1. No. 19 of 19 GeoFoam by John S. Horvath, Ph.D., P.E. The information presented in this document has been reviewed by the Education Committee of the International Geosynthetics Society and is believed to fairly represent the current state of practice. However, the International Geosynthetics Society does not accept any liability arising in any way from use of the information presented.

2. Lecture Outline What is Geofoam? Geofoam materials Why Use Geofoam? Designing with Geofoam Examples of Geofoam Applications

3. INTRODUCTION Construction materials are undergoing significant changes with: improvements (e.g. increased strength) to existing, traditional materials development of new functions and applications for existing materials e.g GEOFOAM development of new materials use of recycled waste materials

4. What is Geofoam? Generic term for closed-cell foams, used in geotechnical applications, that are manufactured from an expansion process using a blowing agent either in a plant or in situ: polymeric (plastic) – expanded polystyrene (EPS) <<< predominant – extruded polystyrene (XPS) – others (polyethylene, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate) glass (cellular glass) cementitious

5. Full Size EPS block in temporary storage after moulding

6. Benefits of using Geofoam works with the forces of nature, not against them useful in both new construction and with existing structures provides unique geosynthetic functions multifunctional in many applications compatible and synergistic with other types of geosynthetics

7. Overview of designing with Geofoam design by function generally treat as an equivalent earth material and use conventional geotechnical analytical methods obtain appropriate parameters for desired analyses and other relevant technical information economic assessment

8. Geofoam geosynthetic functions : thermal insulation (1960s) (ultra)lightweight fill (1970s) fluid transmission = drainage (1970s) noise and vibration damping (1980s) compressible inclusion (1980s) structural (1990s)

10. Key material behaviour and other technical issues for design: index properties mechanical (stress-strain-time) behavior thermal properties durability environmental impact

11. Factors to consider in an economic assessment design aspects of initial construction constructability aspects of initial construction reduced costs of operation and maintenance

12. Laying Geofoam under Road

13. Geofoam under Railway

14. Winter Working

15. Protective Facing

16. Bridge Approach Fill

17. Geofoam for Failed Road Embankment

18. Geofoam for Road Embankment

19. Structural Fill

20. Backfill to Tied Quay Wall

21. Nail Plate for Joining Blocks

22. Underslab Venting

23. Vibration Damping

24. tensile reinforcement (optional) geofoam Back of Wall Fill

25. Wall Back Fill

26. Footing Pressure Reduction

27. Heave Pressure Reduction fill

28. geofoam Pressure Reduction Slabs

29. Wall Insulation

30. Facing to Reinforced Soil in a Landfill (UK)