Skip to main content

An Experimental Study of Light Weight Concrete with Expended Polystyrene Beads as Aggregates.

Page 1

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 11 Issue: 07 | July 2024

www.irjet.net

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

An Experimental Study of Light Weight Concrete with Expended Polystyrene Beads as Aggregates. S Kavia Padmashali1, Mr. Pravek Sahu2 1Research Scholar, M. Tech. (Structural Engg.)

2Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,

Jhada Sirha Government Engineering College, Jagdalpur Chhattisgarh India.

---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------

Abstract - Compared to ordinary concrete, lightweight concrete is an innovative building material that offers numerous benefits. Its reduced density—which is typically between 10% and 40% lower—leads to improved thermal insulation and energy efficiency. This experimental study investigates the properties of lightweight concrete using expanded polystyrene (EPS) pellets as the aggregate. EPS beads were added to the concrete mix in different proportions to replace traditional coarse aggregates. We evaluated the impact of EPS beads on concrete's density, compressive strength, workability, and thermal conductivity in both its fresh and hardened states. The findings showed that there were significant drops in density (up to 40%) and thermal conductivity (up to 50%) when the number of EPS increased. Compressive strength decreased with increased EPS content, although it remained within permissible limits for structural applications. The study emphasizes the potential of EPS-based lightweight concrete for energy-efficient and sustainable construction, with potential applications in building insulation, foundation systems, and structural elements.

including ability and reduced dead weight. When poured on the wall, lightweight concrete keeps its vast spaces without creating cement films or laitance layers. The performance of aerated lightweight concrete served as the foundation for this study. For cement and water to cohere sufficiently, though, a suitable water-to-cement ratio is essential. Concrete may become less strong due to a lack of cohesiveness between the particles brought on by insufficient water. Similarly, excessive watering can lead to cement runoff, causing laitance layers to form, which then lose strength. 1.2 Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and its benefits: One common ingredient in enhanced concrete aggregate is polystyrene, a light-weight, rigid foam. Blending concrete with EPS blocks or beads creates a unique composite material with unique properties. Reduced density and weight. improved capacity to insulate Increased buoyancy (for maritime applications) enhanced workability and finishability. Potential for reduced material costs.

Key Words: thermal conductivity, compressive strength, aggregates, expanded polystyrene beads, lightweight concrete, and sustainability.

2. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 

Examine the potential applications of EPS-based lightweight concrete for building structures, insulation, and infrastructure development.

Consider the potential cost savings, improved thermal insulation, and reduced environmental effects of using EPS in construction.

For lightweight concrete with an M30 grade, develop a mix using EPS instead of coarse material. Analyze the variations in lightweight concrete with EPS performance versus conventional concrete.

1.INTRODUCTION: Modern infrastructure, buildings, and structures are largely constructed with concrete, a material that has been around for generations. It is a complicated composite material made of cement, water, fine and coarse aggregates, and admixtures. These ingredients work together to create a material that is robust, adaptable, and long-lasting. Because of its special qualities and benefits, concrete is now a crucial part of contemporary building, being utilized for anything from roadways and ornamental elements to high-rise structures and bridges. The high weight, thermal conductivity, and environmental effects of traditional concrete are some of its drawbacks. Using unconventional materials and methods, researchers and engineers have been investigating creative ways to overcome these obstacles, such as creating lightweight concrete.

3. LITRATURE REVIEW: 

The concrete made of lightweight aggregates which reduce self and density of concrete is called as lightweight concrete. The density of lightweight concrete ranges from 1440 kg/m3 to 1840 kg/m3. It includes expanding agents which increase the volume of concrete thus

1.1 Light weight concrete: Variety of concrete that contains an expanding agent, which adds volume to the mixture and imparts other properties,

© 2024, IRJET

|

Impact Factor value: 8.226

Mohsin Mushtaq Khan, and Anuj Sachar

|

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal

|

Page 198


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook