USA Washington Vancouver Foundation geofoam blocks

Geofoam blocks as road foundation in Washington

Foam blocks were used for the foundation of the Salmon Creek Interchange Project highway, on the westside bridge approach to the new 139th Street overpass in Vancouver, Washington.

The geofoam used to make the blocks, is expanded polystyrene with increased strength, density and uniformity, according to Andrew Fiske, a geotechnical engineer with the Washington State Department of Transportation. He also stated that geofoam was used instead of gravel or earthen fill since geofoam is lighter and less likely to settle in case of an earthquake. WSDOT estimates that more than 31.000 cubic yards of geofoam and almost 8.000 geofoam blocks will be used in the project. Leon Winger, an area engineer, said that concrete walls will enclose the foundation after it is set. The project is scheduled to be completed by next year.

Source: The News Tribune/The Columbian