Applications of EPS Geo-foam and Geo-membranes in Construction Industry – Bridges, Embankments

Abstract

This paper mainly concentrates on the uses and applications of EPS geo-foams and geo-membranes in construction industry like Bridges and Embankments over weak soil (compressible soils). If any external load is acting on weak soil, it will undergo settlement and the soil will be compressed. To overcome these settlements and compression of the weak soils, in this research we suggest EPS geo-foams. The EPS means “Expanded Poly Styrene”, it is a light weight material which is 1% weight of soil and it is less than 10% weight of other light weight materials and it is available in different densities. It has high compressive resistance and it reduces settlement of weak soil. It is generally used as a soil fill replacement material. If the soil contains any moisture content, the geo membrane acts like a water barrier for the geo-foam material. Geo-membrane is a thin continues polymeric sheets and it is a geo synthetic material, it is generally used in construction industry and geotechnical applications. If we place different types of densities of EPS geo-foam blocks and geo-membranes over weak soil in bridges and embankments, the soil behaviour is changing and attaining stability. Finally based upon the behaviour of weak soil we conclude that, at which density of the EPS blocks the soil attain more strength and how other strength parameters has been related to density by conducting the different tests.