What is Geofoam?
According to the EPS Industry Alliance, Geofoam is defined as follows:
EPS Geofoam is used in geotechnical applications such as lightweight fill for construction on soft ground, for slope stabilization, and retaining wall or abutment backfill; as well as for roadway and runway sub-grade insulation and foundation insulation.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam has been used as Geofoam in geotechnical applications for more than 30 years. The extraordinary properties of EPS make it a great choice for use as a slope stabilizer, retaining wall backfill, road embankments, or pavement insulation, etc.
EPS foam has many specific advantages for use as a soil substitute, being only 1% the weight of soil and rock and less than 10% the weight of other lightweight fill alternatives. Geofoam blocks provides stability to unstable soil conditions. Its lightweight characteristics make it a great solution for lightening the load of concrete in bridges, decks, green roofs, etc.
The uses for EPS are expanding as it is providing manageable solutions for various types of projects. The ease of cutting and shaping EPS foam make it ideal for swimming pool construction. For roofs and rooftop gardens, it is lightweight and easily tapered to provide the necessary drainage. Going together like building blocks, Geofoam also sets the stage for stadium seating. In passive building construction, to achieve the highest ratings, EPS is now being specified for the first layer of construction to attain an advanced building envelope.
EPS geofoam enables engineers, architects, and builders to design for key geosynthetic functions and select the best combination of products to achieve project goals. With unprecedented strength and flexibility, EPS geofoam also offers innovative solutions to a range of problems, including protection from earthquake shock and noise and vibration dampening.
Technical Information
EPS Geofoam Properties (ASTM D6817)
| Property | EPS12 Type XI | EPS15 Type I | EPS19 Type VIII | EPS22 Type II | EPS29 Type IX | EPS39 Type XIV | EPS46 | |
| Minimum Density | lb/ft³ (kg/m³) | 0.70 (11.2) | 0.90 (14.4) | 1.15 (18.4) | 1.35 (21.6) | 1.80 (28.8) | 2.40 (38.4) | 2.85 (45.7) |
| Compressive Resistance @10% deformation, min. | psi psf (kPa) | 5.8 840 (40) | 10.2 1470 (70) | 16.0 2300 (110) | 19.6 2820 (135) | 29.0 4180 (200) | 40.0 5760 (276) | 50.0 7200 (345) |
| Compressive Resistance @5% deformation, min. | psi psf (kPa) | 5.1 730 (35) | 8.0 1150 (55) | 13.1 1890 (90) | 16.7 2400 (115) | 24.7 3560 (170) | 35.0 5040 (241) | 43.5 6260 (300) |
| Compressive Resistance @1% deformation, min. | psi psf (kPa) | 2.2 320 (15) | 3.6 520 (25) | 5.8 840 (40) | 7.3 1050 (50) | 10.9 1570 (75) | 15 2160 (103) | 18.6 2680 (128) |
| Elastic Modulus, min. | psi (kPa) | 220 (1500) | 360 (2500) | 580 (4000) | 730 (5000) | 1090 (7500) | 1500 (10300) | 1860 (12800) |
| Flexural Strength, min. | psi (kPa) | 10.0 (69) | 25.0 (172) | 30.0 (207) | 40.0 (276) | 50.0 (345) | 60.0 (414) | 75.0 (517) |
| Water Absorption by total immersion, max | volume % | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Oxygen Index, min. | volume % | 24.0 | 24.0 | 24.0 | 24.0 | 24.0 | 24.0 | 24.0 |
| Buoyancy Force | lb/ft³ (kg/m³) | 61.7 (990) | 61.5 (980) | 61.3 (980) | 61.1 (980) | 60.6 (970) | 60.0 (960) | 59.5 (950) |
- EPS Geofoam is a cellular plastic material that is strong but has very low density (1% of traditional earth materials).
- It is manufactured in block form and meets ASTM D6817, “Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam”.
- EPS Geofoam is available in a range of densities to provide control of structural integrity and cost effectiveness.
ASTM EPS Geofoam Standards EPS geofoam is available in different material types. Thorough knowledge & understanding of the material type being used on an EPS geofoam project is essential.
Please Note!- The information given is deemed to be timely, accurate, and reliable for the use of EPS Geofoam. Each project using EPS Geofoam should be designed by a professional engineer. The engineer of project specifications should be consulted to determine the ASTM D6817 Type required for your project loading conditions.