Geofoam Particles Effect on Geotechnical Properties of Sandy Soils

Nowadays new materials for improving bearing capacity of soils are widely used. Kind of new materials used in this regard are geosynthetics. Geofoam panel type of geosyntethic materials is useful and alternative for backfill in retaining wall or pavement layers. Main idea in this research is study geofoam particles effects on improvement bearing capacity of sand. Geofoam particles effects on sand in 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15% percent were considered and sand was considered in granular and angular conditions. In order to evaluating geofoam particles influence in geotechnical properties of sandy soils some laboratory tests such as compaction, direct shear (in vertical stresses 1,2 and 3 kG/cm2) and permeability tests were performed. Results of this study showed that with increasing 0.15% percent geofoam in sandy soils maximum dry density went up, permeability decreased and shear strength of specimens increased. Although, geofoam particles is more effective in angular sandy soil than granular sand.