piling operations while becoming part of the final foundation solution.
A Smarter Approach to Piling on Soft Ground
Traditional piling projects often require a temporary working platform capable of supporting heavy piling equipment. This may involve placing large volumes of heavy fill material before piling can begin, followed by removal or replacement of these materials.
By using Foamit foam glass as a lightweight working platform, the need for temporary heavy fill can be reduced or eliminated. The material provides sufficient stability for piling operations while becoming part of the permanent lightweight fill solution.
Benefits of Piling Through Foamit Foam Glass
For geotechnical designers, Foamit foam glass provides an opportunity to optimize foundation solutions by combining construction efficiency with long-term ground performance.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced construction time
- Reduced need for temporary working platforms
- Less handling and removal of heavy fill materials
- Lower loads transferred to the ground
- Simplified logistics on challenging sites
- More efficient foundation solutions
Foamit foam glass enables higher working platforms with minimal additional ground loading. After piling, the reduced exposed pile height simplifies cutting operations and improves access and manoeuvrability for machinery between piles.
An Alternative Method for Efficient Foundation Design
Piling through foam glass aggregates can be considered where lightweight fill is already part of the foundation concept or where ground conditions require load reduction.
By integrating the piling operation with the final ground solution, the construction process can be simplified and unnecessary temporary works can be avoided.
This approach provides geotechnical engineers with an additional design option for projects where time, cost, access, and ground conditions are critical factors.
Unlocking New Possibilities in Ground Engineering
Foamit foam glass has proven its value in Norwegian projects, and the method represents an opportunity for more efficient foundation solutions in other European markets.
By combining lightweight fill with piling technology, engineers can develop solutions that reduce material handling, shorten construction schedules, and improve overall project efficiency.