Geofoam under parking lot
Geofoam under parking lot
(OP)
Project: Snow Melting under parking lot and alleyway. The kicker is that occasionally a 15-ton crane to remove rooftop equipment, etc. sets up in the alleyway.
The manufacturers of the hydronic snow melt system require insulation under their tubing because the water table is within 8 feet. After some research, I've found that GeoFoam is used under highways, bridges, and abutments. This sounds like it might be the stuff to use. I've gone to several websites (geofoam.org, geofoam.com, http://geofoam.syr.edu/, and a couple of manufacturer's sites). Alas, I still don't have a good handle on this.
Has anyone used this under roadways? Is 10psi flexural strength really strong enough to support heavy vehicles?
The manufacturers of the hydronic snow melt system require insulation under their tubing because the water table is within 8 feet. After some research, I've found that GeoFoam is used under highways, bridges, and abutments. This sounds like it might be the stuff to use. I've gone to several websites (geofoam.org, geofoam.com, http://geofoam.syr.edu/, and a couple of manufacturer's sites). Alas, I still don't have a good handle on this.
Has anyone used this under roadways? Is 10psi flexural strength really strong enough to support heavy vehicles?
Imagineer





RE: Geofoam under parking lot
Firstly, I gather that this is a forced/circulated warm fluid system that warms the pavement to melt snow and ice. Are the tubes embedded in or below the pavement? What are the tubes constructed of? Why does the location of the water table require the use of an insulating medium?
From what I understand, geofoam is quite literally foamed hydrocarbon (like styrofoam). It is extremely lightweight compared to traditional geotechnical materials (will more than likely float or provide a buoyant force when submerged).
You could also check out Elastizell (www.elastizell.com). The product is a foamed cement, can be manufactured in a variety of strengths and unit weights, and is cast in place - providing a monolithic final product.
Finally, you should probably get a geotech to assist you with the pavement design for the heavy loads, as there may be other considerations that you may not be aware of.
Jeff
Jeffrey T. Donville, PE
TTL Associates, Inc.
www.ttlassoc.com
RE: Geofoam under parking lot
Yesterday, I actually gave a presentation to the IIT-Kharagpur on the subject and I also covered Elastizell. This is a great product and is used extensively as insulation for roofing applications besides the civil engineering applications. I've used it before with great results.