ASTM D6817/D6817M-15
(Specification)Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam
Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam
ABSTRACT
This specification presents the types, physical properties, and dimensions of rigid cellular polystyrene (RCPS) intended for use as geofoam. This specification, however, does not address the layout, placement, and workmanship for proper installation and performance of the geofoams. RCPS geofoams shall be formed by the expansion of polystyrene resin beads or granules in a molding process (EPS), or by the expansion of polystyrene base resin in an extrusion process (XPS). They may also be manufactured with reprocessed polystyrene foam (regrind). The RCPS geofoams shall meet combustibility and curing requirements and, when tested, shall adhere to physical property requirements such as dimensions and density, compressive resistance, flexural strength, and oxygen index. Final products should also meet surface damage, volume damage, and UV degradation limits.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the types, physical properties and dimensions of rigid cellular polystyrene intended for use as geofoam.
1.2 This specification does not cover the layout, placement and workmanship for proper installation and performance of rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam.
1.3 Rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this specification may need protection from certain chemicals, environmental exposure, and concentrated loads. Additional design considerations may include thermal conductivity and buoyancy. Guidelines regarding these end use considerations are included in Appendix X1.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
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Designation:D6817/D6817M −15
Standard Specification for
Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6817/D6817M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
Insulation Lots
1.1 This specification covers the types, physical properties
C578 Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal
anddimensionsofrigidcellularpolystyreneintendedforuseas
Insulation
geofoam.
D1621 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid
1.2 This specification does not cover the layout, placement
Cellular Plastics
and workmanship for proper installation and performance of
D1622/D1622M Test Method forApparent Density of Rigid
rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam.
Cellular Plastics
1.3 Rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
specification may need protection from certain chemicals,
environmental exposure, and concentrated loads. Additional Plastics (Oxygen Index)
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
design considerations may include thermal conductivity and
buoyancy. Guidelines regarding these end use considerations E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods
are included in Appendix X1.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
3. Terminology
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.1 Definitions:
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
3.1.1 Terms used in this specification are defined in Termi-
with the standard.
nology D4439.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.2 geofoam—block or planar rigid cellular foam poly-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
meric material used in geotechnical engineering applications.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.1 EPS, XX—number designation for expanded polysty-
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.
rene geofoam type(s) having a minimum density of XX kg/m
2. Referenced Documents
[lb/ft ].
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.2 RCPS—letter designation for EPS and XPS rigid
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this specification.
Thermal Insulations
3.2.3 XPS, XX—number designation for extruded polysty-
C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Proper-
rene geofoam type(s) having a minimum density of XX kg/m
ties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
[lb/ft ].
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre-
formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Acquisition documents shall specify the following:
4.1.1 Title, number and year of this specification.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.03 on Perme-
4.1.2 Type, as per Table 1.
ability and Filtration.
4.1.3 Total product volume required of each type.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published January 2015. Originally
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D6817/D6817M–13a.
5. Materials and Manufacture
DOI: 10.1520/D6817_D6817M-15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.1 RCPS geofoam shall be formed by the expansion of
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
polystyrene resin beads or granules in a molding process (EPS)
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. or by the expansion of polystyrene base resin in an extrusion
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6817/D6817M−15
A
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements of RCPS Geofoam
Type EPS12 EPS15 EPS19 EPS22 EPS29 EPS39 EPS46 XPS20 XPS21 XPS26 XPS29 XPS36 XPS48
Density, min., 11.2 14.4 18.4 21.6 28.8 38.4 45.7 19.2 20.8 25.6 28.8 35.2 48.0
3 3
kg/m [lb/ft ] [0.70] [0.90] [1.15] [1.35] [1.80] [2.40] [2.85] [1.20] [1.30] [1.60] [1.80] [2.20] [3.00]
Compressive 15 25 40 50 75 103 128 20 35 75 105 160 280
Resistance, [2.2] [3.6] [5.8] [7.3] [10.9] [15.0] [18.6] [2.9] [5.1] [10.9] [15.2] [23.2] [40.6]
min., kPa [psi]
at 1 % strain
Flexural 69 172 207 240 345 414 517 276 276 345 414 517 689
Strength, min., [10.0] [25.0] [30.0] [35] [50.0] [60.0] [75.0] [40.0] [40.0] [50.0] [60.0] [75.0] [100.0]
kPa [psi]
Oxygen index, 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0
min.,
volume %
A
For products that have an external skin, testing shall be undertaken with skins intact.
TABLE 2 Common Manufactured Dimensions of RCPS Geofoam
process (XPS). RCPS geofoam may be manufactured with
Dimension,
All EPS Types All XPS Types
reprocessed polystyrene foam (regrind).
mm [in.]
Width 305 to 1219 [12 to 48] 406 to 1219 [16 to 48]
5.2 RCPS geofoam shall be of uniform density and have
Length 1219 to 4877 [48 to 1219 to 2743 [48 to
essentially closed cells. RCPS geofoam is an organic material
192] 108]
and is considered combustible. It should not be exposed to
Thickness 25 to 1219 [1 to 48] 25 to 102 [1 to 4]
flames or other ignition sources.
6. Qualification Requirements
8.1.1 Surface Damage—Damage to load bearing RCPS
geofoam surfaces shall be limited to less than 20 % of the
6.1 The physical properties listed in Table 1 constitute the
equivalent load bearing area of the unit.
minimum product qualification requirements for commonly
8.1.2 Volume Damage—Volumetric damage of RCPS geo-
manufactured types of RCPS geofoam. The compressive resis-
foam shall be limited to less than 1 % of the volume of a single
tance at 1 % strain is typically within the elastic limit of the
unit.
geofoam product types in Table 1 and is accepted as the
8.1.3 UV (Ultra-Violet) Degradation—Discoloration and
compressive resistance to limit long-term deformation under
dusting of RCPS geofoam caused by the extensive exposure to
structural load.
sunlight is a defect that will adversely affect its service and is
6.2 RCPS Geofoam Types—It is the users responsibility to
grounds for rejection. Refer to X1.6.
specify the required type as in Table 1 and to obtain supporting
documentation regarding physical properties from the material 9. Inspection
supplier.
9.1 Sampling—Unless otherwise specified in the purchase
6.3 Combustibility Requirements—All RCPS geofoam shall order or contract, the material shall be sampled for inspection
contain sufficient flame retardants to meet a minimum Oxygen in accordance with Practice C390.
Index as required in Table 1.
9.2 Weight—Determine the weight of selected full size units
6.4 Curing—Unless otherwise specified in the contract, in accordance with Test Method D1622/D1622M, or as speci-
RCPS geofoam shall be cured for a minimum of 24 h before fied.
delivery and inspection.
9.3 Dimensions—Verify specified dimensions and
tolerances, as prescribed in Test Method D1622/D1622M and
7. Availability and Dimensional Tolerance
7.2 of this specification.
7.1 Availability—The RCPS geofoam materials covered by
9.4 Density—Compute the density of test samples in accor-
this specification are commonly available in the size range
dance with Test Method D1622/D1622M.
shown in Table 2. Specific RCPS geofoam block dimensions
vary by manufacturer equipment characteristics.
10. Acceptance or Rejection
7.2 Dimensional Tolerance—Unlessotherwisespecified,the
10.1 Material that fails to conform to this specification shall
acceptable length, width, thickness, flatness and squareness
be rejected promptly in writing. The manufacturer or supplier
tolerance criteria on RCPS geofoam shall not exceed 60.5 %.
shall have the right to re-inspect the rejected shipment and
resubmit selected units for acceptance under tightened inspec-
8. Damage and Degradation
tion.
8.1 Damage—RCPSgeofoamasdeliveredtotheprojectsite
11. Certification
shall have no defects that will adversely affect its service and
workability qualities. Material units that manifest unacceptable 11.1 Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order or
surface or volumetric damage shall be replaced. contract, the manufacturer or supplier shall furnish third party
D6817/D6817M−15
TABLE 3 Compressi
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6817/D6817M − 13a D6817/D6817M − 15
Standard Specification for
Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6817/D6817M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the types, physical properties and dimensions of rigid cellular polystyrene intended for use as
geofoam.
1.2 This specification does not cover the layout, placement and workmanship for proper installation and performance of rigid
cellular polystyrene geofoam.
1.3 Rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this specification may need protection from certain chemicals, environmental
exposure, and concentrated loads. Additional design considerations may include thermal conductivity and buoyancy. Guidelines
regarding these end use considerations are included in Appendix X1.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
requirements prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations
C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
C578 Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
D1621 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics
D1622D1622/D1622M Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics
(Oxygen Index)
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Terms used in this specification are defined in Terminology D4439.
3.1.2 geofoam—block or planar rigid cellular foam polymeric material used in geotechnical engineering applications.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3 3
3.2.1 EPS, XX—number designation for expanded polystyrene geofoam type(s) having a minimum density of XX kg/m [lb/ft ].
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.03 on Permeability and
Filtration.
Current edition approved May 1, 2013Jan. 1, 2015. Published May 2013January 2015. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as
D6817D6817/D6817M–13.–13a. DOI: 10.1520/D6817_D6817M-13A.10.1520/D6817_D6817M-15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6817/D6817M − 15
A
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements of RCPS Geofoam
Type EPS12 EPS15 EPS19 EPS22 EPS29 EPS39 EPS46 XPS20 XPS21 XPS26 XPS29 XPS36 XPS48
Density, min., 11.2 14.4 18.4 21.6 28.8 38.4 45.7 19.2 20.8 25.6 28.8 35.2 48.0
3 3
kg/m [lb/ft ] [0.70] [0.90] [1.15] [1.35] [1.80] [2.40] [2.85] [1.20] [1.30] [1.60] [1.80] [2.20] [3.00]
Compressive 15 25 40 50 75 103 128 20 35 75 105 160 280
Resistance, [2.2] [3.6] [5.8] [7.3] [10.9] [15.0] [18.6] [2.9] [5.1] [10.9] [15.2] [23.2] [40.6]
min., kPa [psi]
at 1 % strain
Flexural 69 172 207 240 345 414 517 276 276 345 414 517 689
Strength, min., [10.0] [25.0] [30.0] [35] [50.0] [60.0] [75.0] [40.0] [40.0] [50.0] [60.0] [75.0] [100.0]
kPa [psi]
Oxygen index, 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0
min.,
volume %
A
For products that have an external skin, testing shall be undertaken with skins intact.
3.2.2 RCPS—letter designation for EPS and XPS rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this specification.
3 3
3.2.3 XPS, XX—number designation for extruded polystyrene geofoam type(s) having a minimum density of XX kg/m [lb/ft ].
3.2.3 RCPS—letter designation for EPS and XPS rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this specification.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Acquisition documents shall specify the following:
4.1.1 Title, number and year of this specification.
4.1.2 Type, as per Table 1, or minimum density required.
4.1.3 Total product volume required of each type, or minimum density.type.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 RCPS geofoam shall be formed by the expansion of polystyrene resin beads or granules in a molding process (EPS) or by
the expansion of polystyrene base resin in an extrusion process (XPS). RCPS geofoam may be manufactured with reprocessed
polystyrene foam (regrind).
5.2 RCPS geofoam shall be of uniform density and have essentially closed cells. RCPS geofoam is an organic material and is
considered combustible. It should not be exposed to flames or other ignition sources.
6. Qualification Requirements
6.1 The physical properties listed in Table 1 constitute the minimum product qualification requirements for commonly
manufactured types of RCPS geofoam. The compressive resistance at 1 % strain is typically within the elastic limit of the geofoam
product types in Table 1 and is accepted as the compressive resistance to limit long-term deformation under structural load.
6.2 RCPS Geofoam Types—It is the users responsibility to specify the required type as in Table 1 and to obtain supporting
documentation regarding physical properties from the material supplier.
6.3 The compressive resistance properties in Table 2 are provided for applications where compressive resistance requirements
for intended end-use applications are beyond the elastic limit of geofoam.
NOTE 1—The application of sustained load to geofoam beyond the elastic limit will result in significant deflections beyond the values provided in Table
2.
6.3 Combustibility Requirements—All RCPS geofoam shall contain sufficient flame retardants to meet a minimum Oxygen
Index as required in Table 1.
6.4 Curing—Unless otherwise specified in the contract, RCPS geofoam shall be cured for a minimum of 24 h before delivery
and inspection.
7. Availability and Dimensional Tolerance
7.1 Availability—The RCPS geofoam materials covered by this specification are commonly available in the size range shown
in Table 32. Specific RCPS geofoam block dimensions vary by manufacturer equipment characteristics.
7.2 Dimensional Tolerance—Unless otherwise specified, the acceptable length, width, thickness, flatness and squareness
tolerance criteria on RCPS geofoam shall not exceed 60.5 %.
D6817/D6817M − 15
TABLE 32 Common Manufactured Dimensions of RCPS Geofoam
Dimension,
All EPS Types All XPS Types
mm [in.]
Width 305 to 1219 [12 to 48] 406 to 1219 [16 to 48]
Length 1219 to 4877 [48 to 1219 to 2743 [48 to
192] 108]
Thickness 25 to 1219 [1 to 48] 25 to 102 [1 to 4]
8. Damage and Degradation
8.1 Damage—RCPS geofoam as delivered to the project site shall have no defects that will adversely affect its service and
workability qualities. Material units that manifest unacceptable surface or volumetric damage shall be replaced.
8.1.1 Surface Damage—Damage to load bearing RCPS geofoam surfaces shall be limited to less than 20 % of the equivalent
load bearing area of the unit.
8.1.2 Volume Damage—Volumetric damage of RCPS geofoam shall be limited to less than 1 % of the volume of a single unit.
8.1.3 UV (Ultra-Violet) Degradation—Discoloration and dusting of RCPS geofoam caused by the extensive exposure to
sunlight is a defect that will adversely affect its service and is grounds for rejection. Refer to X1.6.
9. Inspection
9.1 Sampling—Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order or contract, the material shall be sampled for inspection in
accordance with Practice C390.
9.2 Weight—Determine the weight of selected full size units in accordance with Test Method D1622D1622/D1622M, or as
specified.
9.3 Dimensions—Verify specified dimensions and tolerances, as prescribed in Test Method D1622D1622/D1622M and 7.2 of
this specification.
9.4 Density—Compute the density of test samples in accordance with Test Method D1622D1622/D1622M.
10. Acceptance or Rejection
10.1 Material that fails to conform to this specification shall be rejected p
...
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