Frost Cushion Void Form
A grade beam void form system that protects concrete members from soil uplift damage — manufactured by AMC Foam Technologies Inc.
Frost and moisture-induced swelling of underlying soils can lift or fracture concrete. Frost Cushion is placed under concrete grade beams to form a void that absorbs those forces, compensating for soil movement instead of transferring it into the structure.
It is manufactured from inert closed cell expanded polystyrene (EPS). Under loading, its design collapses through a folding action that reduces uplift forces by up to 50% compared with conventional EPS void form. It permanently resists soil movement into the void space and limits water and ice collection in below-grade applications.
The commercial cut version uses a unique open notch design to prevent soil extruding into the void, and is manufactured for commercial and industrial contractors.
- Absorbs frost and moisture-induced soil swelling before it reaches the concrete
- Reduces uplift forces by up to 50% over conventional EPS void form
- Not affected by moisture — will not soften or prematurely collapse from water absorption
- Excellent freeze/thaw resistance and low moisture absorption
- Permanently resists soil movement into the void space
- Not biodegradable and has no pest nutrient value
| Product | Frost Cushion grade beam void form system |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMC Foam Technologies Inc. |
| Material | Inert closed cell expanded polystyrene (EPS) |
| Design load | Configured to support 3 lb per square inch — approximately a 3 ft thickness of fresh concrete |
| Working load | Total working load equivalent to the weight of 4 ft (1200 mm) of concrete |
| Uplift reduction | Up to 50% lower than conventional EPS void form, through a folding action under loading |
| Cuts available | Pile slabs, slabs, commercial cut, residential cut |
| Quality assurance | AMC is ISO 9002 registered with the International Standards Organization |
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Where it gets used
Under Grade Beams
The primary application — voids formed beneath concrete grade beams.
Pile Slabs
Pile slab cut for pile-supported grade beam construction.
Structural Concrete Members
Commercial and residential cuts for other structural concrete.
Handling, health and fire
Chemical properties
Expanded polystyrene should not be exposed to volatile hydrocarbons such as fuels, oils, gasoline and some alcohols. Anhydrous acids — sulfuric, glacial and formic — may also attack expanded polystyrene. Consult AMC Foam Technologies Inc. for more detail.
Health and the environment
Frost Cushion is one of the few foam plastic materials available that contains absolutely no CFCs, HCFCs or other refrigerant gases. The ozone depletion potential is zero. It is non-toxic and hypo-allergenic, and will not irritate sensitive skin on exposure.
Flammability characteristics
Frost Cushion contains a chemical additive to inhibit accidental ignition from a small fire source. This additive will not prevent burning when the material is exposed to a large continuous fire source.