EPS Overview
Advanced Engineering Solutions is dedicated to the advancement of the use of EPS (Geofoam) in the construction Industry. Our primary goal is to make sure proper design and construction techniques are used in construction projects using EPS. We have been consulting with government agencies and private consultants throughout the United States since 1997 in the uses of the EPS system.
AES is the most experienced designer with the EPS product used in civil engineering applications. As you review your choices for team members for your project, there is one question that we know you will ask and we must be prepared to answer:
"Why should my project hire Advanced Engineering Solutions Inc. to perform Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) design?"
Some of the reasons you should consider are as follows:
• Experienced and knowledgeable staff in the use of EPS systems.
• Reduction of both cost and time required to perform your design.
• Understanding of EPS limitations, advantages, and requirements that will make your project a success.
• Guarantee of services and designs.
Most civil engineering firms in the United States have not had experience in the design of Expanded Polystyrene. AES has more experience with EPS design than any other design firm in the country. Your project is expected to take time and effort to provide proper details and specifications for the EPS fill. If the design team is not familiar with the product there will be a learning curve that will increase both the time element and cost associated with the project design. Also the odds of a failure increase with the amount of inexperience the design firm has with EPS design. Because of our experience and knowledge with this product, we can eliminate the added cost of utilizing an inexperienced design staff and potential failure if your project is not designed properly.
The problem is that any design firm that has taken the time to develop the EPS designs do not readily give out this information. EPS molders can give the Design Consultants information about the product but cannot recommend or direct the type of product in the field. In order for the project to be successful and have a qualified design there must be two scenarios that need to take place.
First the designer must have proper experience in how the EPS system works. There is a learning curve for this type of education. The designer must take into account the whole picture and have a through understanding of all of aspects of the EPS product. Failures occur from "beginner" designers that have overlooked pertinent design aspects. Engineering fees are costly with the learning curve. AES has spent more than 4 years refining our design details and parameters. We have been able to direct the installation process in the field. We have worked closely with the research groups studying the EPS product in the field as well as the modeling.
Second there must be some field direction of how this product is placed in the ground. Projects that have been placed with improper techniques have a greater chance of failure. AES has been able to develop specification that can direct the contractor and the contractor's laborers to efficiently construct the EPS fills. AES can also place personnel in the field that can give onsite direction directly to the installers.
In order to ensure that your project will be successfull, choose a designer with both field experience and design experience. Choose a designer that can guarantee the design and the placement, one that will be in the field with the contractor to insure a quality light-weight fill. Choose a designer with experience.