DELAWARE VALLEY GEO-INSTITUTE
SEPTEMBER 2019 DINNER MEETING
TOPIC: Compressibility, In-Place Density, and Shear Strength of UL-FGA
SPEAKER: Michael McGuire, Ph.D., P.E., Dept. of Civil & Environmental Eng.,
Lafayette College, Easton, PA
DATE: Tuesday, September 17, 2019
LOCATION: Valley Forge Casino, Parkview Ballroom, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA
TIME: Dinner Meeting: 5:30 PM, Social Hour; 6:30 PM, Dinner; 7:15 PM, Presentation
***Register and Credit Card Payment Online at www.DVGI.org ***
MEETING ABSTRACT:
Ultra-lightweight foamed glass aggregate (UL-FGA) is a closed-cell material made from 100%
recycled glass using a dry foaming process with a silicon carbide foaming agent. UL-FGA has a
bulk dry unit weight of approximately 15 pcf and a typical compacted dry unit weight of 20 pcf.
The high intra-particle porosity of UL-FGA and high particle surface roughness contribute to a
material behavior that is distinct from conventional fill materials. Dr. Michael McGuire (Lafayette
College) and Dr. Daniel VandenBerge (Tennessee Tech) are currently conducting research with
the support of AeroAggregates, LLC, to improve the understanding of the compressibility, in-place
density, and shear strength of UL-FGA. This presentation focuses on two works-in-progress:
1) field-scale compaction experiments using terrestrial lidar to observe changes in fill volume in
response to compactor passes and 2) incremental one-dimensional compression tests using 12-inch
diameter specimens with pre- and post-test particle size analysis. Preliminary findings from
these experiments will be shared and discussed during the presentation as well as plans for
additional testing.
Dr. Mike McGuire is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering at Lafayette College. He teaches courses in geotechnical engineering covering
introductory topics, foundation design, wall design, slope stability, and ground improvement. He
also teaches courses on sustainability and engineering design. His research interests include
column-supported embankments, shear strength characterization, and remote sensing. Mike is
originally from Media, Pennsylvania; receiving his BS degree in civil engineering from the
University of Pennsylvania, and his MS and Ph.D. degrees from Virginia Tech. Mike is a registered
Professional Engineer in Virginia and is active in service to the Geo-Institute through participation
in the Geosynthetics Technical Committee and Student Participation Committee.
While web registration and credit card payment at www.DVGI.org is preferable, you may
register for the dinner meeting by faxing or emailing the form attached to Jim Beideman at
610-594-2743 or jbeideman@kleinfelder.com (Voice: 610-594-1444 x109). Send check, payable
to DVGI, to Jim Beideman, Kleinfelder, Inc., 180 Sheree Boulevard, Suite 3800, Exton, PA 19341
by Thursday, September 12th, 2019 to confirm your reservation for the dinner.