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OVERVIEW OF NCHRP DESIGN GUIDELINE FOR EPS-BLOCK GEOFOAM IN SLOPE STABILIZATION AND REPAIR (2011)

This paper presents an overview of the design guideline for the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS)-block geofoam for slope stabilization and repair applications based on the results of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 24-11(02). This study is the second part of a two-part study on EPS-block geofoam. The first study was performed under NCHRP Project 24-11(01) and produced a design guideline for use of EPS blocks in stand-alone roadway embankments and bridge approaches over soft ground. The design of an EPS-block geofoam slope system considers the interaction of three major components: existing slope material, fill mass, and pavement system. The three potential failure modes that can occur due to interaction of these three primary components of an EPS slope system include external instability of the overall EPS-block geofoam slope system, internal instability of the EPS fill mass, and pavement system failure. This paper presents the failure mechanisms that are evaluated within each of these three potential failure modes and included in the design guideline. The NCHRP 24-11(02) study confirmed that EPS-block geofoam is a unique lightweight fill material that provides a safe and economical solution for slope stabilization and repair. However, the NCHRP 24-11 studies revealed important analysis and design differences between the use of EPS blocks for slope stabilization and stand-alone embankments. For example, the road pavement may not overlie the portion of the slope stabilization where the EPS blocks are placed. Therefore, load conditions on the EPS blocks may be such that low density or recycled EPS blocks can be used, which can contribute to a more cost-effective design

Reference:
4th International Conference on Geofoam Blocks in Construction Applications (EPS 2011 Norway)
Organization:
Department of Civil Engineering The University of Memphis
USA
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