At The Conco Companies, we reduce costs and installation time by utilizing our proprietary foam concrete ConFoam™ for multiple applications, including annular grout and void space backfill. ConFoam™ is a cement-based slurry with a foaming agent that is highly flowable and doesn’t settle. It’s often referred to as “liquid backfill,” because it flows smoothly and completely fills voids.
A Customizable Solution
Conco adjusts the density of ConFoam™ for each application for optimal results. When used for annual grout backfill, ConFoam™ is produced at a lighter density to prevent the carrier pipe from floating. When produced as a void space backfill, the density is customized for compatibility with surrounding structures and soil conditions.
ConFoam™ also has low viscosity, which allows it to be pumped across thousands of feet to locations that otherwise couldn’t be reached by traditional backfill. Traditional backfill might require an expansion of the excavation site just to make room for equipment and workers, while ConFoam™ requires less accommodation. Workers also don’t need to be in excavation sites to install ConFoam™. They can simply use hundreds of feet of hose to pump ConFoam™ into out of reach voids that’d otherwise be problematic for traditional backfill.
Fast and Effective Emergency Relief
Conco produces our proprietary ConFoam™ to be quickly mobilized for emergency repairs. It requires less equipment and labor than traditional concrete, making it an ideal choice for timely responses. Workers can begin filling voids within an hour of arrival. ConFoam™ also reaches 100% consolidation sooner than traditional concrete due to its self-leveling and self-compacting characteristics. Unlike traditional backfill, ConFoam™ doesn’t settle, shrink, or have unexpected strength gain.
Superior Alternative to Other Backfill Methods
ConFoam™ doesn’t have the drawbacks of other backfill methods. Backfilling with layers of aggregate base material requires intensive labor, difficult compaction, and leaves you with backfill that has a tendency to settle and be washed away. Another backfill material, which is concrete-based and called controlled density fill (CDF), doesn’t flow as well as ConFoam™, and can be difficult to excavate because it gains strength over time.
There are many other benefits to using ConFoam™ as annular grout and void space backfill, not limited to:
- Proven Expertise – Conco teams are experienced at producing and placing ConFoam™.
- Self-Compaction – ConFoam™ doesn’t use mechanical compaction or compaction testing.
- Cost-Effective – ConFoam™ reduces costs associated with transportation, equipment, and labor, when compared to traditional backfill.
- No Waste – ConFoam™ is produced on-site as it is needed. Production stops once the project is filled, reducing the carbon footprint.