GEOFOAM is a lightweight, high-strength synthetic material with the following significant benefits in roadbed engineering:
1.Lightweight (significantly reduces load)
Extremely low density: The density of GEOFOAM is only 1/50~1/100 of traditional fill materials (usually 15~30 kg/m³), which can greatly reduce the deadweight of the roadbed.
Applicable to soft soil foundation: In soft soil, swamps or highly compressible soil areas, it can avoid uneven settlement and reduce additional stress on the foundation.
Reduced structural load: Suitable for backfilling on the top of bridge approaches and underground structures to reduce pressure on the underlying structure.
2.Excellent compressive strength
High strength selection: GEOFOAM has a wide range of compressive strength (such as EPS can reach 50~300 kPa or more), and different models can be selected according to engineering needs (such as EPS15, EPS22, etc.).
Long-term stability: almost no creep deformation, stable shape under long-term load, suitable for sections sensitive to settlement.
3.Construction efficiency
Quick installation: modular blocks (usually 2m×0.75m×0.5m) can be assembled directly without compaction or maintenance, shortening the construction period by more than 50%.
All-weather construction: not affected by rain and low temperature, and can still be operated when traditional fill cannot be constructed.
Reduce heavy machinery: manual handling can reduce interference with the surrounding environment.
4.Solve complex engineering problems
Steep slopes and high fills: reduce lateral soil pressure and avoid landslide risks.
Pipeline protection: avoid damage caused by mechanical compaction when backfilling around pipelines.
Reinforcement of existing structures: when widening old roads, the loading of new roadbed will not oppress the original structure.
5.Environmental protection and sustainability
Reduce soil damage: save natural earth and stone, and protect cultivated land and mountains.
Low permeability: XPS GEOFOAM can block the capillary rise of groundwater and reduce the harm of frost heave.
Recyclable: EPS materials can be recycled and reprocessed, which is in line with the trend of green engineering.
6.Economic advantages
Low overall cost: Although the unit price is higher than earthwork, it saves foundation treatment, mechanical compaction, construction period and later maintenance costs, and the overall cost can be reduced by 20%~40%.
Low transportation cost: light weight, reducing the number of transportation vehicles.
Typical application scenarios
Soft foundation sections: such as coastal tidal flats and swamps.
Bridge head jump prevention: alleviate the differential settlement at the junction of roads and bridges.
Underground space backfilling: such as unloading the top of subway tunnels.
Areas with seismic requirements: reduce seismic inertia.
Precautions
Fire protection requirements: flame retardant models or covering protective layers are required.
UV protection: geomembrane or asphalt layer is required for long-term exposure.
Biological invasion: termite prevention is required (which can be solved by adding agents).
GEOFOAM has become a revolutionary material for solving traditional earthwork problems in modern road construction through its engineering properties and flexibility, especially suitable for special geological conditions and complex urban environments.
In practical applications, it is necessary to combine geological surveys with structural design optimization solutions.