Geofoam Intrusions

Geofoam Intrusions: Features and Utility
GEOFOAM INTRUSIONS
ABSTRACT
Cellular materials, whether open- or closed-cell, are very efficient in load bearing
because of their ability to support relatively large loads with relatively small amounts of
material. Polymeric (plastic) and glass foams have been used in geotechnical applications
since at least the 1960s as thermal insulation, lightweight fill, and for many other
functions. Since 1992, any type of foam used in a geotechnical application has been
considered to be a geosynthetic product called "geofoam."
Now, there are two
geosynthetic families of non-planar (three- dimensional) cellular materials and products,

geofoams (closed cell) and geocombs (open cell) that bring the technical attributes and
cost effectiveness of cellular materials to geotechnical applications.
This new terminology coincided with a rapid expansion worldwide in the
knowledge and use of foams in geotechnical applications. The primary focus of this paper
is to list the various applications of geofoam in Geotechnical Engineering field. A brief
overview of geofoam materials and past and current uses of geofoam is also included to
provide background information for understanding the future of this technique and the
development needs.
National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
"Geofoam is a generic term that has recently entered the civil engineering
vocabulary to describe foam materials used in geotechnical applications. the most
commonly used geofoam materials are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded
polystyrene (XPS) although geofoam also includes glass foam (cellular glass). in
geotechnical applications these materials have traditionally been used for thermal ground
insulation and construction of light weight fills for more than 30 years. However, the
range of geotechnical applications has grown to include compressible inclusions to
reduce lateral earth pressures against walls, and cushion materials for vibration
attenuation and noise damping. In some cases geofoam may provide two or more
functions and in other cases, it may be combined with traditional geosynthetics to form
drainage composites.
Christopher Columbus and Richard Buckminster "Bucky" Fuller were great
philosophers. The particular interest here was their broad conceptual appreciation for, and
inventive devotion to, making less material do more work. As a corollary to this was his
interest in working with, rather than fighting, the forces of nature.This is well
summarized in the following quote attributed to them.
"Don't oppose forces; use them."
And so the geosynthetic subject of this paper, geofoam, makes the points taken from
Columbus and Fuller that:
Not all geosynthetics are planar (two-dimensional) as has traditionally been

defined. Geosynthetics technology and society as a whole can only benefit from all
those involved with geosynthetics accepting and promoting three-dimensional
geosynthetic materials such as geofoam and geocomb.
Sometimes it is more effective technically and more efficient cost wise to reduce
forces on a structure (something geofoams and geocombs excel) rather than to
increase the strength of the structure as has been the traditional approach using planar
geosynthetics and, in fact, civil engineering materials in general.
Although most geotechnical engineers have heard the term geofoam,

misconceptions about its definition continue. Since the early 1990s, geofoam has been the
generic term for any synthetic geo-material created in an expansion process using a gas
(blowing agent) and resulting in a texture of numerous closed cells. Geofoam is the
generic family name for any closed-cell foam material or product used in a geotechnical
application. Geofoam is now recognized worldwide as a geosynthetic product category in
the same sense as geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, etc.
A geofoam material can be manufactured in a fixed plant or foamed in place,
which thus includes several types of foam grouts among geofoam materials.
1.1 MATERIALS
The experience has revealed that the vast majority of geofoam applications are
best satisfied using polymeric foam made of polystyrene. There are additional materials
that have been tried over the years but were found to be technically unacceptable. The
latter are not listed here but are discussed for their historical interest. Geofoam materials
can be divided into three major categories:
Polymeric (plastic),
Cementitious (typically using Portland cement) and
Cellular glass.
The polymeric category is further subdivided depending on the polymer chemistry and
specific manufacturing process used:
Rigid cellular polystyrene (RCPS), which can be either expanded polystyrene

(EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS);
Polyethylene (PE);
Polyethylene-polystyrene (PE-PS) blend; and
Polyurethane (PUR).
The current definition of geofoam as proposed is any manufactured material
created by some expansion process that results in a material with a texture of numerous,
closed, gas-filled cells. The cell walls are solid although permeable to gases. Most

geofoam materials are polymeric (plastic) but glass foam (cellular glass) has been and is
also used. Although gases (called blowing agents) other than air are typically used in
manufacturing geofoams, with time (which can vary widely depending on the geofoam
material, a fact that many fail to consider properly when designing) the cells eventually
become filled with air.
Polymeric materials have always dominated the geofoam market. Several
different polymers have been tried in geofoam applications but the one used most
commonly by far is polystyrene. There are two ways to manufacture polystyrene foam:
By the two-stage moulded-bead process, which produces moulded, expanded

polystyrene or, as it is more commonly called, expanded polystyrene (EPS). They are
prepared by Block moulding which give prismatic blocks or Custom shape moulding
producing pieces with specific shape.
By a continuous extrusion process, which produces extruded expanded polystyrene or

simply extruded polystyrene (XPS). It is produced in plank- shaped pieces.
An EPS and, to a much lesser extent, XPS have always dominated the geofoam
market, it is not surprising that the relatively few geofoam failures have been documented
in the literature involve only EPS and XPS. However, it should not be assumed that other
geofoam materials are problem free in their use.
There is simply no sufficiently documented published information to permit a
discussion of failures involving these other materials. However, the lack of documented
failures in other geofoam applications does not imply that failures in these applications
could not occur.
CHAPTER 2
GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND APPLICATIONS OF GEOFOAMS
2.1 INTRODUCTION.
There are several aspects regarding the functions provided by geofoam that are of
particular interest:
Unique functions. With one exception (drainage), geofoam functions do not

duplicate those of any other geosynthetic product. Therefore, geofoam provides
the end user with new tools for solving geotechnical problems.
Multi-functionality. Depending on the material and product used, geofoam can be

inherently multi-functional. This increases its cost-effectiveness in many
applications because several technical and financial benefits can be derived from
using only one product.
Complementary. Geofoam products are rarely used alone. In most geofoam

applications, one or more other types of geosynthetics are used.
Synergy. Geofoam products allow the use of other types of geosynthetics

(especially geogrids and other tensile-reinforcement products) in applications
where these other geosynthetics were heretofore of little or no use. Therefore,
there are applications where geofoam and other types of geosynthetics can be
combined synergistically to produce new, unique results that would not be
possible otherwise.
Depending on the particular geofoam material and product used, geofoam can
provide a wide variety of geosynthetic functions. With one exception, geofoam functions
do not duplicate those provided by traditional planar geosynthetics.
2.2 GENERAL APPLICATIONS OF GEOFOAMS.

2.2.1 Thermal Insulation.

EPS and XPS were invented circa 1950 primarily to provide thermal insulation.
Foams in general are very efficient thermal insulators because they are approximately 98%
to 99% gas by volume and gases are typically very efficient thermal insulators. We use
geofoam as thermal insulation of roads, railways, and airfield pavements, the below-ground
portions of buildings (to reduce seasonal heating requirements); and beneath on-grade
storage tanks containing cold liquids.
Each of these applications was successful in its original goals.
2.2.2 Lightweight Fill.

Geofoams, especially polymeric ones, are unique materials in that they have a
density that is only about 1% to 2% of the density of soil and rock yet are sufficiently strong
to support many types of loads encountered in geotechnical applications. Thus one of the
earliest functions of geofoam that was developed was its use as a lightweight fill material in
a wide variety of "earthworks." The general benefit of using geofoam as opposed to other
materials in earthworks is the significantly reduced stresses on the underlying subgrade. This
can have multiple benefits in terms of reduced settlements, increased stability, etc.
Geofoam materials, EPS in particular, can have a density as low as 10 kg/m 3
which is less than 1% of that of normal earth materials (soil and rock). Nevertheless, the
stiffness and strength of geofoam can be sufficient to support motor vehicles, trains,
airplanes and even lightly loaded buildings. Thus geofoam is useful as a lightweight fill
material.
2.2.3 Fluid Transmission.

Typically, geofoam materials have very low permeability for fluids (both gases
and liquids). However, both EPS and XPS geofoam products can be factory cut or
purposely shape moulded to have geometry such that they readily transmit fluids
(especially ground water) along one face or side of the product.
In addition, there are geofoam materials that have an inherent permeability
throughout their entire thickness. The most-common example is glued polystyrene porous
block.
2.2.4 Vibration Damping.

The relatively high stiffness to density ratio of most geofoam materials makes them
relatively efficient at damping the small-amplitude ground vibrations and even air-borne
noise from motor vehicles and trains. The inherent very low density yet significant stiffness
of geofoam can be beneficial in reducing ground-borne, small-amplitude waves that produce
noise or ground motion that may be disturbing to people and/or harmful to sensitive
equipment. It should be noted that for vibrations of large amplitude, such as from
earthquakes, where relatively large movement of the ground (i.e., soil particles) is involved,
the benefit of using geofoam appears to derive more from the compressible-inclusion
function rather than the damping function. As it damps Vibrations effectively, now it is being
used as a part of bearings in base isolation systems.
2.2.5 Compressible Inclusion.

This is the function requiring the greatest research because there is perhaps the
greatest diversity of potential applications. Applications fall into two broad categories:
Earth retaining structures where horizontal arching is involved.
Pipes, culverts, and similar structures where vertical arching is involved.

With regard to earth retaining structures, there are numerous combinations of
variables that require evaluation and the development of analytical techniques suitable for
routine practice. Key variables are:
Soil type (traditional coarse-grained soils as well as fine-grained soils);
Loading (static, including compaction effects and surface surcharges, as well as seismic;
Geosynthetic tensile reinforcement in the retained soil (without [REP-Wall concept] and
with [ZEP-Wall concept]);
For reinforced fine-grained backfills, the effect of providing drainage with the
reinforcements.
Geofoam can be formulated to be highly compressible and thus efficient for use
behind or above rigid/non-yielding structures. This allows what is called controlled

yielding (movement) of the adjacent soil or rock which in turn reduces the load on the
structure. The classical soil mechanics phenomenon of arching above pipes and culverts
is one type of yielding that can be induced using a compressible inclusion as in the

development of the active earth pressure state behind an otherwise non-yielding wall. In
each of these applications the load on structure is significantly reduced.
2.2.6 Structural Applications.

This is the newest geofoam function and its exact definition is, consequently, still in
the process of evolution. This function relates to some of the newest and still emerging uses
of geofoam such as panels of EPS as facing for mechanically stabilized earth walls
(MSEW), as facing panels for Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW) and a variety of EPS and
XPS products used as formwork for poured-in-place reinforced concrete foundations and
walls. The benefit of this may be particularly useful under seismic loading where the very
low density of EPS geofoam can be beneficial.
Insulated wall forms for cast-in-place (CIP) portland-cement concrete (PCC)

construction.
Lightweight facing panels for mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSEW).
Void formers for CIP PCC construction.
Crash barriers for motor vehicles and aircraft.
Impact cushioning for rock sheds in mountainous regions. And
Void filling and foundation remediation using foam grouts.

Also, there are miscellaneous applications that do not fit into any of the functional
categories mentioned above.
2.2.7 Drainage Applications.

The most significant activity in this functional area in recent years has been
specifically for ground-borne gas drainage such as methane and radon. The use of existing
drainage products, (specifically glued polystyrene porous block) as part of the new Geoinclusion and the use of sheet drains are widely accepted now.
CHAPTER 3
SPECIFIC PROPERTIES OF GEOFOAMS
3.1 LONG TERM INSULATION VALUE.
Thermal insulation is useful in any application where it is desired to restrict the
flow of heat. This may be either for conservation of energy consumption during operation
of the structure, construction-cost savings, or for improved geotechnical performance of
the structure. Contrary to many perceptions, geofoam thermal insulation can be used cost
effectively in any climate and not just those subjected to seasonal or permanent cold
weather. R-value is used as an indication of Thermal insulation. R-value means the
resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, greater is the resistance to heat flow. EPS
insulation (0.90 pcf) provides a typical R-value of 3.60 per inch at a mean temperature of
75 degrees F and a typical R-value of 4.00 per inch at a mean temperature of 40 degrees
F. When properly installed and protected from moisture, the thermal resistance or Rvalue, of EPS may be used without any adjustment for age.
3.2 MOISTURE RESISTANCE.

Water vapour transmission through insulation materials is the passage of water
through the material in the vapour phase. In comparison to other common building
materials, EPS insulation has moderate water vapour permeability per unit of thickness.
Recommended design practices for walls and foundations should be followed in the
selection
of
vapour
and
moisture
barriers
for
severe
exposures.
3.3 TEMPERATURE CYCLING.

EPS is able to withstand the rigors of temperature cycling, assuring long-term
performance. In a series of tests conducted by the Dynatech Research and Development
Co., Cambridge, MA, core specimens removed from existing freezer walls, some as old

as 16 years, demonstrate EPS withstands freeze-thaw cycling without loss of structural
integrity or other physical properties.
3.4 STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS.

The resilience of EPS insulation board provides reasonable absorption of building
movement without transferring stress to the outer skins at the joints. In most roofing
applications, Type1 EPS insulation material provides the dimensional stability and
compressive strength necessary to withstand normal roof traffic and equipment weight. If
greater rigidity and strength are needed, then higher density EPS insulation products can
be made use.
3.5 COMBUSTIBILITY.
Like many construction materials, EPS is combustible. EPS products are
manufactured with a flame retardant; however, EPS insulation will burn upon exposure to
flame or heat sources, including, but not limited to, open flames, welder's torches, or
other sources of heat. EPS insulation should be covered with a thermal barrier or
otherwise installed in accordance with applicable building code requirements.
3.6 SOLVENT ATTACK.

EPS is subject to attack by some petroleum-based solvents. Care should be taken
to prevent contact between EPS and these solvents and their vapors. This should be taken
into consideration in case of Highway embankments, where a lot of hydrocarbon
products can penetrate into the Geofoam material. Some protective coating can be made
over the foam material to prevent the contact of solvents with the foam, which will be
effective for a small period.
3.7 APPLICATION TEMPERATURES.

In roof construction and pavement construction requiring hot asphalt,
temperatures should not exceed 250 F at the time of direct contact with EPS insulation.
10

Avoid contact between EPS and high-temperature equipment, asphalt kettles and flame
sealer scan be used.
3.8 INSTALLATION EXPOSURE.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause slight discoloration and surface
dusting of EPS insulation. The insulating properties will not be significantly affected
under normal usage. EPS stored outside should be protected with a light-colored opaque
material.
3.9 STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.

EPS insulation may be manufactured to meet or exceed the requirements
and should be strictly following the manufacturing standards and applicable building
codes.
3.10 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES.

3 Physical Properties of R-Control EPS Geofoam
TYPE - ASTM D6817
EPS12 EPS15 EPS19 EPS22

3
kg/m
11.2 14.4 18.4
(lb/ft3) (0.70) (0.90) (1.15)
Density, min.
25
(3.6)
EPS29
21.6
(1.35)
28.8
(1.80)
Compressive Resistance
@ 1% deformation, min.
kPa
(psi)
15
(2.2)
40
(5.8)
50
(7.3)
75
(10.9)
Elastic Modulus
kPa
(psi)
1500 2500 4000

(220) (360) (580)
5000
(730)
7500
(1090)
Flexural Strength min.
kPa
(psi)
69
172
207
(10.0) (25.0) (30.0)
276
(40.0)
345
(50.0)
Water Absorption by total

immersion, max., volume %
4.0
4.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
Oxygen Index, min.,

volume %
24.0
24.0
24.0
24.0
24.0
961
(60.0)
969
(60.5)
Buoyancy Force
(kg/m3) 952
955
958
(lb/ft3) (59.4) (59.6) (59.8)
Additional Properties for Compressible Applications
11

kPa
(psi)
35
(5.1)
55
90
115
(8.0) (13.1) (16.7)
170
(24.7)
kPa
(psi)
40
70
110 135
(5.8) (10.2) (16.0) (19.6)
200
(29.0)
CHAPTER 4
APPLICATIONS OF GEOFOAMS
4.1 INTRODUCTION.
The following are common geofoam application concepts. The sketches are
intended to convey some of the more important features to be considered for
implementation.
Slope Stability
Embankments
Retaining Structures
Pavement Insulation
Shallow Foundations
Utility Protection
4.1.1 Slope Stability.
12

Geotechnical engineers have long recognized the utility of lightweight fill to
reduce mass and associated gravitational driving forces. Lightweight materials that have
been used in embankment construction include chipped bark, sawdust, dried peat, fly ash,
slag, cinders, cellular concrete, lightweight aggregates, expanded polystyrene, shredded
tires, and sea shells.
EPS geofoam is up to 50 times less massive than other lightweight fills (see
table). To achieve a net reduction in driving mass of 100,000 kg within an embankment
having an in-place soil density of 2100 kg/m3 would require placing about 90 m3 of
lightweight fill of 1000 kg/m3 density or about 50 m3 of EPS geofoam.
Material
Density for calculation (kg/m3)
Bark
1000-1100
Sawdust
1000
Cellular concrete waste
1000
Light expanded clay (Leca)
800-1000
Waste bricks of Leca
1000
Tires
700-950 (in-place)
Pumice
1225
Expanded polystyrene geofoam

15-120
Table: Density Comparison of Different Fill Materials
Advantages to using geofoam for slope stabilization may include:
Maximizing available right-of-way.
Reduced construction schedule and traffic impact.
Relatively clean construction adjacent to waterways.
Reduced labour and future maintenance
13
A conceptual scheme of slope stabilization with geofoam is shown below. A

potential sliding block can be divided into an upper and a lower mass. The upper mass,
contributing more to driving or instability, is referred to as a driving block. The lower
mass, contributing more to resistance or stability, is referred to as a resisting block. These
may include ground water lowering, removal of material mostly from the upper or
driving block, or increasing the size or influence of the lower or resisting block by
providing a berm. Except for ground water lowering, the overall effect of either
decreasing the driving block or increasing the resisting block is to change the geometry of
the slope by decreasing the average inclination.
As the density of geofoam is 50 to 100 times lower than soils, Acceptable
improvement in safety factor can be achieved by soil excavation and replacement with
geofoam in the driving block. Such improvement in stability occurs without requiring a
change in the final slope geometry. The excavation back slope would be sloped to be selfsupporting. Free draining material would be placed as transition between the natural soil
and the geofoam along the back slope and as levelling course along the base. The final
geofoam block configuration balances the amount of geofoam required (cost) with other
design and construction factors such as ease and quickness of construction, traffic and
environmental impacts, and construction space limitations. Provision of a concrete slab
cover may not be necessary.
Installing EPS geofoam into an embankment requires that existing soil fill
material be removed. Sloped excavations that roughly parallel the shape of the geofoam
fill and the existing failure surface facilitate construction. Sloped excavations may not be
possible in some cases due to construction right-of-way limitations, requirements related
to traffic, poor soil, or a combination of these factors.
14
Where inclined excavations are not an option, a temporary steel sheet-pile wall
may be installed to permit vertical excavation adjacent to the geofoam fill, as shown
below. In both sketches, the concrete slab and pavement are optional.
4.1.2 Embankments.
An application concept for geofoam use as light-weight fill for embankment
construction is shown in the figure. Construction would begin with placement of a
granular levelling course. Geofoam would then be placed in successive layers to
construct the embankment. A 10 to 15 cm thick reinforced concrete slab or a membrane
cover may be provided over the top of the geofoam. The concrete slab would help in load
distribution. Both the slab and membrane serve as protection against very rare spillage of
fluids that can damage geofoam. Guard rails can be tied to the concrete slab or supported
on separate footing.
The geofoam side slopes would be covered with soil, lightweight fill or protective
facing. A road structure suitable for the anticipated traffic, and with adequate cover to
minimize possibilities for differential icing can be constructed above the geofoam fill.
15
This technique does not require pre-loading and removal normally associated with
embankment construction on soft ground. Side slopes at 2:1 or even in vertical finish can
be developed as geofoam imposes very light loads on the foundation and can be
constructed to interlock. Geofoam embankments require less maintenance and develop
minimal post-construction settlements compared to embankments constructed with
natural soils.
The other application of Geofoam in embankment construction is in the case of
embankments constructed in marshy soils, where the constructed road settles with time.
Adding more fill to tolerate the grade results in additional settlement as shown in the
figure. This problem is due to the additional weight came into the soil due to the
additional fill material. This problem can be overcome by introducing Geofoam fill over
the area. As the material is lighter, it will result in reduced surcharge to the soil, thus
reducing the settlements.
4.1.3 Retaining Structures

Placement of geofoam behind retaining structures and below-grade walls can
offer advantages of reduced lateral pressure, lower settlements, improved water proofing
and better insulation. The central concept in using geofoam as a retaining structure
backfill is to substitute as much of the soil in the active or at rest wedge with geofoam to
16

the extent desired. Since the geofoam density is low, vertical stresses that develop behind
the retaining wall or abutment will be much less than for comparable aggregate backfill.
This would imply reduced settlements and especially step settlements such as
between a bridge deck and an approach fill. The retaining structure would be designed for
the expected lateral pressure transmitted by the geofoam fill, which can be zero.
Adequate sub-drain should be provided to prevent development of hydrostatic pressure
and buoyancy. The finished grade behind the retaining structure can be developed with or
without a load distribution slab or plastic sheeting cover above the top surface of the
geofoam, as desired. An application scheme for a retaining wall or abutment backfill is
shown below.
It can also be used to retain soil in the case of Bridge abutments and it itself is
used in the abutments. It reduces the dead load transfer to the retaining wall drastically
and thus reduces the section and hence economy is achieved. Again it reduces the usage
of non-renewable natural recourses such as soil and aggregates in case of earth fill used
in road constructions as well as filling areas.
17
4.1.4 Pavement Insulation.

The design of highway or airport pavements may be governed by subgrade
stress/deformation criteria or frost heave protection requirements. Where the pavement
thickness is controlled by frost heave conditions, considerable savings can be realized by
installation of geofoam as insulation. In considering geofoam as a subgrade insulation
element, care should be exercised to minimize development of differential icing.
Available experience suggests that the performance of geofoam insulation depends on
tight construction control to ensure continuity of insulation without gaps. High density
geofoams provide higher initial R-values, deform less under load, and absorb less
moisture over time.
Care must be taken during the insulation of pavements as any supervision

errors may result in the total failure of the structure, ie. if proper care is not taken, there is
a chance of splitting of Geofoams at the joints which allows the ground water to creep
into the pavement and can damage the structure as a whole.
4.1.5 Shallow Foundations.

In cold climate regions, building foundations are required to extend below depths
of expected frost penetration. This usually requires construction with basements or crawl
space below floor grade. The design concept shown below can be used to construct
18

buildings with frost protected shallow foundations. With this scheme, homes can be built
in cold climates with slab on grade support.
Fig. Foundation insulation
Wing insulation, as shown, may be required in areas that experience extreme cold
temperatures. Frost protected shallow foundations may enable savings in construction
and offer additional benefits from energy efficiency. The thickness, density and insulation
properties of the geofoam as well as expected extreme frost penetration depths are
important considerations. Any portions of geofoam that remain above ground should have
protective cover.
Another type of foundation insulation is in such a way that the whole foundation
will be placed in a Geofoam material so that it is isolated from rest of the soil. This is
performed when the water table of the area is near to that of foundation. Here the design
of insulation should be done properly as buoyancy force comes into play at the time of
intrusion. After the construction of foundation, which adds a lot of dead weight on the
foam, will contribute to the stability.
Foundation insulations are done in four ways. They are listed below
Perimeter insulation.
Exterior Foundation walls.
Sub slab insulation.
Interior wall insulation.
4.1.6 Utility Protection.
19

Geofoam has been used to control loading on rigid buried pipes by development
of an induced trench condition. It is also feasible to consider reducing stresses on large
flexible culverts by placement of geofoam. Here the load coming over the buried pipes
and culverts can be reduced to a greater extent so that they will be structurally safe
against the external stresses. (Low stress)
CHAPTER 5
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WITH FOAMS
5.1 INTRODUCTION.
Geofoams should be properly inspected and proper care should be taken at site
and storing to reduce the damages as well as to obtain a better performance. Geofoams
are made of polymer fibers and are not inert in nature, it can react with any chemical and
thus it should not be exposed at site and it should be covered at least with apolythene
cover. The probable damages, which can happen to geofoams, are explained below.
Geofoams may catch fire during construction as they contain inherently
inflammable materials. As the Oxygen Index of some of the materials forming
geofoams is less than 21%, it is necessary to make the geofoam flame retardant.
A gas is used as blowing agent, to create closed cell texture, during manufacture
of geofoams. During thermal cooling of geofoams this gas is replaced by air in a
process known as out gassing. It may take years to complete the process . Hence
care should be taken against open flames for insufficiently seasoned geofoam
blocks.
20

Premature pavement failure may occure under static as well as dynamic loads due
to block shifting. Hence at least two layers of geofoams blocks should be used for
fills that will be subjected to dynamic and cyclic load.
As the density of geofoam material is very low, it is extremely buoyant in liquids
such as ground water. In the areas of possible submergence there must be a dead
load stress on geofoams sufficient to counteract uplift force due to buoyancy.
Any water absorbed in to a geofoam will increase the thermal conductivity and
thus reduces thermal insulation effect.
The geofoam layer of sufficient thickness is used in pavement construction so that
the soil subgrade beneath the geofoam would not freeze and thus prevent froast
heaving of subgrade. This will also prevent potholeas in pavement due to thaw
weakening of soil subgrade. During construction of road or airfield paved surface,
the heat balance is disrupted and this would retard the thermal insulation property
of the geofoams. Care must be taken in both design and construction in such
situations.
Differential icing will occur in pavement as insulated pavement develops surface
ice quickly. This happens due to escape of naturally stored heat from the insulated
surface quickly. This differential icing causes serious safety problems to drive
vehicles.
Geofoams, used as thermal insulation adjacent to wood framed residential
structures, may get damaged as insects attacks them as part of their attack on
wood. On the other hand no other known evidences that insects damage to
Geofoams occurred as they are non-nutritive and will not be consumed as food
source.
21
CONCLUSION
Geofoam is a new terminology in Geotechnical Engineering, which was added to
the literature only in 1992. But the intrusions of these less density polymer finds much
application in Geotechnical engineering compared to any other fill materials. It can be
effectively used as for reducing the dead load stresses in road and rail embankments,
retaining structures, stabilization of natural slopes etc. It can also be used in pavement
insulation and foundation insulation.
Moreover, it can be used as sound absorbing
barriers in highways. The Geofoam intrusions can also stop the problem of Land sliding.
Intrusions of these low-density polymer materials can solve some of the problems
encountered with Geotechnical Engineering, if properly worked with. It can indirectly
resist Earthquakes as Newtons second law of physics reminds us that force and mass are
directly proportional, so it is possible to reduce earth loads under both gravity and
seismic loading by a factor of about 100 when EPS geofoam is used to replace normal
earth materials as backfill and fill.
22
REFERENCE
John S. Horwath, Ph.D., P.E., Geofoam Geosynthetic:Past, Present and Future, EJGE
GeoFoam by John S. Horvath, Ph.D., P.E. Lecture Notes, International Geosynthetics

Society.
John
S.
Horvath1,
Ph.D.,
P.E.,
CELLULAR
GEOSYNTHETICS
IN
TRANSPORTATION APPLICATIONS American Society of Civil Engineers.
http://www.ejge.com/
http://www.ascelibrary.org/
http://geofoam.syr.edu/
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
http://www.geosyscorp.com/
http://www.truefoam.com/
http://www.rewardwalls.com/
http://www.carpenter.com/Divisions/eps_Geofoam.htm
http://www.insultech-eps.com/
23
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Geofoam Intrusions

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Geofoam Intrusions: Features and Utility

Now, there are two

geosynthetic families of non-planar (three- dimensional) cellular materials and products,

National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal.