The full range falls within the category of Hydraulically Bound Mixtures (HBM), which is the term used to describe soil or aggregate mixes that use binders based on cement, lime, gypsum or fly ash. The term HBM is used because of the hydraulic reaction which hardens the mixture in the presence of water.

All EcoFILL products are made to European Technical Standards, as used in the Highways Agency's "Specifications for Highway Works" (SHW) and the Department for Transport's "Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways" (SROH).

EcoFILL 40

This product is primarily designed to be used as a utility trench backfill, using processed arisings as the base aggregate content of the mix. Fully compliant to both the European Standards and SROH, this material can be used as an alternative to Type 1 sub-base, with no need to carry out trials.

HBM Production Process

Correct process control is the key to making a product which gives our customers a material that performs in the trench environment.

Utility arisings are accepted, processed and tested in accordance with the WRAP Quality Protocol to produce a BS EN 13242 compliant aggregate. Once designated as a product, this material ceases to be a waste. To manage the processing of the EcoFILL 40 product, a Factory Production Control (FPC) in accordance with BS EN 14227 is employed, as required by the specifications.

The processing includes certain key elements:-

• Using a mixing plant that batches the aggregate by volume and binders by weight,
• Forced action mixing to ensure clay is broken down,
• Production control records,
• Moisture addition in accordance with BS EN 14227.

Before dispatching EcoFILL 40 to street works, various laboratory tests are carried out to confirm compliance with the standards.

For more information regarding HBM's see An Introducton to Hydraulically Bound Mixtures.