Guidelines for Using Lightweight Fills in Transportation Infrastructure Applications

Morsy, Amr M; Zornberg, Jorge G.

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Guidelines for Using Lightweight Fills in Transportation Infrastructure Applications

2025-08-01
By Morsy, Amr M ; Zornberg, Jorge G.

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Morsy, Amr M ; Zornberg, Jorge G.
Corporate Creators:

University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation Research
Corporate Contributors:

Texas Department of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation Office ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
Subject/TRT Terms:

Aggregates Backfill Soils Data Collection Embankments Guidelines Infrastructure Lightweight Materials Literature Reviews Retaining Walls Surveys
Publication/ Report Number:

FHWA/TX-26/0-7237-1
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

United States ; Texas
Edition:

September 2024–August 2025
Corporate Publisher:

University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation Research
Abstract:

This research investigated the use of lightweight fills as an alternative to conventional fills in transportation infrastructure, particularly for fill applications on soft, compressible soils. The study synthesized current practices through a literature review, survey of state DOTs, evaluation of case studies, and material costs. Through this research, it was concluded that lightweight fills are widely applied nationwide and can significantly reduce vertical and lateral stresses, but their broader adoption is limited by high costs, limited contractor experience, and insufficient long-term performance data. Additionally, TxDOT is provided with recommendations for practical design and construction guidelines, cost considerations and limitations, which can be used to inform project planning and encourage applications of lightweight fills in Texas.
Format:

PDF
Funding:

0-7237
Collection(s):

US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:a8c4bcee8a1ae616f038ce4d2acc4c83ccbff3a839ed13f31b536a88f7d8c2969a9cb3e1533e570041ef8bab2654f4237a4aef9936858c451b8c28cbe879aee2
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/86889/dot_86889_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 1.89 MB ]

File Language:

English

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