Case Studies
Project: Houston Ship Channel
- Hurricane-Flood Protection
- Lynchburg Pumping Station
Challenge
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wanted to re-route a road near the Houston Ship Channel. Cars leaving the Lynchburg Ferry traveled a winding path of ninety-degree turns before the road straightened and allowed traffic to flow. The road also flooded often during hurricane season or periods of high tides and heavy rains.
Straightening the curves required elevating the road directly above three concrete water pipes used to supply much of Houston's East side with water from the Lynchburg Pumping Station. Using fill dirt presented a weight problem, so engineers considered EPS Geofoam.
Solution
Design calculations showed that Type IX (2# density) EPS Geofoam provided the perfect combination of a lightweight fill and high, long-term compressive strength. Blocks could be stacked quickly and easily, providing the required elevation while protecting the water pipes from future damage.
The job required 117,000 cubic feet of Type IX Geofoam, supplied in 2' x 4' x 16' blocks. Houston Foam Plastics shipped the blocks on 40 flatbed trailers over approximately 3 weeks. The blocks were unloaded by crane, then easily positioned by hand and secured with 4"x 4" gripper plates. Contractors then completed the road using normal construction methods. Traffic off the Lynchburg Ferry now flows smoothly and the new elevation has eliminated high-tide flooding delays.
While chosen for its weight and strength, the EPS Geofoam solution also provided an unexpected time and labor savings for the contractor. This company has since chosen EPS Geofoam for other projects, creating new opportunities for growth and increased profits.
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