Piles of large white building blocks are prominently visible near the new overpass project at Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway interchange. These blocks, resembling oversized Lego pieces, are actually Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) geofoam blocks being utilized by construction crews to construct embankments for the new overpass. The City of Windsor revealed that EPS blocks are employed in construction projects to prevent ground settlements, a technique known as “compensated foundations.”
Instead of directly building bridge overpass approaches on regular soil, crews are incorporating EPS blocks to replace a significant amount of soil before constructing the final road cap. According to Jill Braido, a city spokesperson, this method helps reduce the load on the ground, particularly in Windsor where clay soil is prone to settlement over time. The approach not only ensures long-term stability of the bridge overpass approaches but also offers cost savings compared to using traditional heavy soil or gravel fill.
Mina Lee, a civil engineering professor at the University of Windsor, highlighted that geofoam blocks are preferred over soil due to their lightweight nature, which lessens the pressure on the ground. This construction method has been successfully utilized in the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, showcasing its effectiveness and durability. The geofoam material is engineered to withstand heavy loads and is manufactured in a controlled environment to prevent cracking under pressure.
Apart from its structural benefits, using geofoam blocks also has environmental advantages. Lee emphasized that the lightweight blocks reduce greenhouse gas emissions during transportation compared to soil, as they are easier to transport. Additionally, the blocks are made from recycled materials and can be recycled after the infrastructure’s lifespan. With an expected lifespan of 50 to 100 years, geofoam blocks offer a sustainable and long-lasting solution for construction projects in Windsor.
