Geofoam is expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS) manufactured into large lightweight blocks. The blocks vary in size but their primary function is to provide a lightweight void fill below a highway, bridge approach, embankment or parking lot. EPS Geofoam minimizes settlement on underground utilities. Geofoam is also used in much broader applications, the major ones being as lightweight fill, green roof fill, compressible inclusions, thermal insulation, and (when appropriately formed) drainage.

The area of geofoam can nicely fit into geocombs, previously called ultralight cellular structures which results in a final product that consists of numerous open-ended tubes that are glued, bonded, fused or otherwise bundled together. The cross-sectional geometry of an individual tube typically has a simple geometric shape (circle, ellipse, hexagon, octagon, etc.). The overall cross-section of the assemblage of bundled tubes resembles a honeycomb that gives rise to its name.

SOME APPLICATIONS FOR GEOFOAM INCLUDE:

Slope Stabilization
Slope Stabilization is the use of Geofoam in order to reduce the mass and gravitational force in an area that may be subject to failure, such as a landslide. Geofoam is up to 50 times lighter that other traditional fills with similar compressive strengths. This allows Geofoam to maximize the available right-of-way on an embankment. Geofoam’s light weight accompanied by its ease to install reduces construction time and labor costs.

Embankments
Embankments using Geofoam allow for a great reduction in necessary side slopes compared to typical fills. Reducing the side slope of the embankment can increase the usable space on either side. These embankments can also be built upon soils affected by differential settlement without being affected.
Maintenance costs associated with Geofoam embankments are significantly lower when compared to embankments using natural soil.

Retaining Structures
Retaining Structures using Geofoam have a reduction in lateral pressure as well as prevent settlement and improve water proofing. Geofoam light weight will reduce the lateral force on a retaining wall or abutment. It is important to install a draining system under the Geofoam to insure that you don’t have problems with built up hydrostatic pressure or buoyancy.

Utility Protection
Utility Protection is possible by using Geofoam to reduce the vertical stresses on pipes and other sensitive utilities. Reducing the weight on top of a utility by using Geofoam instead of a typical soil prevents utilities from potential issues, such as collapses.

Pavement Installation
Pavement Insulation is the use of Geofoam under pavement where pavement thickness can be controlled by frost heave conditions. Using Geofoam as a sub-grade insulation element will decrease this differential thickness. Geofoam is 98% air by volume, making it an effective thermal insulator. Proper installation of Geofoam is especially important as gaps between Geofoam blocks will work against Geofoam insulating effects.

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