Advantages of Using Geofoam Instead of Soils in Geotechnical Engineering Projects

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has been used for packaging and insulation in the industry. As a member of geosynthetics family named Geofoam ; it has been used in numerous geotechnical engineering projects in developed countries over the past 50 years. The aim of this paper is to introduce the geotechnical engineers of developing counties to the advantages of using Geofoam instead of soils by referring to the researches and experiences of the past. Similarities in some mechanical behaviors of Geofoam in comparison to those of normal soils have been pointed out. The advantage of using Geofoam instead of soils in areas of high seismic risk has also been mentioned. Some of the concerns regarding the use of Geofoam have also been discussed and the ways of treating them have been addressed.

Keywords:

Geofoam , Expanded polystyrene , EPS , Geosynthetics , Soil-substitute material