Concrete Stabilization Technologies Inc.
Denver, CO 80231
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Battle Mountain Highway Frost Heave
Project Information
- Project Location:
- Encampment, WY
- Status:
- Completed - Jan 2013
- Structure Type:
- Road / Highway
Scope Of Work
This project investigated a novel procedure to reduce or prevent subgrade freezing non-destructively by injecting a two part rigid polymer foam at the top of the subgrade. Controlled injection of Uretek Star, an expanding structural polymer foam, created a continuous three inch thick layer of insulation that significantly reduced the heat loss from the deeper soil and prevented the upward movement of water from the warmer regime under the foam to the upper frozen regime above the foam, preventing segregational freezing in the upper zone. The construction time for the 170 foot section was one week for injection and milling the surface. Construction was contained in one lane, leaving a lane open for the entire duration without a detour, increasing safety and minimizing impact for the driving public.
Additionally, a procedure is developed for estimating the thickness of the foam layer required for other sites with different average temperatures.