Porter Rockwell

Cell-Crete Corporation worked with Ralph L Wadsworth Construction (RLW) and their team to find a solution to reduce the load applied on top of the box culvert. Lightweight Cellular Concrete (LCC) was proposed to reduce the backfill load over a box culvert in the Utah Lake Distribution Canal. We explored several designs and discussed the cost and schedule for each design.

The engineer wanted to see how much load would be applied using LCC. The submittal process gave us the opportunity to cite some lab results on the curing process and how the weight was affected. A sample of LCC with a wet density of 27 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) would weigh less in 28 days. The water will evaporate, and the weight of the sample could

change as much as a few pounds. This would be affected by variables such as humidity, exposed surface, weather, soil conditions, etc.

The location of this project proved to be an ideal location to use LCC for load reduction. We were able to use 3-foot lifts and pour large sections over the box culvert. The general contractor would backfill around the LCC and form up the next lift. It was a pleasure to work with RLW and find yet another solution for load reduction using LCC.