Airfoam products are versatile, budget-friendly, and environmentally responsible solutions for many construction applications: multi-function insulation around the entire building envelope and geofoam fill material for infrastructure, flotation and more.
Numerous products are available to meet energy efficiency and many other requirements for the long lives of buildings, infrastructure, docks etc.
Korolite® Types Overview White Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Gray, Graphite-enhanced EPS (GPS) New
White Korolite® EPS Specifications
100 Types 1, I
130 Types 1+, VIII
160 Types 2, II
200 Types 2+, II+
250 Types 3, IX
400 Type XIV
600 Type XV
For Tilt-Up with Grid Marks
200 Types 2+, II+
250 Types 3, IX
Korolite® Installation Guide 30-Year Limited Warranty Environmental Product Declaration Shallow Foundations EPS over Metal Decking
Materials:
Code Evaluation Report Thermal Insulation CAN/ULC-S701.1, ASTM C578, ICC-ES AC12 with Surface Burning Characteristics CAN/ULC-S102.2, ASTM E84 (UL 723). Intertek Listed & Inspected
Wall Assemblies:
¾ Hour Fire Rating for a Composite Wall Assembly with EPS c.i. CAN/ULC-S101, ASTM E119
Meets NFPA 285 with specific limitations for an Exterior Wall Assembly with EPS c.i.
Materials:
BRYX.R7726 - Foamed Plastic Surface Burning Characteristics ANSI/UL 723
CDET7.R19427 - Rigid Roof Insulation Fire Resistance Ratings CAN/ULC-S101
TGYVC.R19427 - Roof Deck Construction Materials Fire Spread Under Roof Deck Assemblies CAN/ULC-S126
Roof Assemblies:
CAN/ULC-S126 Roof Deck Construction Designs
C7,
C12A,
C12B,
C38
CAN/ULC-S101 & ANSI/UL 263 Roof Fire-Resistance Ratings Designs
R210,
R222,
P225,
P230,
P231,
P235,
P259,
P404,
P509,
P701,
P742,
P810,
P902,
P904,
P905,
P909,
P910,
P912,
P913,
P915,
P916,
P919,
P920,
P922,
P926,
P942
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has no nutritional value for organisms and resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338. To protect against animals place adequate physical barriers such as bug-screens or membranes around EPS.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient:
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS products which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as stucco or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500. USA Class A (NFPA 101), ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS
ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.
1 The test methods used to determine the material properties provide a means of comparing different cellular plastic thermal insulations. They are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control, but they are not intended to predict end-use product performance. 2 The elastic limit is between 1% and 2% strain. Compressive resistances at 10% strain are provided for applications where the intended end-use can tolerate plastic (permanent) deformation under load. 3 R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. 4 Values are for 1 inch or 25mm thick samples with natural skins intact. Better values will result for thicker materials. 5 The lab-test methods for water absorption use complete submersion under a head of water for 24 or 96 hours, so the values are applicable to specific design requirements only when the end-use conditions are similar to test method requirements. 6 not part of all the industry consensus standards (ASTM C578, CAN/ULC-S701) and provided AS-IS solely for informational purposes. 7 Minimum Density only applicable to USA-bound products per ASTM C578 (not Canada-bound products per CAN/ULC-S701.1).
Graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene (GPS) has no nutritional value for organisms and resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338. To protect against animals place adequate physical barriers such as bug-screens or membranes around GPS.
Deformation due to Thermal Radiation: unprotected, gray GPS will deform when exposed to direct or reflected sunlight or other radiant heat sources. Keep GPS covered using opaque tarp, reflective covers or suitable indoor storage until finishes are installed.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 74°C [165°F], Intermittent Exposure 79°C [175°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient:
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. GPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500. USA Class A (NFPA 101), ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's GPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: GPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS
ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.
Product Catalog PDF Typical Details DWG Typical Details Handling Instructions
Korolite® Insulated Metal Panels have been tested for reliable performance and meeting building codes:
The panels are 2-11" thick [50-280mm], 48" [1219mm] or 45-¾" [1162mm] wide and custom-cut to lengths per approved designs. The panels' facings are pre-painted, AZ50 aluminum-zinc coated or G90 galvanized steel in 26 or 24 gauge. They are bonded to the closed cell, expanded polystyrene (EPS) or graphite-enhanced EPS (GPS) insulation core with a specially formulated adhesive.
Panel Thickness | mm | 50 | 102 | 152 | 203 | 254 | 280 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
inch | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | |
Thermal Resistance1,2 typical per ASTM C518 or C177 at mean temperatures of: | |||||||
R-value with EPS Cores ft²•hr•°F/BTU |
@ 75°F | 8.08 | 15.4 | 23 | 31 | 39 | 42 |
@ 40°F | 8.8 | 16.7 | 25 | 33 | 42 | 46 | |
@ 25°F | 9.2 | 17.4 | 26 | 35 | 44 | 48 | |
RSI with EPS Cores m²•°C/W |
@ 24°C | 1.4 | 2.71 | 4.07 | 5.42 | 6.78 | 7.46 |
@ 4.4°C | 1.55 | 2.94 | 4.41 | 5.88 | 7.34 | 8.08 | |
@ -4°C | 1.62 | 3.06 | 4.6 | 6.13 | 7.66 | 8.43 | |
R-value with GPS Cores ft²•hr•°F/BTU |
@ 75°F | 9.4 | 19 | 28.2 | 38 | 47 | 52 |
@ 40°F | 9.8 | 20 | 29.4 | 39.2 | 49 | 54 | |
RSI with GPS Cores m²•°C/W |
@ 24°C | 1.66 | 3.31 | 4.97 | 6.62 | 8.28 | 9.1 |
@ 4.4°C | 1.73 | 3.45 | 5.18 | 6.9 | 8.63 | 9.49 | |
Air Permeance tested | ASTM E283 | 0.002 l/(s•m²) at 300 Pa 0.0004 CFM/ft² at 6.26 psf |
|||||
Water Penetration tested | ASTM E331 | Passed at 137 Pa | |||||
Fire Growth of Insulated Building Panels | CAN/ULC-S138 | Passed in Full-Scale Room Configuration | |||||
Surface Burning Characteristics for Panels with Facings | |||||||
without joints | CAN/ULC-S102-07 | Flame-Spread Rating 5 Smoke Developed Classification 175 |
|||||
with typ. joints incl. exposed sealant | CAN/ULC-S102-18 | Flame-Spread Rating 65 Smoke Developed Classification 310 |
|||||
Panel Cores: Korolite® Expanded Polystyrene (EPS or GPS) | |||||||
Canada Type | CAN/ULC-S701.1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
USA Type | ASTM C578, ICC-ES AC12 | II | I | I | I | I | I |
Panel Weights with 26 ga. facings |
lbs/sqft | 2.18 | 2.35 | 2.54 | 2.72 | 2.91 | 3.0 |
kg/m² | 10.6 | 11.5 | 12.4 | 13.3 | 14.2 | 14.65 |
¹ Foam core insulation values are calculated by extrapolation of 1 inch thick samples. ² R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has no nutritional value for organisms and resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338. To protect against animals place adequate physical barriers such as bug-screens or membranes around EPS.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient:
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS products which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as stucco or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500. USA Class A (NFPA 101), ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS
ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.
Deformation due to Thermal Radiation: unprotected, gray GPS will deform when exposed to direct or reflected sunlight or other radiant heat sources. Keep GPS covered using opaque tarp, reflective covers or suitable indoor storage until finishes are installed.
Airboard® AERO is Thermal Insulation CAN/ULC-S701.1, ASTM C578, ICC-ES AC12 with Surface Burning Characteristics CAN/ULC-S102.2, ASTM E84 (UL 723). Intertek Listed & Inspected
* Breathable Insulation Designs:
** Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB) Designs:
Wall Assemblies:
¾ Hour Fire Rating for a Composite Wall Assembly with AERO c.i. CAN/ULC-S101, ASTM E119
Meets NFPA 285 with specific limitations for an Exterior Wall Assembly with AERO c.i.
Airboard® AERO dimensions are 4' x 8' [1.22m x 2.44m] with thicknesses from 5/8" to 6" [16-152mm] packed in bundles up to 12½" high. The graphite-enhanced, expanded polystyrene (GPS) insulation cores are laminated on both sides with perforated, 1 mil [25.4μm] metallic reflective facers made of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and other polymers. GPS is closed cell foam insulation using air as main ingredient.
Property1 | Units, Applicability | Airboard® AERO Type A100 | Test Std. | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Third-Party Certified Type | Canada | 1 | CAN/ULC-S701.1 | |
USA | I | ASTM C578 | ||
Thermal Resistance2,3,7 typical at mean temperatures of: | ||||
R-value / nominal inch | ft²•hr•°F/ (BTU• |
40°F | 5.2 | ASTM C518 or C177 |
75°F | 5.0 | |||
RSI / 25mm | m²•°C/ (W•25mm) | 4°C | 0.85 | |
24°C | 0.815 | |||
Water Vapor Permeance4 | perm | 1" thick | 2.2 | ASTM E96 Proc. A desiccant |
2-⅛" thick | 1.2 | |||
ng/(Pa•s•m²) | 25.4mm thick | 126 | ||
54mm thick | 68 | |||
Water Penetration Resistance4 of boards & joint‑sealing | 5/8" thick @ 300 Pa | > 24 hours | Modified AATCC 127 Water Column |
|
1" thick @ 747 Pa | > 24 hours | |||
Water Absorption4,5 when submersed | % by volume |
USA | 0.91 | ASTM C272, 1 day |
Canada | 0.27 | ASTM D2842, 4 days | ||
Weathering4 of boards & joint‑sealing | Ultraviolet Light Exposure | Pass | ICC-ES AC71 Sec. 3.5 | |
Accelerated Aging | Pass | |||
Compressive Resistance6 minimum @ 10% Deformation |
psi | 10 | ASTM D1621 Proc.A |
|
kPa | 70 | |||
Density7,8 | Nominal7 | lbs/ft³ | 1 | ASTM D1622 |
Minimum8 | kg/m³ | 14.4 |
1 The test methods used to determine the material properties provide a means of comparing different cellular plastic thermal insulations. They are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control but they are not intended to predict end-use product performance. 2 Values are for 1-1⁄16 inch or 25mm thick samples as indicated. Better values will result for thicker materials. 3 R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. 4 Values are per testing with laminated facers intact & joints sealed, and for thicknesses as noted. 5 The lab-test methods for water absorption use complete submersion under a head of water for 24 or 96 hours, so the values are applicable to specific design requirements only when the end-use conditions are similar to test method requirements. Unlaminated edges were sealed to reflect installation with sealed joints, penetrations & transitions. 6 The elastic limit is between 1% and 2% strain. Compressive resistances at 10% strain are provided for applications where the intended end-use can tolerate plastic (permanent) deformation under load. 7 not part of all the industry consensus standards (ASTM C578, CAN/ULC-S701.1) and provided AS-IS solely for informational purposes 8 Minimum Density only applicable to USA-bound products per ASTM C578 (not Canada-bound products per CAN/ULC-S701.1).
Graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene (GPS) has no nutritional value for organisms and resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338. To protect against animals place adequate physical barriers such as bug-screens or membranes around GPS.
Deformation due to Thermal Radiation: unprotected, gray GPS will deform when exposed to direct or reflected sunlight or other radiant heat sources. Keep GPS covered using opaque tarp, reflective covers or suitable indoor storage until finishes are installed.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 74°C [165°F], Intermittent Exposure 79°C [175°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient:
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. GPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500. USA Class A (NFPA 101), ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's GPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: GPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS
ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.
Airboard® Specs see Properties below for selection
VB 100 Types 1, I
VB 160 Types 2, II
VB 250 Types 3, IX
New enhanced with Graphite for higher insulation values: VBG 100 Types 1, I VBG 160 Types 2, II
Airboard® Installation Guide
Code Evaluation Report
Intertek Listed & Inspected
Airboards are 4' x 8' [1.22m x 2.44m] with thicknesses from 1" to 6" [25-152mm] packed in bundles up to 12½" high. The EPS (VB Types) or GPS (VBG Types) insulation cores are laminated on both sides with 1 mil [25.4μm] metallic reflective facers made of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and other polymers. EPS and GPS are closed cell foam insulation using air as main ingredient. Airboard® Insulation meets the requirements of CAN/ULC-S701 "Standard for Thermal Insulation, Polystyrene, Boards and Pipe Covering" and ASTM C578 "Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation".
Property | Units | VB Types | VBG Types | Test Std. | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100 | 160 | 250 | 100 | 160 | ||||
Third-Party Certified EPS Type | Canada | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | CAN/ULC-S701 | |
USA | I | II | IX | I | II | ASTM C578, ICC-ES AC12 | ||
Compressive Resistance1,4 minimum @ 10% Deformation |
psi | 10 | 16 | 25 | 10 | 16 | ASTM D1621 Proc.A |
|
kPa | 70 | 110 | 172 | 70 | 110 | |||
Thermal Resistance1,2,3 minimum at mean temperatures of: | ||||||||
R-value/inch thickness |
ft²•hr•°F/ (BTU•in) | 25°F: 6 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.8 | ASTM C518 or C177 |
||
40°F: 6 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.9 | |||
75°F: | 3.75 | 4.04 | 4.27 | 4.7 | 4.7 | |||
RSI / 25mm thickness |
m²•°C/ (W•25mm) | -4°C: 6 | 0.73 | 0.80 | 0.83 | |||
4°C: 6 | 0.69 | 0.76 | 0.80 | 0.85 | 0.85 | |||
24°C: | 0.65 | 0.70 | 0.74 | 0.815 | 0.815 | |||
Air Permeance2,6 tested at 1" thick |
CFM/ft² @ 1.57 psf | 0.0002 ≤ 0.004 qualifies as air barrier |
ASTM E2178 | |||||
L/(s•m²) @ 75 Pa | 0.001 ≤ 0.02 qualifies as air barrier |
|||||||
Water Vapor Permeance1,2 tested at 1" thick |
perm | 0.13 | 0.13 | 0.03 | 0.13 | 0.13 | ASTM E96 desiccant |
|
ng/(Pa•s•m²) | 7.5 | 7.4 | 1.5 | 7.5 | 7.4 | |||
Water Absorption1,5 tested with facers @ 1" thick |
% by volume |
USA | 0.3 | ASTM C272, 1 day | ||||
Canada | 0.7 | ASTM D2842, 4 days | ||||||
EPS Water Absorption1,5 maximum without facers |
% by volume |
USA | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | ASTM C272, 1 day |
Canada | 6 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 4 | ASTM D2842, 4 days | ||
EPS Flexural Strength1 minimum without facers |
psi | 25 | 35 | 50 | 25 | 35 | ASTM C203 Proc.B |
|
kPa | 172 | 240 | 345 | 172 | 240 | |||
Density7 | Nominal 6 | lbs/ft³ | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 1 | 1½ | ASTM D1622 |
Minimum7 | kg/m³ | 14.4 | 21.6 | 28.8 | 14.4 | 21.6 |
¹ The test methods used to determine the material properties provide a means of comparing different cellular plastic thermal insulations. They are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control but they are not intended to predict end-use product performance. ² Values are for 1 inch or 25mm thick samples with laminated skins intact and seams, fasteners & penetrations properly sealed. Better values will result for thicker materials. ³ R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. 4 The elastic limit is between 1% and 2% strain. Compressive resistances at 10% strain are provided for applications where the intended end-use can tolerate plastic (permanent) deformation under load. 5 The lab-test methods for water absorption use complete submersion under a head of water for 24 or 96 hours, so the values are applicable to specific design requirements only when the end-use conditions are similar to test method requirements. 6 not part of all the industry consensus standards (ASTM C578, CAN/ULC-S701) and provided AS-IS solely for informational purposes 7 Minimum Density only applicable to USA-bound products per ASTM C578 (not Canada-bound products per CAN/ULC-S701).
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has no nutritional value for organisms and resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338. To protect against animals place adequate physical barriers such as bug-screens or membranes around EPS.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient:
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS products which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as stucco or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500. USA Class A (NFPA 101), ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS
ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP):
Geofoam for Highway Embankments
Geofoam for Slope Stability Projects
Lateral Pressure Reduction on Earth-Retaining Structures Using Geofoam, Dr. John S. Horvath P.E. March 2018
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338 and has no nutritional value for insects. To protect against insects/termites and water-vapor, place adequate physical barriers such as membranes around below-grade EPS. Where needed use adequate drainage to limit water absorption; Capillarity: None
Poisson's Ratio: ν ≈0.12 within the elastic range
Coefficient of Friction: μ ≈0.5-0.7 along clean faces
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F];
Thermal expansion coefficient:
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as coatings or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500. USA ASTM E84 (UL 723): Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction use contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS and Fire Safety Bulletin