. Using modified
expanded polystyrene (MEPE) with sand as
retaining wall backfill or subbase has several potential
benefits. One of the most important characteristics of
EPS is that they are a lightweight material. In areas
where the underlying soil is weak or compressible, the
lower unit weight of foam-sand mixture would apply a
smaller vertical stress than conventional backfill,
leading to lower settlement and increased global
stability.