The development of lightweight concrete using modified expanded polystyrene beads

Abstract

Lightweight concrete defined that is a type of concrete that is use lightweight aggregates and more lighter with low density than the conventional concrete. The main objectives of this research were to produce a good quality of lightweight concrete by using modified expanded polystyrene beads. The producing of the modified expanded polystyrene beads was by heating process of the expanded polystyrene beads by using furnace. Trial concrete mixes were done first using expanded polystyrene beads to get the best mix proportions. After that, three samples of cube concrete by using modified expanded polystyrene beads were mixed based on the best mix proportion. A few laboratory tests were done such as density, water absorption, compressive strength and microstructure analysis that were studied up 7 to 56 days. Sample D is the best trial mix with higher compressive strength by 7.092 MPa and the density by 1783 kg/m3 on ages 56 days that is complies with the BS EN 206-1:2000. Sample X is the best mix than sample Y and Z and even better than sample D due to the compressive strength on ages 56 days by 16.466 MPa. In a nutshell, strength of lightweight concrete was better by using modified expanded polystyrene beads.