Geofoam Application for Flood Recovery and Slope Stabilization
In November 2021, a series of atmospheric river events led to significant flood damage across British Columbia. In Mission, a 100-metre section of Wren Street collapsed by nearly one meter, forcing a full road closure in the 8100 Block. The collapse compromised the slope and adjacent infrastructure, including a sanitary force main, requiring urgent remediation to restore a critical link to the Silverdale area.
Project Overview
After a devastating slope failure caused by the 2021 atmospheric river events, the District of Mission moved quickly to develop a comprehensive recovery plan to restore Wren Street. The project prioritized safety, long-term stability, and accelerated timelines. B&B Excavation and Shoring Ltd. was awarded the construction contract. The project moved forward with an approved budget of $2.8 million, enabling critical infrastructure repair and full roadway restoration in just a few months.
Sustainable Design and Features
To rebuild the slope without adding excessive load to the already saturated ground, Airfoam supplied over 1,700 m³ of expanded polystyrene (EPS) Geofoam in Type G22 and G29. This ultra-lightweight fill material provided the structural support needed to re-establish the roadbed while reducing settlement risk and speeding up the construction timeline.
Outcome
Construction began in July 2022, with road paving completed in October 2022. Wren Street was officially reopened to traffic, restoring safe access for local residents, school buses, and emergency services. The use of Geofoam allowed the project team to meet tight timelines and address the geotechnical challenges of post-flood recovery with confidence.
Credits:
City of Mission