ASTM D6817/D6817M-15 - 1.1.2015
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers the types, physical properties and dimensions of rigid cellular polystyrene intended for use as geofoam.

1.2 This specification does not cover the layout, placement and workmanship for proper installation and performance of rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam.

1.3 Rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this specification may need protection from certain chemicals, environmental exposure, and concentrated loads. Additional design considerations may include thermal conductivity and buoyancy. Guidelines regarding these end use considerations are included in Appendix X1.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

C203-22

Standard Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

E177-26a

Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods (Includes all amendments and changes 5/14/2026).

C303-21

Standard Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation

C390-08(2024)

Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots

D4439-25a

Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics (Includes all amendments and changes 9/30/2025).

C165-23

Standard Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations

D1621-16(2023)

Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics

D1622-D1622M-14

Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics

D2863-23e1

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index) (Includes all amendments and changes 8/18/2025).

C578-23

Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation