Decreasing Earth Thrust with EPS Geofoam

Abstract

The basic function of retaining walls is to support soil backfill and water. This function has to be adequate under different conditions of loading; with permissible deformations. Researches are addressing the reduction of the exerted lateral earth thrust and water pressures to satisfy the adequacy in reasonable costs. Expanded polystyrene geofoam, EPSG, is the most popular material adopted to decrease lateral earth thrust on retaining walls. This paper presents an article review on researches of this aspect. Equations were proposed for reduction in lateral forces and overturning moments. Its aim is to optimize the design of 8.0 m gravity retaining wall with installation of EPSG.