Does anyone know the proper way to specify foam infills that are used in concrete floors. IE, instead of 5 feet of concrete, a dense foam infill is used. What type of foam? Is there a minimum density for structural soundness?
Robin:
I’m glad you asked. I just had a conversation not over 5 minutes ago discussing the same thing. I’d be interested in the information, too.
We specify this occasionally. The product we specify is extruded polystyrene board, complying with ASTM C578, Type VI or Type VII; these have minimum compressive strengths of 40 psi and 60 psi, respectively. Which we use depends on structural engineer’s recommendation.
Applicable products are Styrofoam Brand High Load 40 or 60 by Dow Chemical Company; and Foamular 400 or 600 by Owens Corning.
look into Insulfoam, Premier Industries, Inc. 1800-510-1939 for CA. they manufacture EPS for all applications.
You might also consult ASTM D6817 Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam
Suggest you look at Eastizell foam in place concrete. We have used it for these applications.
Richard:
I think you’re referring to Elastizell (there’s a “l” between the “E” and “a”). Their website is www.Elastizell.com.
However, this appears to be a cement-based product with a density ranging from 20 to 120 pcf. In the application that Robin describes above, this will add 100 psf of floor area at the lowest density. This may be too much for the structural system to support.
However, this appears to be excellent for floor fills requiring high compressive strengths, and as a substitute for the commonly specified gypsum-based underlayment.