If you live or work around South Lake Union, and if you utilize the park at the North end of the lake, you have likely noticed some major renovations happening. I have been mesmerized by the big white hunks of foam visible from my office, and had to take a trip closer to investigate. I marveled at the apparent strength of the construction workers who were able to lift a block the size of a small home with little effort. As I watched them work I did a little research on Geofoam, and found it fascinating enough to share, because certainly anyone who has seen the stuff, has surely been at least a little curious. Geofoam is a lightweight fill material often used as a soil replacement in projects where erosion and shifting become issues.
Geofoam applications include:
- Highways and Roads
- Railways
- Airport Runways
- Ramps
- Bridge Approaches
- Retaining Walls
- and so many more..
- Lightweight – Minimize preloading, surcharging and staged construction
- Weather Resistant – Withstands freeze-thaw cycles, moisture and road salts,
- Doesn’t Settle – Less structural inconsistencies
- Insect and Mold Resistant – Will not sustain mold or mildew growth, termite / ant repellant additive available
- Manufactured to Meet Your Job Specifications – Multiple densities, various block sizes available
- Ease of Installation – Lightweight, no heavy equipment needed, cuts easily with a hot wire or saw
- Environmentally Friendly – 100% Recyclable, No HCFCs or Formaldehyde
The following is a bit about the project and it’s expected completion date.
Location
Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N, 98109
Budget
$350,000 from 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy
$690,000 from the Seattle Park District
$3.6 million from the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)
Business Impact
During construction all business in the park will be open to the public: MOHAI – Museum of History & Industry; Center for Wooden Boats; Northwest Seaport; Steamship Virginia V Foundation; Seattle Fireboat Duwamish.
