Geofoam Blocks available in Renton, Washington

EPS geofoam is up to 50 times less massive than other lightweight fills (see table). To achieve a net reduction in driving the 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.

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 self-supporting. Free draining material would be placed as the transition between the natural soil and the geofoam along the back slope and as leveling 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.

For answers to many common questions, please read our FAQ.

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