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EPS Geofoam Applications Technical Data PDF
EPS Geofoam Applications Technical Data PDF
Geofoam Applications
& Technical Data
The EPS Industry Alliance
1298 Cronson Boulevard
Suite 201
Crofton, MD 21114
800.607.3772
info@epscentral.org
www.epsmolders.org
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Geofoam Applications
& Technical Data
Table of Contents
I. Product Overview III. Design Considerations
1.1 Description 3.1 Lightweight
1.2 Applications & use 3.2 Strength
3.3 Ease of handling
II. EPS Geofoam Applications 3.4 Construction time
2.1 Road construction over poor soils 3.5 Construction cost
2.2 Road widening 3.6 Stability
2.3 Bridge abutment 3.7 Insulation
2.4 Bridge underfill 3.8 Protection
2.5 Culverts, pipelines & buried structures 3.9 Buoyancy
2.6 Compensating foundation 3.10 Water absorption
2.7 Rail embankment 3.11 Sustainability
2.8 Landscaping & vegetative green roofs
2.9 Retaining and buried wall backfill IV. Technical Data
2.10 Slope stabilization 4.1 EPS geofoam types
2.11 Stadium & theater seating 4.2 Compressive resistance
2.12 Levees 4.3 Creep
2.13 Airport runway/taxiway 4.4 Load distribution
2.14 Foundations for lightweight structures 4.5 Coefficient of friction
2.15 Special applications 4.6 R-value
1. Noise and vibration damping 4.7 Water absorption
2. Compressible application 4.8 Stability
3. Seismic application 4.9 Chemical resistance
4. Permafrost embankments
5. Rockfall/impact protection Contribution Members
Photo Credits
con t en t s
product
1
overview
c h a p t e r 1 : p r o d u ct ov e r v i e w
01 Product Overview
1.1 Description in numerous material types that can be can reduce settlements and can improve
chosen by the designer for a specific stability against bearing and slope
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam
application. Its service life is comparable failures.
has been used as a geotechnical
to other construction materials and it
material since the 1960s. EPS geofoam
will retain its physical properties under ASTM International provides
is approximately 1% the weight of a specification for the
engineered conditions of use.
soil and less than 10% the weight of minimum properties of EPS
other lightweight fill alternatives. As a There are numerous manufacturers geofoam. The relevant ASTM
lightweight fill, EPS geofoam reduces and suppliers of EPS geofoam in North
specification for EPS geofoam
the loads imposed on adjacent and America. Expanded polystyrene is
is ASTM D6817 Standard
underlying soils and structures. created in a two-stage, molded bead
Specification for Rigid Cellular
EPS geofoam is not a general soil fill process. EPS geofoam is produced
Polystyrene Geofoam. Other
replacement material but is intended to in blocks that can be cut into various
solve engineering challenges. The use of shapes and sizes - and a range of
ASTM standards are D7180
EPS typically translates into benefits to compressive resistances - to suit Standard Guide for the Use of
construction schedules and lowers the specific project needs. As an engineered EPS Geofoam in Geotechnical
overall cost of construction because it is product, it can be produced to obtain Projects and D7557 Standard
easy to handle during construction, often the required compressive resistance. Practice for Sampling of EPS
without the need for special equipment, EPS geofoam density, only about 1% Geofoam Specimens. Thorough
and is unaffected by occurring weather that of soil and rock, is controlled during knowledge and understanding
conditions. In addition, EPS geofoam can the manufacturing process, making it a of the standard being used
be easily cut and shaped on a project superior, ultra-lightweight fill material on a EPS geofoam project is
site, which further reduces jobsite that significantly reduces the stress on essential.
challenges. EPS geofoam is available underlying subgrades. The lighter load
Road construction
over poor soils Pavement construction
EPS geofoam blocks
The pavement system, which generally layer and pavement system material sea level. Another challenge for the
consists of select fill, roadbase gravel thickness of 3 feet (0.9 meters) should developers was that existing soils in the
and an asphalt or concrete pavement be provided over the EPS geofoam. area were soft alluvial clays and peat.
driving surface, is subsequently EPS geofoam was used for the dual
The Indiana Department of
constructed atop the separation layer. purposes of raising the ground level
Transportation specified EPS geofoam
for the reconstruction of the Borman and addressing the problem of potential
Prevention of differential icing is a
Expressway near Gary, Indiana. This settlement, which would have recreated
consideration when using EPS geofoam
area is underlain by extremely soft the flood hazard.
in roadway construction in cold climates.
Differential icing is defined as the native soils due to its proximity to Lake
insulated pavement, when the adjacent, EPS geofoam blocks were used for this
ice-free. When constructed next to truck loads of traditional soil fill. Thus,
existing roadways, sections of pavement the use of EPS geofoam reduced the
constructed over EPS geofoam can form loading on the existing soft native soils
ice prior to adjoining areas because while saving project time, testing, fuel
which prevents heat from reaching the EPS geofoam was used to solve two
pavement from the underlying soil. One problems for a planned housing
way to address this concern is to keep development in the coastal area of Great
the top level of the EPS geofoam at or Yarmouth in the United Kingdom. A
below the appropriate frost line for the flood risk assessment recommended
region. For example, for a frost line of 3 that the ground level be raised above
feet (0.9 meters), a minimum separation
The I-15 Reconstruction Project geofoam was used to create a zero net
received the 2002 American Society load condition on the underlying soft,
of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Outstanding alluvial soils. A zero net load condition
Civil Engineering Achievement Award. means the subsurface soils experience
In announcing the selection of the I-15 no increase in applied pressure due to
project, the selection jury noted that the widened and elevated approach,
the project had been completed in just which prevents any significant
four years, half the time that would post-construction settlement or bearing
have been required using traditional capacity problems. It is accomplished by
approaches, and the project came in excavating the existing foundation soils
$32 million under budget. The ASCE and replacing them with EPS geofoam
selection jurors also noted the innovative to a depth sufficient to compensate for
use of materials, such as lightweight the new loads added by the overlying
EPS geofoam fill for embankments in pavement section.
making their selection of this project.
The EPS geofoam embankment has
The Idaho Transportation Department a 34.5-foot (10.5 meter)-high vertical
chose EPS geofoam to construct face covered with a 2-inch (5 cm)-thick
the Topaz Bridge replacement and shotcrete facing.
widening of Highway US 30 located
in southeastern Idaho. To widen and
elevate the bridge approach, EPS
Bridge
abutment EPS geofoam blocks Pavement construction
The King County Road Services Division the existing sewer. and the planned bridge approach.
in Washington State undertook a project The EPS geofoam blocks were faced In addition, design calculations
to reconstruct the York Bridge over the with precast concrete panel walls. suggested that the foundations of the
Sammamish River. One of the design A 6-inch (15 cm)-thick, reinforced existing structures could not withstand
challenges was the presence of deep, concrete slab was placed on top of the additional loading or settlement caused
compressible peat and clay soils on the EPS geofoam to distribute the traffic by placement of conventional fill. After
west side of the river. There was also loads, protect against possible fuel calculating the loads induced by the
an existing sanitary sewer line running spillage and provide lateral support to new roadway, an equivalent amount of
along the west bank of the river. EPS the exterior concrete panels. Lastly, existing soil was removed and replaced
geofoam was chosen as the preferred the overlying roadway subgrade and with EPS geofoam fill, resulting in a
alternative to construct the west pavement were constructed atop the zero net loading on the existing building
Bridge
underfill
2.4 EPS geofoam can be used
to support bridges when properly
designed. EPS geofoam’s light weight
adds little additional load to the
underlying ground. In cases where the
existing bridge is no longer structurally
capable of carrying the required traffic
loads, EPS geofoam infill can help
support the span and transfer the
traffic load safely to the foundation or
underlying soil.
& buried
structures
2.5 Engineering plans often call for
the placement of new fill over existing
underground structures that were not
designed to support the increased loads.
Rather than removing or strengthening the
existing underground structures, the new
fill load can be reduced to a tolerable level
by using EPS geofoam instead of heavier
traditional fills.
Schematic drawing of
Sand-leveling course EPS geofoam fill over
existing culvert
Compensating
foundation
2.6 EPS geofoam can be used as
a compensating foundation to reduce
the load on underlying compressible
soils and minimize building settlement
along with potential bearing capacity
problems. Existing soil is excavated to
reduce the net applied load to the soil
by the new structure. If the amount of
soil excavated equals the full weight
or stress applied by the new structure,
the foundation is called “floating” or
“fullycompensating.”
Rail
embankment
2.7 The U.S. Federal Highway In one area, near the I-15 alignment,
Administration has urged all states the new TRAX approach embankments
to consider alternate materials when needed to be as much as 40 feet
planning fill and embankment projects. (12.2 meters) high so the new bridge
EPS geofoam can be used to construct structures could cross over an existing
railway embankments that do not and operational railroad yard (Roper
overload the existing soils. As a fill Yard). Geotechnical reports estimated
material, EPS geofoam is strong enough that settlements in the existing soils
to support railway loads. could be as large as 5 feet (1.5 meters)
if traditionally built embankments were
EPS geofoam was used in the expansion
constructed. In addition, conventional
of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA)
techniques used to strengthen the
TRAX light-rail system and Frontrunner
foundation soils and reduce settlements
Commuter rail system in and near Salt
would have added time and cost to the
Lake City, Utah. The primary design
project. EPS geofoam was chosen as the
consideration for the TRAX project was
most appropriate fill material based on
to avoid settlement of adjacent bridges
project time and cost constraints.
and utilities resulting from settlement
of underlying lake deposits.
Geomembrane/separation layer
Schematic drawing of
railway embankment
Railway construction
Sand-leveling layer
Landscaping
& vegetative
green roofs
2.8 EPS geofoam can be used to
create topography without adding
significant load to underlying structures
and services. Some examples of this
application include creating roof
gardens for urban buildings. Sand-leveling course
Landscaping/soil
Geomembrane/separation layer (if required)
Retaining
Geomembrane/separation layer Landscaping/soil
(if required)
& buried
Retaining wall, abutment
EPS geofoam blocks or protective facing
wall backfill
2.9 EPS geofoam can be used as
backfill behind retaining and buried
structures to greatly reduce lateral
pressures on the structure. Because the
horizontal pressure acting on a retaining
wall is proportional to the weight of the
backfill, a less robust retaining structure
is needed if the backfill soil in the
active zone behind the retaining wall is Schematic drawing
of retaining wall with
replaced with EPS geofoam. EPS geofoam backfill
Slope
stabilization EPS geofoam blocks
Stadium &
theater seating
2.11 EPS geofoam can be used
to form tiered seating in locations
such as auditoriums, movie theaters,
gymnasiums and churches. The high
compressive resistance and light weight
of EPS geofoam make it well suited to
both new construction and renovation
projects.
Levees
2.12 Levees are frequently built on EPS geofoam blocks Sand-leveling course
compressible alluvial soils along rivers
because of river depositional patterns. Geogrid
These compressible and saturated soils uplift protection
Landscaping/soil (if needed)
settle over time due to primary and
secondary compression. This continued
settlement results in the levee having
to be repeatedly raised to provide the
desired flood protection. Levees are
usually raised with conventional soil Helical geogrid anchors
(if necessary)
fill to return the levee to its original
level. The extra weight from the levee
raising causes additional settlement
Schematic drawing of levee repair using EPS geofoam
and the cycle of settlement and raising
continues.
levee to its original configuration. And and, if needed, EPS geofoam can be sand-leveling bed and a geomembrane
with approximately 1% of the weight of transported by barge. cover is used to encapsulate the
traditional soil fills, the use of EPS as fill To allow placement of the EPS geofoam, blocks. A geotextile is placed over the
reduces/eliminates additional stress and a portion of the existing levee is removed geomembrane and the excavated soil
the cycle of settlement and levee raising. and stockpiled for reuse as soil cover is compacted over the EPS geofoam to
Of course, sufficient protective soil cover for the EPS geofoam. A geotextile is bring the levee to its design elevation.
must be placed above the EPS geofoam. used on the exposed subgrade to provide These same principles can be applied to
EPS geofoam can be easily handled at separation and improved stability. the construction of a new levee.
Airport
runway/taxiway
2.13 Similar to road construction,
EPS geofoam can be used under airport
runways to replace unsuitable soils
without overloading the underlying
subgrade materials.
Foundations for
lightweight structures
2.14 An innovative use of EPS structure self-weights, the lateral wind
geofoam is to replace traditional load and a safety factor, was translated
agricultural pile footings on peat soils. into the volume of soil that had to be
The advantages of using EPS geofoam removed to produce a net zero load, and
for the footings are light weight, cost the footing was sized to accommodate
savings, ease of construction and this removal volume.
transportability for reuse.
EPS geofoam is a viable choice for
In the photo to the right, EPS geofoam footings for these types of lightweight
footings were designed to impart a net structures built on compressible peat
zero load on the underlying and highly or clayey soils since there is little or no
compressible peat soils. The total load, settlement of the footings.
which is contributed by the footing and
Special
applications
2.15 This section describes some of
Geomembrane/separation layer (if required)
the more unique applications of EPS
geofoam in construction activities in
North America. Some of these special Landscaping/soil EPS geofoam blocks
applications include noise or visual
barriers, expansive soils, earthquake
mitigation, permafrost and rockfall
protection.
2.15.2 Compressible
application
EPS geofoam is available in a wide
range of compressive resistances. When properly designed, EPS geofoam, 2.15.3 Seismic application
Compressible applications utilize the when in contact with expansive soils,
EPS has two primary advantages that
compressibility of EPS geofoam to deforms and reduces the stresses
make it attractive for seismic design:
accommodate ground movements. In transmitted to the relatively stiff
its light weight and its compressibility.
contrast to most applications where EPS structures by allowing the soils to
The low weight of EPS geofoam provides
geofoam is designed for loading below expand, compress the EPS geofoam and
a significant reduction in the seismic
the compressive resistance at 1% of the not impact the structure. This means
forces imposed on buried structures,
EPS geofoam, compressible applications that the retaining structure or floor
retaining walls, pipelines, etc., because
are designed for strains beyond 1%. slab, built adjacent to or on expansive
the magnitude of the seismic force
soil, only has to be designed for a small
is proportional to the mass of the
percentage of the forces that would be
system, i.e., force equals mass times
expected due to swelling or heaving of
the expansive soil.
acceleration. Because EPS geofoam 2.15.4 Permafrost permafrost frozen. Finally, the ability to
is moderately to highly compressible embankments construct an embankment quickly and
it can deform and act as a “buffer” to under adverse winter conditions is of
Roadways constructed over permafrost
reduce the seismic energy imparted great benefit in a climate with a short
are susceptible to thaw settlement,
to the system. Numerical modeling and unpredictable construction season.
which results in high maintenance
of these buffer systems suggests that
costs and poor ride quality. The thaw
the horizontal seismic forces imparted 2.15.5 Rockfall/impact
settlement is caused by the permafrost
to retaining walls and other buried protection
thawing. The shoulders of the roadway
structures can be reduced about 20 Development in mountainous regions
tend to be the most problematic areas
to 50%, depending on the thickness sometimes occurs where there is a high
because there is less fill over the
and compressive resistance of the probability of rockfall. Structures, roads
shoulders, which means less insulating
EPS geofoam. and railways built in the trajectory of the
material to prevent the heat from
EPS geofoam embankments are reaching the permafrost and causing rock need to be protected. Protection
stable during earthquakes based thawing. Constructing an EPS geofoam galleries can be a good choice when the
on post-earthquake performance embankment over the permafrost area to be protected is relatively narrow
observations from Japanese takes advantage of the insulating and limited, like roads and railways, and
researchers. Other U.S. studies show quality of EPS. The primary purpose safety in the area below the protected
that EPS geofoam embankments of the EPS geofoam is to sufficiently area can be neglected. Traditionally,
are inherently stable for small to insulate the underlying permafrost to rockfall protection galleries are
moderate-size earthquakes. minimize/prevent heat transfer into the constructed with a soil layer over their
frozen ground, which reduces thawing cover, which provides limited energy
EPS geofoam has also been used atop
and thaw-consolidation of ice-rich absorption. Adding a layer of EPS
and around buried steel pipelines to
permafrost soils to an acceptable level. geofoam under the soil cover could
protect them from potential rupture
greatly improve the performance of the
during fault offset from a seismic event The light weight of EPS geofoam
protection gallery due to the high energy
or other types of permanent ground also induces little settlement due to
absorption capacity shown by EPS
displacement. increased stress even if the insulation
geofoam as it strains during impact.
effect of EPS geofoam does not keep the
c h a p t e r 3 : D e s i g n c o n s i d e r at i o n s
03 design considerations
Design
considerations
There are numerous design EPS geofoam over existing utilities can 3.3 Ease of handling
considerations for EPS geofoam eliminate the need for utility relocation. No special equipment is required
applications. These considerations The use of EPS geofoam behind earth when building with EPS geofoam.
include engineering properties and retaining structures, such as bridge Blocks can often be carried and set
construction factors. This section abutments, can reduce lateral stresses. in place by laborers or easily handled
presents some of the advantages and with mechanized equipment. This is
unique features of building with EPS 3.2 Strength an important consideration when the
geofoam, as well as precautions that EPS geofoam is available in a range construction site is congested or does
must be followed. of compressive resistances. A project not have the clearances required for
designer can choose the specific type traditional placement or compaction
3.1 Lightweight of EPS required to support the design equipment. EPS geofoam can be field
EPS geofoam is manufactured in various loading while minimizing cost. Several cut using a hot-wire cutter, hand saw
unit weights that typically range from different types of EPS geofoam can or chain saw. The EPS geofoam can be
about 0.7 to 2.85 pounds per cubic foot be specified on a single project to trimmed on site to accommodate the
(11.2 to 45.7 kilograms per cubic meter). maximize savings. For example, higher shapes of existing underground utilities
As a result, they impart small dead load strength EPS geofoam can be used in and services.
or stress to underlying soils, structures high applied stress areas while lower
and utilities. This is especially strength blocks are used in areas where
advantageous where the existing soils the applied stresses are lower.
are poorly suited to support additional
EPS geofoam design loads are
loading (e.g., compressible clay, peats,
recommended to not exceed
etc.). In fact, existing loads can be
the compressive resistance
significantly reduced by excavating and
at 1% capacity. This limit controls
replacing native soils, which commonly
the amount of long-term deflection,
weigh about 100 pounds per cubic foot
or creep, resulting from permanent
(1,602 kilograms per cubic meter), with
sustained loads.
EPS geofoam. This can eliminate the
need for specialized foundations or site Note: Adequate soil cover, or a load
preloading to reduce settlement and distribution slab, may be needed to
improve bearing capacity. The use of distribute heavy concentrated loads.
3.4 Construction time 3.8 Protection for long periods of time. Degradation
EPS geofoam helps projects maintain caused by prolonged exposure to
Chemical Exposure
extremely tight construction schedules. sunlight is generally surficial (yellow
EPS geofoam can be damaged when
The ease and speed with which EPS colored dust) and does not cause
exposed to certain hydrocarbon
geofoam can be constructed results in detrimental property changes of
chemical and may need protection.
shorter construction time because of practical importance. This discoloring
There are a number of hydrocarbon can be removed by power washing or a
faster placement rates, reduced utility
resistant geomembranes that are grinder, if desired.
relocation and less disruption of traffic
suitable for protection of EPS geofoam.
in urban areas. Additionally, adverse
Make sure that the geomembranes Wind
weather conditions typically do not affect
used are compatible with EPS. For Wind speeds should be monitored
placement rates of EPS geofoam.
example, polypropylene, polyethylene, during construction to determine if
chlorosulphonated polythylene (CSPE) overburden weight restraints such as
3.5 Construction cost
and Ethylene Interpolymer Alloys (EIAs) sandbags should be placed on top of the
In addition to other project costs, using
are compatible geomembranes. If EPS geofoam to prevent the blocks from
EPS geofoam reduces the loading
using EPS geofoam in a location with shifting.
on adjacent supporting structures.
Adjacent structures can be designed contaminated soils, laboratory testing
should be performed to determine the 3.9 Buoyancy
to be less robust and therefore less
nature of the contaminants and their Because of its closed-cell structure and
expensive. This is particularly important
possible effects. light weight, EPS geofoam is buoyant.
for underground utilities. Typically the
Care must be taken during design,
higher cost of some types of lightweight Fire construction and post-construction to
fill materials is usually offset by savings Like many construction materials, ensure that the potential flotation forces
when all of the project costs are EPS is combustible. EPS geofoam is are accounted for within the hydrological
considered, such as lower installation manufactured with a flame retardant in conditions of the site. Adequate
costs and lower maintenance. Available North America. Appropriate precautions surcharge, i.e., soil or pavement cover,
in a range of compressive resistances, should be implemented at project or an alternate means of passive
EPS geofoam allows for economical sites if open flame procedures, such restraint must be provided against uplift.
project design. as welding, will be performed. In Alternately, the material can be installed
geotechnical finished applications EPS above the water table or the water table
3.6 Stability geofoam is protected from exposure by can be lowered using suitable drains or
EPS geofoam is considered a
soil, concrete or other cover materials. other dewatering systems.
permanent material when correctly
When used within buildings, gypsum
specified and installed. Drainage (generally a sand or gravel
board or concrete should be used for
layer) can be provided between the EPS
protection.
3.7 Insulation geofoam fill and the natural soils to
EPS is an efficient thermal insulator. • EPS is combustible. reduce potential uplift forces. Providing
EPS has been used for many years • A flame retardant is part of EPS for adequate drainage of groundwater
as insulation for various building geofoam. This retardant inhibits the and/or surficial waters below the EPS
applications. Although some early stages of fire development. geofoam prevents water from infiltration
applications may not directly utilize and reduces the development of uplift
the insulation value of EPS geofoam,
UV Light forces.
EPS is susceptible to ultra violet
this aspect should be considered in
degradation if exposed to sunlight
all designs.
3.10 Water absorption Traditional soil fills are and moisture conditions so
EPS has a closed-cell structure that constructed in thin lifts with construction can proceed
limit water absorption. When used in repeated compaction. This without regard to weather.
well-drained conditions, no change in requires considerable time, Traditional soil fills have to be
EPS geofoam weight is expected over construction equipment, fuel constructed and compacted
time. A slight increase in the weight of to operate the equipment and within relatively narrow soil
EPS geofoam can be expected over time testing to ensure adequate moisture conditions to achieve
due to water absorption if installed in a
compaction. For soft soil the desired dry unit weight.
submerged application.
conditions, significant In addition, because gravity
waiting time is required loads and the lateral forces
3.11 Sustainability
EPS geofoam can be reground, recycled
after fill placement while the that develop under static and
and reused in many composite underlying foundation soil seismic loads are proportional
applications such as lightweight consolidates and settles. In to backfill material density, i.e.,
concrete, plastic lumber, weather contrast, EPS geofoam can be the greater the backfill density,
resistant outdoor decks, fencing, drain quickly placed with no need the greater these loads. The use
field aggregate, etc. for compaction or waiting for of lightweight EPS geofoam
Compared with traditional fill materials, consolidation to occur. Because significantly reduces these
fewer trucks with lighter loads are each block is equivalent to loads.
required to deliver EPS geofoam to a the height of several soil
project site. This means less pollution lifts, construction proceeds
from fuel emissions and less wear more rapidly. In addition,
and tear on the nation’s roadways and EPS geofoam is unaffected by
infrastructure. the normal range of climate
c h a p t e r 4 : t e c h n i ca l data
04 technical data
Technical data
4.1 EPS geofoam types
EPS geofoam is available in different material types. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the type being used on a EPS
geofoam project is essential.
• ASTM D6817 Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam provides information on the physical properties
and dimensions of expanded polystyrene intended for use as geofoam.
• ASTM D7180 Standard Guide for use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Geofoam in Geotechnical Projects covers design
considerations for the use of EPS in geotechnical applications.
• ASTM D7557 Standard Practice for Sampling of EPS Geofoam Specimens can be used for quality assurance.
Compressive Resistance @ 1%
1% 5% 10%
Strain (%)
This table provides general guidance but should not be relied upon solely when EPS geofoam could be exposed to chemicals.
©Copyright 2012 EPS Industry Alliance. The information contained herein is subject to change and is provided for informational
purposes only and is provided without warranty, either express or implied. EPSIA reserves the right to amend the information
in this publication without notice. EPSIA assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of this
publication and EPSIA does not endorse the products or processes of any individual manufacturer or producer.
contributing members
Photo credits
Atlas EPS Cover, 2.1
All illustrations are for reference only and are not actual representations of EPS geofoam design.
PHOTO CREDITS
About the authors
STARK CONSULTANTS, Inc. 24-11(01) titled “Guidelines for Geofoam that include highways, dams, building
Applications in Embankment Projects” foundations, tailings impoundments,
Stark Consultants, Inc., a woman-owned
and is currently the co-principal pipelines and hazardous and radioactive
small business, has been providing
investigator for NCHRP Project 24- waste facilities.
geotechnical and structural engineering
11(02) titled “Guidelines for Geofoam
consulting services since its inception in
Applications in Slope Stability Projects.” Dr. David Arellano
1997. Our clients include federal, state
Other current geosynthetics research Dr. David Arellano has been an assistant
and local government agencies, private
topics include being the technical professor of civil engineering at the
research agencies, utilities, attorneys,
director of the industry-sponsored University of Memphis since August
engineers and consultants, among
Fabricated Geomembrane Institute 2005. Previously, he worked in private
others.
(www.fabricatedgeomembrane.com). practice for nearly 10 years for several
Dr. Timothy D. Stark geotechnical engineering consulting
Dr. Steven F. Bartlett firms. In addition to private practice,
Dr. Timothy D. Stark is a professor of
Dr. Bartlett has a bachelor of science he was an officer in the Corps of
civil and environmental engineering
in geology (1983) and a doctorate Engineers in the U.S. Army Reserve
at the University of Illinois at Urbana-
in civil engineering (1992) with an for nearly 23 years. He obtained both
Champaign with an expertise in
emphasis in geotechnical engineering his undergraduate and graduate
geotechnical engineering. Dr. Stark has
from Brigham Young University. He is degrees from the University of Illinois
been conducting research and teaching
a licensed professional engineer and in Champaign. Dr. Arellano is a licensed
on geosynthetics and geofoam for over
has approximately 25 years of design Professional Engineer in Wisconsin.
fifteen years. Dr. Stark has received a
and construction experience working
number of awards for his research and Dr. Arellano was involved with the
with Westinghouse, Woodward-Clyde
teaching activities including the elected NCHRP Project 24-11(01) titled
Consultants, Utah Department of
R.S. Ladd Standard Development Award "Guidelines for Geofoam Applications in
Transportation Research Division and
from the ASTM (2011), Fellow, American Embankment Projects." He is currently
the University of Utah. Currently, he
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) (2005), the lead Co-PI for NCHRP Project 24-
is an associate professor of Civil and
R.M. Quigley Award from the Canadian 11(02) titled "Guidelines for Geofoam
Environmental Engineering at the
Geotechnical Society (2003), Standard Applications in Slope Stability Projects."
University of Utah.
Development Award from the ASTM Other current research topics include
(2002), Walter L. Huber Research Prize His specialty areas are in geotechnical use of expanded recycled polystyrene in
from the ASCE (1999), University Scholar earthquake engineering, design drainage applications and engineering
Award from the University of Illinois and construction of lightweight behavior of loess soils.
(1998) and the Thomas A. Middlebrooks embankments (i.e., geofoam),
Award from the ASCE (1998). Dr. Stark soil stabilization, geotechnical
is also a licensed professional engineer instrumentation and assessment and
in Illinois. Dr. Stark was the principal mapping of liquefaction-induced ground
investigator for the NCHRP Project failure. He has worked on projects