Reducing Dynamic Lateral Loads on Earth Retaining Structures Utilizing EPS Geofoam

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam is a lightweight material that has been used in engineering applications long time ago. Its density is about a hundredth of that of normal weight soil. Its thermal insulation properties are excellent with stiffness and compression strength comparable to medium clay. It has been utilized in several engineering applications such as in reducing settlement below embankments, sound and vibration damping, reducing lateral pressure on substructures, reducing stresses on rigid buried conduits and several others. A new application for EPS in civil engineering is provided in the study as an example for the potential use of EPS in the civil engineering profession. Reducing the dynamic loads on earth retaining structures utilizing EPS-Geofoam is analyzed.The results of this study point towards the main conclusion that EPS geofoam is the future material of promise in various civil engineering applications. SABIC polystyrene has comparable densities and stiffness such that it can be used in all such applications.