Geofoam Under Stair Detail
Geofoam Under Stair Detail
(OP)
This is more of a general construction practices question. Please see the attached image. Just wondering, when building a stair over geofoam, is it common practice to leave the geofoam pieces rectangular and have the stair bottom follow this form as the architect is showing, or is the foam generally cut back like I am showing in red? I'd like to get at least some reinforcing into the stair and it seems like it would be a pain in the butt to bend the WWF to follow those stair contours.
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.
M.S. Structural Engineering
Licensed Structural Engineer and Licensed Professional Engineer (Illinois)






RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
Why not do as I've shown on the attached?
Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA
RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
Licensed Structural Engineer and Licensed Professional Engineer (Illinois)
RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA
RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
See this image. If deterioration of the foam is a concern, how can it be used in this sort of application?
http://www.geofoam.org/road-construction.asp
Thanks,
Isaac
Licensed Structural Engineer and Licensed Professional Engineer (Illinois)
RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
http://www.stadiumsavers.com/
I've worked on two projects that used this type of system. One was a theater the other was a church. In both cases, geofoam proved to be much more cost effective that the alternative proposed steel framing.
My guess is if you are concerned with the wall being stiffer than the foam (a legit concern) then you need to detail the stairs accordingly (if that is even possible).
RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
As far as ants go, my experience with EPS insulation close to the ground surface or above finds that they love the stuff because it's easy to burrow through. While the manufacture may state that EPS geofoam offers no nutritional benefit to insects (which is true), they often make their homes in materials that suit their needs. I suspect that roadway applications of geofoam put the product far enough below ground so there really is no attraction to insects.
Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA
RE: Geofoam Under Stair Detail
Licensed Structural Engineer and Licensed Professional Engineer (Illinois)