Benefits of Using EPS Geofoam Blocks for Rail Embankment

Benefits of Using EPS Geofoam Blocks for Rail Embankment Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Geofoam is a geotechnical material, being used in construction activities in US, Japan and European Countries since 1970s. Its application in the construction and infrastructure industry is picking up in India. EPS Geofoam is approximately 1% the weight of soil and less than 10% the weight of other lightweight fill alternatives, making it a superior, ultralightweight fill material that significantly reduces the stress on underlying and abutting subgrades.

EPS geofoam is a lightweight foam plastic that's manufactured into blocks and commonly used as a structural geofoam backfill. EPS geofoam has a unit density that can be roughly as low as one pound per square foot. It's an extremely lightweight alternative to soil that's nearly 100 times lighter than most soils.

EPS geofoam blocks are primarily used in the construction of highways, bridges, embankments, and parking lots, but there are a myriad other uses as well. Due to the fact that geofoam is a soil replacement, it can be covered to look like a wall or a natural slope, making it an aesthetically pleasing option. The customizability of this material is also attractive since it can be cut into almost any size and shaped directly at the job site.

The uses for EPS are expanding as it is providing manageable solutions for various types of projects. The ease of cutting and shaping EPS foam make it ideal for swimming pool construction.

For roofs and rooftop gardens, it is lightweight and easily tapered to provide the necessary drainage. Going together like building blocks, Geofoam also sets the stage for stadium seating. In passive building construction, to achieve the highest ratings, EPS is now being specified for the first layer of construction to attain an advanced building envelope.

The use of EPS Geofoam typically translates into benefits like lower construction costs and faster construction schedules because it is easy to handle during construction, often without the need for special equipment. In addition, EPS Geofoam can be easily cut and shaped on a project site, which further reduces onsite challenges.

Its service life is comparable to other construction materials and it will retain its physical properties under engineered conditions of use. EPS Geofoam is produced in blocks that can be cut into various shapes and sizes. As an engineered product, it can be produced to obtain the required compressive resistance.