Reinforced EIA geomembranes play a pivotal role in providing a protective barrier for EPS geofoam against hydrocarbon exposure. The unique properties of ethylene interpolymer alloys, such as chemical resistance, flexibility and durability, make them an effective choice for safeguarding construction materials in harsh environments. Proper installation and maintenance of reinforced EIA geomembranes are crucial to ensuring the longevity and performance of the protective system. Installation process The installation of reinforced EIA geomembranes over EPS geofoam is critical in ensuring the structure's long-term performance and durability. The process typically involves the following steps: 1. Surface preparation: Before installing the EIA geomembrane, carefully clean and inspect the surface of the EPS geofoam for any debris or imperfections that could affect adhesion of the geomembrane. 2. Priming: A primer may be applied to the surface of the EPS geofoam to enhance the bonding between the foam and the geomembrane. 3. Placement of geomembrane: Carefully unroll and position the reinforced EIA geomembrane over the EPS geofoam, ensuring that it covers the entire surface area with sufficient overlap at the seams. 4. Seaming: Heat-weld or chemically bond the seams of the geomembrane to create a continuous watertight barrier that prevents the penetration of hydrocarbons. 5. Quali ty assurance: Once the installation is complete, conduct quality assurance measures such as leak testing and visual inspection to verify the protective barrier's integrity. FIGURE 3 EPS geofoam protected with XtrmPly EPS Wrap and geotextiles FIGURE 4 Embankment build-up with EPS geofoam and XtrmPly EPS Wrap EIA/KEE GeosyntheticsMagazine.com 25http://www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com