Standards

The physical properties and engineering behavior of geofoam that are most relevant to geotechnical applications are: density, compression behavior, interface friction, thermal resistance and water absorption. Compression behavior includes strength, modulus, Poisson's ratio and creep. Existing ASTM standards for evaluation of rigid cellular plastic foam properties are listed in below. New standards for geofoam are being developed by the Geofoam Task Group in ASTM D 35.

Property

Standard

Committee

Volume

Density

C-303

C-16.32 Insulation

4.06

D-1622

D-20.22 Plastics

8.01

Thermal Conductivity

C-177

C-16.30 Insulation

4.06

C-518

C-16.30 Insulation

4.06

Compressibility

D-1621

D-20.22 Plastics

8.01

Flexural Properties

C-203

C-16.32 Insulation

4.06

Tensile/Adhesion Properties

D-1623

D-20.22 Plastics

8.01

Vapor Transmission

E-96

C-16.33 Insulation

4.06

Absorption

C-272

F-07.05 Aerospace

15.03

Thermal Expansion

D-696

D-20.30 Plastics

8.01

Combustion; O₂ Index

D-2863

D-20.30 Plastics

8.02

Insulation Spececification

C-578

C-16.22 Insulation

4.06

For purposes of quality assurance and confirmation of design values, random samples should be recovered from blocks delivered under contract. One random sample would be weighed and the dimensions measured. The density and dimension tolerance would then be compared to the specified value for the project to accept or reject the delivery. Delivered unit cost of geofoam would vary by density, contract volume, and the proximity of the manufacturing plant to the construction site.