Swelling soils are considered highly problematic soil due to the volume change actions. The cyclic heave and settlement of swelling soils could be the main reason for considerable damages to the structures, roads, and highways. Many available methodologies are followed to combat these problems of the swelling soils. This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical research for effect of ribbed geofoam under footing rested on the swelling soil as a new technique for controlling the upward movement of structures over the swelling soils. Ribbed geofoam blocks are made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). It has lightweight, low price, and widely found in Egypt. It can be produced in many densities. The ribbed geofoam layer has two different densities and thicknesses in this paper. There is a marked reduction in the case of the ribbed geofoam layer with density 20kg/m3 and thickness 2 cm. The swelling soil was modelled by the finite element method ADINA software. Modelling of ribbed geofoam is performed by the critical state model with different densities and thicknesses.