Utah Transit Authority Selects Geofoam for Trax West Valley Lightrail Project

Project Overview

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) construction of the $250 million TRAX West Valley Lightrail line presented a challenge because it required embankments up to 40 feet high on existing poor soil conditions. The problem was caused by the Lake Bonneville deposits in the areas that are subject to settlement. Geofoam was selected to provide a lightweight solution, and the project used more than 70,000 cubic yards of various densities (Type 19, 22, 39) depending on the project needs. 

Geofoam helped maintain extremely tight construction schedules that would not have allowed sufficient time for conventional embankment construction. If traditional fill would have been used, it would have taken up to 3 years to fill and settle. The 6-month long Geofoam installation saved time and utlimately was the most econonmical choice. 

FILL FACE OFF:

Choosing Foam-Control Geofoam over other fill materials. 

• Extremely lightweight to reduce lateral or bearing loads 
• Predictable engineered performance 
• Various Types available to meet project specific strength requirements 
• Can be installed in various weather conditions 
• Speeds construction time conditions