Geotechnical

Arcosa Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates offer geotechnical engineers a dependable solution for challenging fill applications.

With approximately half the weight of conventional fills, these lightweight aggregates reduce dead load and lateral forces, making them ideal for applications over soft soils, marshlands, and other unstable conditions.

Known for their durability, thermal insulation, and stability, Arcosa Lightweight aggregates are a sustainable choice for converting soft, unstable ground into usable land, while also providing effective thermal insulation around pipelines, water lines, and steam lines.

Key Benefits

Lightweight aggregate for geotechnical fills reduces dead load and lateral forces, enhances stability and insulation, and offers durable, cost-effective solutions for challenging soil conditions.

Reduced Dead Load and Lateral Forces

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates lower the density of geotechnical fills by up to 50%, reducing both dead loads and lateral forces by more than half.

This weight reduction is essential for projects over soft or unstable soil, helping stabilize structures and minimize the need for extensive foundations.

Exceptional Thermal Insulation

With their high insulation value, Arcosa’s aggregates provide long-term thermal stability around water and steam lines, conduits, and other sensitive installations.

This makes them a reliable choice for environments requiring thermal protection, offering superior insulation compared to soil, sand, or gravel.

Durable, Environmentally Friendly, and Easy to Install

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates are chemically inert, acid-insoluble, and non-degradable, making them durable and environmentally safe.

Their free-draining, lightweight nature simplifies handling and installation, making them a cost-effective, sustainable solution for long-term geotechnical needs.

Featured Case Studies

Arcosa Lightweight Aids I-10 Widening to Alleviate Louisiana Traffic Bottleneck

Arcosa Lightweight Aggregate is playing a pivotal role in Phase 2 of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s I-10 widening project in Baton Rouge.

Lightweight Utilized in Pointe-aux-Chênes Coastal Restoration Project

Arcosa’s lightweight aggregate is ideal for addressing the geotechnical challenges of marshland environments, as demonstrated by its use in the completed enhancement of the Pointe-aux-Chênes Wildlife Management Area in coastal Louisiana.

Lightweight Aggregate Creates New Land for Cruise Ship Terminal

Port Canaveral, one of the world’s busiest maritime operations, now operates an advanced docking berth capable of handling today’s larger cruise ships. To achieve this, Arcosa provided the lightweight aggregate needed to extend the port into the water, creating stable ground for the expanded infrastructure.

Internal Friction Angle

Engineered with a high internal friction angle, Arcosa aggregates reduce lateral forces by over 50%, making them ideal for stabilizing retaining walls, embankments, and other load-bearing structures.

Built-In Thermal Insulation

The cellular structure of Arcosa aggregates offers superior thermal insulation, helping to maintain stable temperatures around pipelines, conduits, and other sensitive installations.

Free-Draining and Durable

Arcosa’s lightweight aggregates are free-draining, easy to handle, and chemically inert, providing reliable, long-term stability in even the most demanding geotechnical environments.

Why Choose Arcosa Lightweight for Geotechnical Fill?

Proven Reliability: Arcosa’s aggregates are trusted in various geotechnical applications, from retaining walls to insulating backfill for pipelines.
Environmental Commitment: Produced sustainably, Arcosa Lightweight aggregates offer a reduced environmental impact while providing long-lasting performance in demanding geotechnical environments.
Technical Support and Expertise: Arcosa provides comprehensive support to ensure that each project benefits from the best mix of performance, durability, and ease of use.

Ask our Expert: 1-800-342-LITE

Jack Moore, P.E. has over 30 years of experience in construction product and geosynthetic sales with a geotechnical engineering market focus. Leveraging this background gives Jack the ability to support solutions for challenging site conditions that can incorporate lightweight aggregates for lightweight fill. Jack is a professional engineer (NC and SC) and is active in ASTM, TRB, and ASCE.

Geotechnical