Optimum Orientation of Geofoam Inclusion in the Retaining Wall

Abstract

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam is one of the lightweight materials used in civil engineering applications. Present study deals with the application of geofoam in the retaining wall as a backfill. In this study, two-dimensional finite element software is used to simulate a retaining wall with geofoam. A wall of 6m height is considered. Lateral pressures and surface settlements are examined for various orientations of geofoam. Orientations include upper triangular, lower triangular, and rectangular patterns. The results are generalized for various wall heights. Placement of geofoam in rectangular pattern is found to lead the least lateral pressure.