Bulk filling materials
The term ‘fill’ refers to material used to artificially raise existing ground levels. Bulk filling materials typically include soil, rocks and aggregates and coal ash.
Soil is used for example, for the formation of embankments and other areas of landscape that require fill. It is common to 'cut' soil from the high points of a site and place it in layers in lower areas, in a process known as 'cut and fill'. For more information see Cut and fill.
The soil used for bulk filling must be suitable to remain stable in the long-term. Examples of unsuitable soil material for filling includes:
- Soil from swamps, bogs and marshes.
- Perishable material such as peat, logs and stumps.
- Frozen materials.
- Materials having a liquid limit exceeding 80 and/or a plasticity index exceeding 50.
See also: Types of soil.
Rock fill consists of hard material of a suitable size for compaction and may include crushed stone, hard brick, concrete or other hard inert material. For more information, see Aggregate.
Coal ash is a material obtained from coal-fired power stations. For more information, see Coal ash.
Cellular Concrete (Foamed Concrete) has the advantages that it does not require compaction, does settle over time and it can be re-excavated at a later date if necessary. Large amounts can be placed quickly through small openings, so it is often used for emergency void filling, for example, following the appearance of sink holes or an underground tunnel collapse.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.