Engineered Light Weight Fill Material.
InsulFoam® GF (EPS Geofoam) is a lightweight, geo-synthetic fill material used as an alternative to various fill-materials, as a soil stabilizer, and in various engineered applications.
Geofoam consists of closed-cell expanded polystyrene (EPS) and meets or exceeds the requirements of ASTM D6817 Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam. Thanks to a weight that is lighter than that of most fill materials, InsulFoam® GF is cost-effective and does not typically require surcharging, preloading, and staging often necessary in construction applications. InsulFoam® GF is environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable, containing no HCFCs or formaldehyde.
With superior stability, and long-term R-value, InsulFoam® GF resists insects, mold, decomposition and severe weather conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles and moisture.
Geofoam applications include:
- Highways and Roads
- Railways
- Airport Runways
- Ramps
- Bridge Approaches
- Retaining Walls
- Retaining Walls
- Berms and Embankments
- Parking Structures
- Foundations
- Loading Docks and Ramps
- Landscaping
- Lightweight Void Fill
- Levees and Dikes
- Buried Utility Protection
- Theater and Stadium Seating
- Pools and Pool Decks
- Landscaping
- Retaining Walls
- Lightweight Void Fill
Advantages
Geofoam Advantages over other Fill Materials
- Lightweight – Minimize preloading, surcharging and staged construction
- Weather Resistant – Withstands freeze-thaw cycles, moisture and road salts,
- Doesn’t Settle – Less structural inconsistencies
- Insect and Mold Resistant – Will not sustain mold or mildew growth, termite / ant repellant additive available
- Manufactured to Meet Your Job Specifications – Multiple densities, various block sizes available
- Ease of Installation – Lightweight, no heavy equipment needed, cuts easily with a hot wire or saw
- Environmentally Friendly – 100% Recyclable, No HCFCs or Formaldehyde
Design
Geofoam Design Considerations
- For InsulFoam Geofoam applications, design should not exceed 1% strain for combined live loads
- In conditions where InsulFoam GF is periodically subjected to submergence from fluctuating ground water, add 1.87 lb/ft3 (30 kg/m3) to the InsulFoam GF design density.
- In conditions where InsulFoam GF is continually below ground water, add 5.00 lb/ft3 (80 kg/m3) to the InsulFoam GF design density.
- In earth work applications such as levees, dikes, and berms, uplift buoyancy forces must be considered. The buoyancy force must be counteracted with overburden or restraint devices with geogrids or geomembranes.
Technical
Technical Resources
- Insulfoam Geofoam: Design Considerations, Technical & Installation
- InsulGrip Installation Plates
- Geofoam MSDS
- InsulFoam Geofoam Specification
- Insulfoam & Insect Resistance
- Mold Resistance in Insulfoam Products
- EPS Industry Association Technical Bulletin on Geofoam
- Federal Highway Expansion & Geofoam
- Federal Highway Administration – Geotech Resource Center
Education
Educational Geofoam Links
ASCE: American Society of Civil Engineers
Geo-Institute.org: The Geo-Institute (G-I) is a specialty organization focused on the geo industry
Geofoam Research Center: in Syracuse NY
AASHTO: Non Profit representing Highway and Transportation Departments in 50 states plus PR and DOC
ARTBA: American Road and Transportation Builders
FTBA: Florida Transportation Builders
Videos
Videos of Geofoam Installation and Projects
VIDEO – InsulFoam GF Geofoam: Conejo Road Slope Repair Installation
VIDEO – Movie Theater EPS Geofoam Stadium Seating: Wassilla, AK
Want to know more?
- View our online learning center for training and education resources
- Browse through our detailed project profiles and photo galleries
- Request an AIA certified presentation
- View installation and overview videos
- or simply take a look through an impressive collaboration of industry news articles about Insulfoam
You can always contact us or find a Representative near you. We are here to help make your insulation selection process easier!
