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Expanded polystyrene (EPS) Geofoam is a versatile and lightweight material designed to address specific engineering and construction challenges where the combination of low weight and high strength is advantageous. These characteristics made EPS geofoam an excellent alternative to natural materials for the feasibility of many construction projects that would otherwise destined, for time and implementation costs, to be postponed or alienated. Specifically, this technology has been successfully used in road infrastructure sector in the construction of roads, bridge abutments, lightweight embankments and backfills, above all for the rapid restoration of compromised roads following landslide or calamitous events, representing an interesting and resilient solution in areas exposed to seismic risk or persistent vibratory actions.

EPS Geofoam application in road construction

EPS Geofoam is often used for road highway construction and has been across the world since the 1970’s. The use of a lightweight fill material like EPS geofoam blocks has enabled roads to be built faster, lighter, and with greater stability than they would have with other similar fill materials. Blocks are stacked up to a desired elevation and then typically covered in a geomembrane before being topped with asphalt or concrete. The use of geofoam road construction saves time, money, and effectively allows contractors and architects in the field to adjust their project as they see fit based on field conditions. It is a very forgiving and easy to use material.

Road construction over poor soils

In many cases new roads are required to be constructed over soft or loose soils that are incapable of supporting additional loads. EPS geofoam can be used to build roads on soft soils or where sensitive existing utilities or wetlands are present. EPS geofoam can be used to replace compressible soils or in place of heavy fill materials to prevent unacceptable loading on underlying soils and adjacent structures. The high compressive resistance of EPS geofoam makes it able to adequately support traffic loadings. Construction of roads with EPS geofoam also saves time and cost as it is easy to handle without the need for special equipment.