Drew Foam's Geofoam product is an expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid cellular plastic foam that is used as super light-weight void fill and in geotechnical insulation applications. As light-weight fill, Geofoam offers special advantages for construction on soft ground, slope stabilization, and retaining wall or abutment backfill. The low thermal conduction property of Geofoam is ideal for use in roadway and runway subgrade insulation and frost protected shallow foundation construction.
Geofoam has been used for decades in Europe, Canada and parts of the United States due to its resistance to settling and deterioration over time.
Another advantage of Geofoam, as compared to other fill materials, is its resistance to water damage. Even if the site is below ground water, the strength of EPS Geofoam is not compromised. The integrity of Geofoam blocks remains unchanged when buried for years beneath soil and water.
The most common uses of Geofoam are as a lightweight fill and as insulation. Some specific applications of Geofoam are outlined below.
- Unstable Soil Substitute
- Stadium Seating
- Roadbeds & Runways
- Retaining Walls
- Highway Clover Leaves
- Termite Resistance
- Manufactured to meet ASTM D6817 (pg 4)
The American Society of Civil Engineers named Salt Lake City’s Interstate 15 Geofoam project the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award winner in 2002. Also of note, the Federal Highway Administration endorsed the use of EPS Geofoam in highway construction as the material of choice.
