Foam glass knowledge base

Dimensional stability of foam glass in foundations and below-grade structures

Dimensional stability for foundations and below-grade structures: evidence, application limits, detailing and acceptance.

In brief: dimensional stability for foundations and below-grade structures. The project outcome is that the foam-glass layout accommodates structural movement without restraint.

Dimensional stability: design task for foundations and below-grade structures

Below grade, dimensional stability must be coordinated with waterproofing, soil pressure and the backfilling sequence.

In foundations and below-grade structures, dimensional stability requires moisture conditions; also check soil pressure.

Dimensional stability: application boundary in foundations and below-grade structures

In foundations and below-grade structures, dimensional stability has an important boundary. Product stability does not cancel movement in the substrate, supports or structural joints.

For dimensional stability in foundations and below-grade structures, address this specific risk: mechanical damage during backfilling or incompatibility with the waterproofing system.

Dimensional stability: evidence for foundations and below-grade structures

For foundations and below-grade structures, the dimensional stability source states: D130 dimensional stability is stated as no more than 0.2%, with a coefficient of thermal expansion of 8×10⁻⁶ 1/°C.

For dimensional stability in foundations and below-grade structures, apply this principle. Stability is achieved only with correct bearing, properly detailed joints and no unintended bending action.

Dimensional stability: detailing for foundations and below-grade structures

The foundations and below-grade structures drawing develops dimensional stability through two decisions: waterproofing type; then protective layer.

For dimensional stability in foundations and below-grade structures, dimensions and interface materials belong in the design, not in an improvised site decision.

Dimensional stability: inputs for foundations and below-grade structures

Before assessing dimensional stability in foundations and below-grade structures, obtain thermal movement, settlement, the movement-joint map and substrate tolerances.

For foundations and below-grade structures, the verifiable dimensional stability requirement is to coordinate substrate movement joints, thermal movement and the insulation layout.

Dimensional stability: installation in foundations and below-grade structures

The installation rule for dimensional stability in foundations and below-grade structures is to accept the substrate before covering it.

During foundations and below-grade structures work concerning dimensional stability, never bridge a designed movement break unless a dedicated detail permits it.

Dimensional stability: accepting work in foundations and below-grade structures

Acceptance of dimensional stability in foundations and below-grade structures starts by matching delivery labels, drawings and the installed layout.

For dimensional stability in foundations and below-grade structures, close the identified risk with a photograph, measurement or record, not a verbal explanation.

The final foundations and below-grade structures criterion for dimensional stability is that the foam-glass layout accommodates structural movement without restraint.

Dimensional stability: conclusion for foundations and below-grade structures

In foundations and below-grade structures, foam glass delivers its dimensional stability benefit through a coordinated detail, not one schedule entry.

The foundations and below-grade structures workflow for dimensional stability is to evidence the property, issue the detail, accept installation and retain concealed-work records.

Topics: foam glass, foundations, durability, NEOPORM

This material is informational. Final decisions on thickness, details, fixings and compatible compounds must follow the project documentation, current technical data sheets and the conditions of the specific facility.