ABSTRACT
Ultra-lightweight foamed glass aggregate (UL-FGA) is a lightweight and insulating fill material used in the construction of retaining structures, embankments and general grade-raising fill, bridge abutments, and foundation slabs throughout Europe as well as in North America. UL-FGA is granular material that has dry bulk densities ranging from 180–240 kg/m3 and a closed cell structure which provides good insulation properties and minimal water absorption. This sustainable material has a favorable carbon footprint in part because it is manufactured using recycled glass cullet. Most UL-FGA applications require a separation geotextile fabric to be installed in conjunction with the UL-FGA as the geotextile is critical in maintaining the UL-FGA layer's ultra-lightweight and highly insulating properties over the design life of the project. Additionally, there are UL-FGA applications where the UL-FGA layer is providing water storage and thus the filtration characteristics of the geotextile need to be understood. This paper summarizes the characteristics of geotextiles serving the separation and/or filtration functions in various UL-FGA applications over the design life of the project.
