Selected Engineering Properties and Applications of EPS Geofoam

Horvath (1992) classified the applications utilizing EPS geofoam blocks by “their function”. The four functions of EPS geofoam are lightweight fill, compressi-ble inclusion, thermal insulation and small amplitude wave damping (ground vibra-tion and acoustic). Horvath (1999b) add two more functions, drainage and structural. Another way to classify the applications is by engineering properties.

Five EPS geofoam properties appear to be very useful when utilizing EPS geofoam. These properties are: density, compressibility, thermal resistance, vibration damping and self-supporting nature of the EPS geofoam. These properties can solve many important engineering problems such as settlement problems, slope stability problems and bearing capacity problems. Conventional geotechnical solutions for such problems (e.g., deep foundations, sheet piles, retaining walls or other solutions) may be economically unfeasible. Table 2-12 shows selected engineering applications and the corresponding EPS geofoam function to be utilized.