EPS Geofoam Blocks for construction of steps

1. EPS GEOFOAM BLOCKS
Dr K M Soni, ADG (Retd.), CPWD,
New Delhi

2. EPS Geofoam Blocks
• EPS stands for Expanded Polystyrene
• Consists of foam as per ASTM D6817, “Standard
Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene
Geofoam.” This standard covers the material
properties most often required for Geofoam.
• Classified as EPS12, EPS15, EPS19, EPS22, EPS29,
EPS39 and EPS46 for Geofoam blocks.

3. EPS Geofoam Blocks
• Have density varying from @ 12 to 46 kg/cum (12, 15,
18, 22, 29, 38, 46). Accordingly they are classified as
EPS12, EPS15, EPS19, EPS22, EPS29, EPS 39, EPS46)
• Have Insulation properties. R values varying from0.63
to 0.90 at 25 degree F, 0.60 to 0.86 at 40 degree F and
0.56 to 0.78 at 75 degree F
• Compressive resistance @1% deformation varies from
15 to 128 kPa and flexural strength from 69 to 517
kPa. Water absorption is 2 to 4%.

4. EPS Geofoam
• Geofoam is a cellular polymeric material,
manufactured in block form of very low
density as per ASTM D 6817 “Standard
Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene
Geofoam.”

5. Geofoam Blocks
• Standard size is 1.2m widthx2.4m to 4.8m
length , thickness 25mm to 914mm (1” to
36”)
• Other sizes and fabrication can be provided
by the manufacturer
• Fire retardant but combustible at certain
temperature (@75 degree)

6. EPS Geofoam Blocks
• Gets affected by UV rays. If stored, outside,
should be protected.
• Negligible effect during short term due to
Storage.

8. Applications
• EPS geofoam blocks can be successfully used
in stairs, seating of class rooms, lecture halls,
auditoriums, theatres and stadia

10. Another advantage of such blocks is that they can be cut in
desired shapes to install the services. During maintenance
period, they can be repaired easily as RCC steps are difficult to
be repaired

11. Laying of EPS Geofoam Blocks
• When used in the steps, the blocks should be laid as
per the requirements of the risers and depth. In case
depth is more, required number of blocks can be laid.
Thereafter, wire mesh should be used over the blocks
to tie them, to keep them in position and also for
better bonding with the concrete being laid over the
blocks. Small thickness of concrete should then be
laid and flooring provided as per the architectural
requirements.

15. Thanks for attending
Dr K M Soni, ADG (Retd.), CPWD, New Delhi
Also available on youtube: KRISHNA MURARI Soni