Geofoam Block in Soft Soil Embankment Applications: A Review

Abstract

The major issues of building a road over soft soils are low bearing capacity and large settlements. The challenges of road construction on soft soils are enormous, so innovative and environmentally friendly methods are required. Geofoam is a type of lightweight infill material and was already used in Norway in road construction applications in 1972. Using Geofoam reduces compacted fill by 40%, less excavation required and less pulverization of native soil making this a time-saving and economically and environmentally viable solution. The purpose of Geofoam backfill is for lightweight backfilling, reducing soil pressure. Geofoam blocks can be used as a substitute for soft soil fill or as fill on top of soft soil as subgrade for pavement. This paper discusses the latest developments on the various applications of Geofoam blocks as backfill in soft soils presented based on information provided by the author.