Projects

The redevelopment of a public space, once an open car park in Darwin’s CBD, is turned into a lush green landscaped area for public use, using Geofoam Blocks supplied by Foam Technologies based in Perth. The challenge faced by the Landscape Architect was how to create a landscaped embankment without moving tonnes and tonnes of soil into the centre of the CBD, which would have to be trucked into the city centre causing major traffic disruptions for an extended period.

The solution was to use Geofoam blocks, a lightweight infill medium approximately 50 times lighter than conventional fill materials providing an alternative method to stabilise soil embankments. Stabilising sloping ground is often a challenging Geotechnical issue and expanded polystyrene foam is the ideal solution as it can be used as a base where traditional fill materials are too heavy.

Geofoam blocks are the preferred fill material to replace dirt and soil because it is lightweight, easy to transport, handle and install. Traditional fills would require multiple truckloads of material, adding considerable load to the substrate below. Geofoam provides a stable fill with excellent load bearing performance characteristics.

The major advantage of using Geofoam Blocks as fill material for embankments are:

• – Faster construction schedules,
• – Excellent load bearing characteristics,
• – Lower traffic impact,
• – Comparatively clean construction,
• – Reduced labour,
• – Minimal future maintenance

Geofoam Applications

From foundations to theatre seating to road embankments, EPS Geofoam is inherently multi-functional.

Slope stabilisation
Helps by reducing lateral forces on unstable slopes.

Bridge Embankments
Reduces lateral forces and vertical stresses on the underlying soil. This application significantly improves the stability and durability of roads, highways, and railway lines.

Bridge underfill
Lightweight fill material, reducing lateral forces and vertical stresses on the underlying soil. This application significantly improves the stability and durability of roads, highways, and railway lines.

Landscaping
Lightweight fill material in landscaping applications such as green roofs to reduce dead loads. The lightweight and drainage properties of expanded polystyrene foam make’s it a popular choice for creating mounds,landscape features, and green roofs. It provides an efficient solution for adding topographical variety while minimising the load on the underlying soil and structures.

Retaining and wall backfill
Acts as a backfill material to reduce pressure on retaining walls.

Versatile
Geofoam is produced in blocks that can be cut, shaped easily on site. This enables engineers, architects and builders to design by function; that is, choose the best materials for the project goals rather than being restricted by what’s available.

Geotechnical Engineers have long recognized the usefulness of light weight fill to reduce load strain. EPS geofoam is a perfect fit, giving designers a unique product that works in conjunction with other traditional materials to solve construction problems with unprecedented strength and flexibility.

Weather resistant
EPS geofoam has low moisture absorption rates.

Inert and non-toxic
Expanded polystyrene foam is non-toxic and chemically inert. It offers no nutrients for vermin, won’t leach chemicals into nearby waterways, and can be easily treated to repel insects.

In addition, EPS geofoam doesn’t contain HFCs or HCFCs, is carbon-negative, and assists in reaching 6-Star energy efficiency ratings.

Foam technologies can offer the best expanded polystyrene foam solutions in Western Australia. From standard blocks to highly customised solutions, we can meet your specific project needs.