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Why Geofoam polystyrene blocks are ideal for roads & bridges

GeofoamX EPS blocks are ideal for civil engineering applications, including road construction and bridge abutments, due to their exceptional weight-bearing load capacity, weather resistance and durability.

Using polystyrene blocks also reduces soil stresses and decreases the amount of concrete required to stabilise roads, roadmaking fill, embankments, bridge abutments, side hills, and retaining walls.

The high compressive stress resistance of Geofoam blocks makes them the perfect solution for new road construction or the widening of existing roads. They sufficiently support high traffic loadings, meaning that roads can be built faster, lighter, and more stable than similar fill materials. The high compressive resistance of polystyrene foam blocks also safely supports the loadings of bridge abutments without overstressing the underlying ground cover. Compared to traditional fill materials, EPS blocks reduce the lateral force on the abutment walls, foundations, and other retaining structures.

What is Geofoam and GeoFoamX?

GeoFoamX is Foamex’s brand name for its EPS Geofoam blocks. Lightweight, durable, and manufactured from high-quality, Australian-made expanded polystyrene (EPS), GeoFoamX is a high-performing, cost-effective void filler designed for civil engineers, civil contractors, landscape contractors, and landscape designers.

EPS is a proven and reliable geotechnical construction material used in Australia since the 1970s. It has been extensively researched and rigorously tested to meet and exceed industry standards.

Benefits of EPS Geofoam for roads & bridges

Geofoam foam blocks have many benefits, including:

Lightweight and easy to handle

  • Easy to move around a road or bridge work site, often without special equipment and can be trimmed on-site using a hot wire cutter, saw or chainsaw.
  • Cost-effective to transport, as it is approximately 1% the weight of soil and less than 10% the weight of other lightweight fill alternatives.

Weather-resistant with low water absorption

  • The semi-closed cell structure ensures it isn’t affected by water and moisture and consistently retains its strength and structural integrity over the entire life of its use.
  • Can be installed in adverse weather conditions, keeping construction schedules on track.

Dimensionally stable

  • Maintains its original dimensions when subjected to atmospheric changes in temperature and humidity and provides noise and vibration damping from road traffic on highways and freeways.

Recyclable and sustainable

  • 100% recyclable and sustainably manufactured, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional void filler materials used for roads and bridges.
  • Offcuts can be picked up from sites and taken to the Foamex recycling plant, where they are processed and put back into sustainable building products.

Strong and durable

  • Extremely strong, durable, and impervious to all weather conditions while light and easy to handle.
  • Available in various compressive resistances, with exceptional strength and flexibility, making it ideal for slope stabilisation, noise and vibration dampening.

Insulation capacity

  • Insulation capacity for specific road construction applications where permafrost can be an issue.

Reduced road and bridge construction time and costs

  • Quick and easy to install with no heavy lifting or machinery required.
  • Can be driven upon immediately, without waiting for compaction and settling time that would usually be required when using most traditional fill materials.

GeoFoamX foam blocks application for roads & bridges

Well-known projects such as The Peninsula Link in Melbourne and the WestConnex M5 upgrade in Sydney have used geofoam polystyrene void filler as a building solution.

At Foamex, we’ve supplied civil engineers, civil contractors, landscape contractors, and landscape designers with Geofoam polystyrene blocks for many years. Contact our experienced sales team today for a quote or more advice on your next project. You can also phone 1300 AU FOAM to speak directly with one of our sales team.

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