Have you heard of the Geofoam? In this article we will explain what it consists of and what are its main uses in construction.
Geofoam: Block of high-density expanded polystyrene with great resistance to compression and low absorption, light pieces of easy placement that generate savings in the use of specialised machinery and time of execution of work, used as structural filling for stabilisation of floors in bridges , embankments, roads, retaining walls, bleachers and a wide range of applications.
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Its application is based on the placement of polystyrene blocks with high compression resistance inside the embankment to make it lighter and eliminate settlements that may exist in the future. The application of this solution or alternative is transmitted in:
- Eliminate the possibility of settlements during and after the project.
- Decrease in construction times.
- Savings in maintenance costs.
- Easy handling and placement of the material, does not require the use of specialised machinery.
- Easy transportation
Undoubtedly, the Geofoam Tecnopol is a material that has multiple uses and thanks to its physical properties it has a wide range of applications in which it can be used without compromising at any time the project to be built on highly compressible soils. Here are some examples:
Airport Tracks
The difference that airport runways have on the construction or expansion of roads is that because the loads are different, polystyrene blocks must have a greater compressive strength than the blocks used for roads, but the principle is the same.
Geofoam application
It can be applied for the elaboration of staggered seats in places such as auditoriums, large screen rooms, gyms, sports stadiums, churches, etc. Polystyrene blocks should not have the same compressive strength as blocks used for larger works, this is because the loads to bear are less.
Existing pipes
The need for new road routes means that they have to be built in locations where water, electricity and gas connections have already been placed. Generally, these pipes are designed to withstand the loads of existing materials, and not to withstand new loads. The placement of new loads requires the relocation of said pipes or their reinforcement, which increases construction costs. When replacing existing materials with Gefoam, this problem ceases to exist.
These are just a few examples of the applications of Geofoam Tecnopol, however the options are many with such a versatile and affordable material. Approach an advisor and receive personalised attention in your project.
At NPS we take care of adding value to the projects of our business partners, with a wide variety of thermal and insulating solutions under the highest standards of quality and innovation creating effective solutions for each of you.
The use of Geofoam in civil engineering
The expanded polystyrene, is an efficient and effective material to solve a series of problems in construction projects. It allows faster construction schedules, is easy to use and is inert and non-toxic, within the alternative solutions to technical problems; It is by far the most economical solution.
The Geofoam is a block of expanded polystyrene of high density with great resistance to compression and low absorption, light pieces of easy placement that generate savings in the use of specialised machinery and work execution time, used as structural filler for soil stabilisation in bridges, embankments, roads, retaining walls, bleachers and a wide range of applications.
Geofoam is approximately 1% of the weight of the soil and less than 10% of the weight of other lightweight alternatives. As a lightweight filler, Geofoam reduces the load imposed on adjacent and underground floors and structures.
Geofoam
The use of Geofoam typically translates into benefits for construction programs and reduces their total cost because it is easy to handle during construction, usually without the need for special equipment, and is not affected by changing weather conditions. In addition, it can be cut and molded to one side of the project, which in the long run reduces work-related challenges.
It is mainly used in the preparation of the filling of railway tracks, slopes, stands for cinema and gardens.
Applications or advantages:
- Resistance and lightness: It is lighter than the rest of the traditional fillings. It is approximately 100 times lighter than most types of soil, and at least 20 to 30 times lighter than other landfill alternatives.
- Reduction of lateral pressures: Due to its low density, the filling based on Geofoam does not generate greater efforts on retaining walls; The thrust is practically zero.
We take care of adding value to the projects of our business partners, with a wide variety of thermal and insulating solutions under the highest standards of quality and innovation creating effective solutions for each of you.
EPS Geofoam is inherently multi-functional, which makes it effective for use in a wide variety of applications. It offers special advantages for the construction in soft terrain, slope stabilisation and retaining walls.
EPS Geofoam has been used in road and pavements of airports and railroad track systems, under refrigerated storage buildings, sports fields and storage tanks to prevent freezing and agitated soil and in the under-ground construction segments to reduce seasonal warming and cooling requirements. Geofoam EPS allows the engineers, architects and builders will design for the key functions of Geosynthetics and select the best combination of products to achieve the project objectives. Unprecedented strength and flexibility, EPS Geofoam also offers innovative solutions to a wide variety of problems, including protection against earthquake discharges and noise and vibration damping.
Remember that Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) provided by NPS is an engineered material that can be shaped or profile cut into any simple or intricately designed object with the added benefit of being thermally efficient, lightweight, simple and safe to work with, fully recyclable and cost effective. Contact us now if you require more information about this innovative technology, we will be ready to assist you at NPS, your provider of second to none EPS.