Chema Geofoam is a lightweight EPS fill block designed to reduce soil pressure and improve stability in construction projects. It meets ASTM D6817 standards and offers high compressive resistance with minimal weight, ensuring fast, efficient installation.

Properties

• Extremely lightweight — approximately 1% of the weight of traditional soil fill.
• Manufactured according to ASTM D6817 for rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam.
• Available in multiple density types to optimize structural performance and cost.
• High compressive resistance with excellent elastic behavior.
• Moisture-resistant and does not swell or degrade when exposed to water or water vapor.
• Thermally stable with long-term temperature cycling durability.
• Available with termite-resistant additive Perform Guard, compliant with ICC-ES AC239.
• Chemically resistant to most materials when properly isolated from solvents.

Areas of Use

• Road embankments and highway construction.
• Bridge abutments and retaining wall backfill.
• Airport runways and taxiways.
• Lightweight fill for soft soil conditions.
• Levees, dikes, berms, and geotechnical earthworks.
• Void filling, structural stabilization, and grade adjustments.
• Landscaping and rooftop fill applications.

Key Features

• Ready-to-use: Delivered in block form for immediate placement.
• Fast installation with no curing time or wet materials.
• Can be cut, shaped, or prefabricated on site.
• Consistent quality with UL-monitored manufacturing.
• Improves construction efficiency and reduces project delays.
• Reduces load on adjacent structures and underground utilities.
• Highly buoyant — uplift forces must be properly managed.

Technical Data

Additional performance:

• Buoyancy Force: Significant; requires ballast or restraint in water-exposed applications.
• Temperature Resistance: Max recommended exposure 165°F (74°C).

Standard Sizes

Width: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Length: 2.4 m (8 ft) up to 4.8 m (16 ft)
Thickness: 25 mm (1 in) to 914 mm (36 in)
Custom fabrication available upon request.

Environmental & Chemical Notes

• Geofoam does not swell or degrade when exposed to water or high humidity.
• Must be protected from solvents such as esters, ketones, ethers, and hydrocarbons.
• Should be tested for compatibility if used near unknown chemical materials.

Storage & Handling

• Short-term weather exposure is acceptable.
• Long-term exposure to sunlight causes surface yellowing, cover with opaque film or tarps.
• Must be ballasted to prevent displacement by wind or water during storage and installation.

Safety Precautions

• Geofoam is combustible; keep away from open flames and sparks.
• Avoid contact with aggressive chemical solvents.
• Use appropriate restraint systems in applications exposed to uplift forces.