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A comparison of EPS geofoam filling material and ground filling materials in terms of economic and transport strength-deformation

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Abstract

Geofoam, one of the geosynthetic types, is a foam material used in geotechnical applications. Geofoam synthetic material, EPS (expanded polystyren), is used in road constructions, retaining walls, and superstructures that require heat and sound insulation (building, school, etc.). In the study, the bearing capacity, deformation properties, and economic aspects obtained by the use of EPS material in road constructions were investigated. In this respect, it has been observed that EPS is more economical in the long run than other ground fills (soil, rock…). Since EPS is applied vertically, it reduces the amount of material and shortens the project implementation time because it is practical. Since the material is light, machines are not needed during application. In terms of bearing capacity, it carried the given loads when used as a road fill. The strength-deformation properties of EPS and soil fillings were compared using the finite element analysis method. The maximum pressure to be applied to the material is determined as the pressure exerted on the surface by the wheel of the truck with the heaviest tonnage. When EPS and ground fill are compared with finite element analysis in terms of strength-deformation, it has been observed that more deformation occurs in EPS fill.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Engineering Faculty, Civil Engineering Department, Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Turkey

    Mehmet Hayrullah Akyıldız & Ferhat Yetiz

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  1. Mehmet Hayrullah Akyıldız
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  2. Ferhat Yetiz
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Correspondence to Mehmet Hayrullah Akyıldız.

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Akyıldız, M.H., Yetiz, F. A comparison of EPS geofoam filling material and ground filling materials in terms of economic and transport strength-deformation. Arab J Geosci 15, 1586 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10838-4

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