Project Overview

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Geofoam is an ideal lightweight fill material for retaining wall construction, offering a stable, durable, and cost-effective solution for reducing lateral earth pressures. Molygran’s Geofoam EPS blocks provide engineers with a dependable alternative to traditional soil or granular backfill, improving wall performance, reducing structural loads, and extending service life.

Benefits

  • Reduced Lateral Pressure: Up to 95% lighter than traditional fill materials, minimising stress on retaining structures.
  • High Compressive Strength: Designed to support overlying loads without deformation.
  • Quick Installation: Lightweight blocks are easy to transport, handle, and cut on-site.
  • Durable and Stable: Resistant to moisture, rot, and chemical degradation.
  • Sustainable: 100% recyclable and produced with minimal environmental impact.

The brief The brief

Retaining walls are designed to hold back large volumes of soil, which can exert significant lateral pressure on the structure. In areas with weak subsoils or limited space, traditional backfill materials can lead to excessive loading, wall movement, or long-term settlement. The challenge was to find a lightweight, stable, and easy-to-install material that could reduce these pressures while maintaining structural integrity and durability.

The solution The solution

Molygran supplied custom-cut EPS Geofoam blocks to replace conventional backfill behind retaining walls. The lightweight nature of EPS dramatically reduced lateral pressure on the wall, allowing for more economical structural design and faster installation. Each block was manufactured to precise dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit and efficient on-site assembly.

The use of Molygran’s EPS Geofoam in retaining wall construction provided a lightweight, stable backfill solution that reduced structural loads and improved long-term performance. Installation was completed quickly, with reduced excavation and material handling requirements. The finished retaining wall demonstrated excellent stability, reduced settlement, and enhanced durability, even in challenging ground conditions.