FEM simulation of full scale and laboratory models test of EPS

EPS geofoam has been used for about 40 years in many geotechnical applications in many countries around the world. EPS geofoam possesses properties which are often advantageous in geotechnical construction. These include: an extremely low density, a high strength-to-weight ratio and very small or virtually zero lateral expansion under compressive loading. It has been used for backfilling retaining walls and embankments both with vertical and sloped sides. The behaviour of EPS in compression is a function of density, strain rate and sample size. Both smalland large-strain applications of EPS geofoam involve interactions with the surrounding soil. The stress deformation response of this material in both smalland largestrain zones, however, differs significantly from those of the surrounding soil. This paper describes FEM simulation of full scale and laboratory test models of EPS geofoam using a calibrated advanced soil model implemented in PLAXIS.