COLORADO FIGHTS FROST HEAVE WITH INSULATION

Extruded polystyrene to control frost heave was tested for use in Colorado. In August 1986, the Frisco residency of District 1 put in an experimental section east of Eisenhower Tunnel. Along with the insulation, sensors were installed to monitor temperature variations beneath the insulation. Temperature probes were also installed in uninsulated control sections and one outside in the ambient air. Eight months of data showed far fewer fluctuations in the insulated area than in the control sections. After two years of service, a section was dug up and showed very little crush. A benefit/cost analysis showed that the experimental site saved about $65,000 by using buried extruded polystyrene insulation rather than sub-excavating and backfilling for the 800-ft section. As a result of this project and another project done in 1985, buried insulation is now considered a proven method of preventing frost heave in Colorado. The next big project in Colorado will most likely be the 8-mile stretch of highway from Vail Pass to Copper Mountain, which has several severe frost heave areas.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1606878
• Authors:
  • Upright, W
• Publication Date: 1989-7

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 81-82
• Serial:
  • Public Works
  • Volume: 119
  • Issue Number: 8
  • Publisher: Hanley Wood
  • ISSN: 0033-3840
  • Serial URL: http://www.pwmag.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Defects; Electric insulating materials; Extrudates; Frost heaving; Insulating materials; Pavement distress; Pavements; Performance evaluations; Polystyrene; Styrenes
• Old TRIS Terms: Frost heave
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00485769
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1989 12:00AM