Elastizell EF Permits Higher Levee and Embankment Structures over Poor Soils
elastizell • June 22, 2018

June 22, 2018

The Problem

It is necessary to add a two ramp interchange for an Interstate Highway. At this particular location, a deep fill is required for these ramps over existing reinforced concrete box culverts. Since the proposed ramp fill depth would overload the culvert, what is the most economical method to construct these exit/entrance ramps over the existing box culverts?

The Solution

The existing fill is very deep over the box culvert at the location where it crosses the proposed ramp. Strengthening the box culvert would require sheeting the excavation around the culvert, excavating a great quantity of fill material, demolishing the box culvert, forming and casting a new culvert, and replacing the fill up to the new ramp height including a great deal of compaction.

After a value engineering study, it was determined that the most economical solution would be to conduct a load balancing solution with ELASTIZELL EF. Excavation quantities were determined at the critical sections so that the necessary quantities of ELASTIZELL EF would bring the ramp to the proper grade without overloading the box culvert.

Discussion

The ELASTIZELL EF solution is much less expensive, faster, and more practical than total excavation, demolition, and reconstruction especially on a limited site such as this one with traffic operating on the Interstate. Drainage runoff at this location will not be interrupted since the box culvert will remain in place and operating during ramp construction. Excavation is also kept to a minimum.

Advantages

  • The very light ELASTIZELL EF permits a 4 to 1 ratio of fill depth increase to existing fill removal by load balancing to avoid overloading the box culvert. This minimizes excavation quantities.
  • Keeping the box culvert intact with the ELASTIZELL EF solution permits the continued use of this drainage structure and avoids potential runoff and silt damage if the open cut and demolition solution were selected.
  • The speed of the ELASTIZELL EF solution will result in the ramp being opened sooner than if the open-cut / demolition solution were followed.

Diagram showing a bridge reconstruction. A corrugated steel culvert supports a new road, replacing an old, deteriorated bridge.

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