Analysis of the operational properties and application features of geofoam

Abstract

Structural elements made of expanded polystyrene have been used for various engineering solutions since the middle of the last century. This material is light, so its use in aspects of road structures requires the use of particular engineering approaches accounting for the characteristics of the material. However, this approach allows to solve many engeneering problems in a short period.

In addition, geofoam has good thermal insulation properties, stiffness and compressive strength compared to clay and some soil types. Therefore, this material is used in different countries for some types of soil to reduce subsidence under embankments.
Also, the use of geofoam in road construction elements reduces noise and vibration. This material is also used to solve engineering problems related to the reduction of lateral pressure on structural elements, the reduction of stresses in rigid buried pipelines and other related applications.

The work is devoted to the review and analysis of the operational properties and features of the use of geofoam to solve engineering problems in the design of road construction elements.

The analysis of changes in the mechanical characteristics of geofoam and the review of studies known in the literature showed that the use of such materials has many features. When using polystyrene, it should be taken into account that this material is much lighter than water, so certain specific engineering solutions should be used to overcome the lifting force.

Despite the peculiarities of the use of such materials, geofoam is successfully used all over the world: Norway, the Netherlands, the United States, Japan, Germany and Malaysia. Therefore, such experience can also be useful for Ukraine, taking into account the military situation and the need for rapid construction and reconstruction of destroyed and damaged road surfaces.