M 230 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS
Standard Specification for
Extruded Foam Insulation Board (Polystyrene)
AASHTO DESIGNATION: M 230-94
1. SCOPE manufactured based upon need with 5.1.1 Compressive Strength-ASTM D
275.8 kPa (40 psi) normally being used 1621, Compressive Properties of Rigid
for AASHTO's axle loadings of 97.9 kN Cellular Plastics (Procedure A), except
1.1 This specification covers extruded (22000 lbs).] that the compressive strength shall be
expanded polystyrene insulation board determined when the specimen is com-
used for highway pavement insulation pressed 5 percent of measured thickness
applications. 4. DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES or at the first major load deviation,
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be whichever comes first. A major load
regarded as the standard. 4.1 Normally, extruded polystrene foam deviation shall be that point on the stress-
boards shall be either 610 by 2440 mm (2 strain curve where the stress load drops
by 8 ft) or 1220 by 2440 mm (4 by 8 ft), significantly below the normal stress
2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
with the thickness being specified by the fluctuation characteristic of the material
user. under test (Note 2).
2.1 The insulation board shall be formed 4.2 The permissible variations from the NOTE 2-Construction requirements should
by the expansion of polystyrene base ordered dimensions shall be as follows specify a smooth surface upon which the
resin, in an extrusion process. The insula- (ASTM C 578-92): insulation is to be placed to prevent point
tion board shall be homogeneous and loadings, wooden skewers or piles of non-frost
shall consist of a continuum of closed Length ± 0.8 min per 305 mm (0.0313 in.
susceptible sand or gravel used to hold the
per ft) of length
cells. boards from "separating" or "shoving" during
Width ± 1.6 mm per 305 mm (0.063 in.
covering, and a minimum of 250 mm (10 in.)
per ft) of width
of granular material above the insulation for
Thickness (Note 1) ± 1.6 mm per 25.4 mm
3. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES "stress absorption" or prevention of crushing
(0.063 in. per in.) of thickness
of the insulation by construction traffic. An
NOTE 1-The thickness of board used shall be on-site test with the proposed methods of
3.1 The insulation shall conform to the based upon heat flow theory and local condi- construction including layer thickness and
requirements prescribed in Table 1 when tions. construction equipment is recommended to
tested by the procedures specified in insure that there is no separation of the boards
Section 5. nor crushing of the insulation.
5. METHODS OF TESTING
3.2 Design data should specify both the 5.1.2 Oxygen Index-ASTM D 2863,
required compressive strength and thick- Test Method for Measuring the Minimum
ness. [Normal manufacturing processes 5.1 The physical properties enumerated Oxygen Concentration To Support Can-
and distribution systems allow for 103.4 in this specification shall be determined dle-like Combustion of Plastics. This test
kPa (15 psi), 172.4 kPa (25 psi), 275.8 in accordance with the following meth- shall be used to establish the minimum
kPa (40 psi), 413.7 kPa (60 psi), and ods of the American Society for Testing oxygen index.
689.5 kPa (100 psi) boards. Boards are and Materials (ASTM):
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements
Property Units Limits Test Method Type1
2
Comp. str. kPa (psi) 103.4 min (15) ASTM D 1621 X
172.4 min (25) IV
275.8 min (40) VI
413.7 min (60) VII
689.5 min (100) V
Oxygen index % 24 min ASTM D 2863 X, IV, V, VI, VII
Water absorption % by vol 3 0.3 max ASTM C 272 X, IV, V, VI, VII
Thermal resist. [R-value @ 0.88 (5.00) min per 25.4
ASTM C 518 X, IV, V, VI, VII
23.9°C (75°F)] mm (1.0 in.)
1
Classification Type, according to ASTM C 578-92-See Table 2.
2
Compressive strength to be determined at 597 deflection of specimen thickness or yield. whichever occurs first. A minimum of 275. 8 kPa (40 psi)
required for AASHTO's normal axle loading of 97.9 kN (22000 lbs).
3
Units = °C X m2/W (°F X ft2 x h/Btu) at a mean temperature of 23.9°C (75°F) for thermal resistance of a 25.4-mm (1.0-in.) thickness.
TABLE 2 ASTM C 578-92 Foam Types
Foam Classification Type Min R-value @ 23.9ºC (75ºF)1 Comp Strength, Min, kPa (psi) Water Absorb, Max, (% by vol)
X 0.88 (5.00) 103.4 (15) 0.3
IV 0.88 (5.00) 172.4 (25) 0.3
VI 0.88 (5.00) 275.8 (40) 0.3
VII 0.88 (5.00) 413.7 (60) 0.3
V 0.88 (5.00) 689.5 (100) 0.3
1
Thermal resistance-mininum R-value of 25.4 mm (1.00 in.) thickness at a mean temperature of 23.9ºC (75ºF) = °C X m2/W (°F X ft2 - X h/Btu).
327
M 230 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS
5.1.3 Water Absorption-ASTM C 272, 6. HAZARDS priate information regarding any known
Water Absorption of Core Material for hazards associated with the recom-
Structural Sandwich Construction. mended handling and use of the product,
6.1 Health and Safety-Each manufacturer and shall recommend the protective
5.1.4 Thermal Resistance-Test in ac- has a duty to warn when shipment, stor-
cordance with ASTM C 177 or ASTM C measures to be employed in its safe
age, installation, use, or ultimate disposal utilization.
518. Tests shall be conducted with a of a product may expose individuals to
temperature differential of 28 ± 1°C (50 health or safety hazards. The manufac-
± 2°F). turer shall provide the user with appro-
328
