The Job
This load reduction backfill work as associated with the replacement of Scaife Hall, at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Challenge
The H-pile and precast lagging wall is at the top of a steep slope. There is a Class I railroad line at the base. Because of site constraints, an HDPE stormwater detention structure is within the fill area. Along with extensive stormwater pipes and manholes.
In order to optimize the drilled shafts for the H-piles by reducing the lateral loads, the designer sought a lightweight, permeable backfill material that would not apply lateral loads once in place.
The Solution
CJGeo proposed 20lb/cuft CJFill-High Permeability cellular concrete. CJFill-HP would minimize lateral loading on the wall during construction, buoyancy of of the stormwater system components, and ensure a free draining material.
Because the material is permeable (modified ASTM D-2434 2.0cm/sec), it is freely draining and reduces hydrostatic loads on adjacent structures.
620 cubic yards of lightweight backfill were placed over two mobilizations to complete this load reduction backfill project.
Speak With An Expert
Facing a similar challenge to this retaining wall load reduction project? Give us a shout or shoot us a text. Click the state marker for the location of your project for contact info for the appropriate rep.
