For The Record: Plymouth Foam's EPS - Compressive Strength
Frequently asked questions. As an industry leader, we feel it is important to share our expertise as well as continue to educate and inform others of Plymouth Foam’s materials and capabilities.
Compressive strength is a crucial component for insulation and building materials. One of the most important mechanical property of Plymouth Foam's EPS is the resistance to compressive stresses, which increase as the density becomes higher. The compressive resistance is between 10 – 60 psi for most construction applications.
Our Plymouth Foam product can be produced to meet your specific strength requirements per project needs.
Plymouth Foam DuraSpec Compressive Properties
Plymouth Foam DuraFill Geofoam Compressive Properties
Standard Specification Test Methods for Plymouth Foam DuraSpec EPS are as follows:
- ASTM C578, Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation: types, physical properties, and dimensions of cellular polystyrene used as thermal insulation for temperatures from -65 to 165°F. ASTM C578 covers types of EPS thermal insulation currently available and the minimum requirements for the properties considered most important.
- ASTM C203, Test Method for Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of block-type thermal Insulation; flexural strength and compressive resistance values are included.
- C165, Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations and/or
- D1621 for Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics.
The EPS Industry Alliance shares Plymouth Foam DuraSpec EPS high resiliency and strength characteristics, expanded polystyrene insulation offers:
- Absorption of substrate and facing movement caused by temperature changes and structural deflections
- Absorption of substrate irregularities
- Thickness recovery following excessive construction load exposures
- Suitable subgrade reaction for effective load distribution