EPS Geofoam Applications: Compensating Foundation
When expanding a bridge or roadway, engineers must take existing and future traffic loads into consideration. The addition of traditional filler material to structures already bearing loads can cause unanticipated issues. The issues result because traditional fillers can lead to an increase in loads and cause issues not only with highways and bridges but underlying structures as well. Existing utility lines, bridge abutments, foundations, pipelines, culverts, and so forth, all rely on a set traffic load limit to ensure structural integrity. Once that limit is reached, problems occur.
EPS Geofoam Solves Engineering Problems
Fortunately, expanded polystyrene (EPS) Geofoam solves many of these problems. It can be used to help reduce added load and increase load capacity. It is not only lighter than soil, but it is also lighter than traditional fill materials. It is actually only 1% the weight of soil and “acts as a linear elastic material” at a strain of up to 1%, according to The EPS Industry Alliance.
Additional Benefits
EPS Geofoam can be used as a compensating foundation to help reduce the load on underlying compressible soils and minimize building settlement, as well as potential bearing capacity problems. When used as fill in bridge abutments, it reduces the long-term maintenance of bridges. On top of that, using it instead of traditional filler reduces the overall cost and time of a construction project.
Learn More
Want to learn more about how EPS Geofoam helps in the construction of compensating foundations? Read our EPS Geofoam brochure or contact one of our EPS product specialists today!
Learn more about EPS Geofoam applications!
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