The effect of recycled EPS on the physical and mechanical properties of reinforced lightweight concrete

Abstract

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a very commonly found material that can be utilized in concrete mixtures. This paper studies the feasibility of using EPS, as an additive, in order to improve physical and mechanical properties of concrete. The purpose of conducting this research is to help find an alternative to traditional aggregates and help find new material that can both help save the environment and provide solutions to existing problems. To better understand the behavior of EPS lightweight concrete, a series of experiments were conducted. Several mixes were tested, including 2 different EPS ratios (80 and 125 kgs), as well as incorporating additives into the mixtures, such as Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Steel Fibers (SF), and Polypropylene Fibers (PPF). The effect of these materials on concrete have been noted and it has been found out that even though the adding EPS may in fact reduce density, it has shown to negatively impact properties such as the compressive strength, workability, and splitting tensile strength. Adding SBR has been found to give some advantages, especially in workability, but it was not enough to counteract the effect of EPS.