An Experimental Investigation On Light Weight Concrete By Uisng Expanded Polystyrene Beads (Eps)

Abstract

Lightweight concrete constitutes a specialized form of concrete formulated with lightweight aggregates, including expanded clay, shale, slate, perlite, vermiculite, or polystyrene beads. The incorporation of these lightweight aggregates aims to decrease the overall density of the concrete, rendering it lighter in comparison to conventional concrete mixes. This variant finds applications across diverse sectors, including the construction of lightweight structures, flooring systems, and precast concrete items, where the minimization of weight proves essential. Lightweight concrete offers several benefits, including enhanced thermal insulation, heightened energy efficiency, simplified handling and transportation, and diminished dead load on supporting structures.However, it also has some limitations, such as lower fire resistance compared to traditional concrete. Lightweight concrete is a type of concrete that uses lightweight aggregates, such as polystyrene beads, in place of traditional aggregates, such as crushed stone, to produce a lighter weight product. The use of polystyrene beads as a replacement for traditional aggregates has been shown to improve the thermal insulation and energy efficiency of the concrete, while still maintaining its structural integrity. The experimental investigation of lightweight concrete using polystyrene beads would typically involve measuring the mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity, and comparing them to those of traditional concrete. Additionally, the investigation may also assess the thermal insulation properties of the lightweight concrete, as well as any potential drawbacks, such as decreased fire resistance. The objective is to compare the mechanical properties like compressive strength, Tensile strength, Flexural strength and Modulus of elasticity of conventional concrete for 7, 14 & 28 days with light weight concrete comprising expanded polystyrene as per IS code 10262- 2009 consists of 0.2 & 0.3% EPS for Fine Aggregate and 10 % to 60% of Coarse Aggregate for M25 mix design. The effect of inclusion of expanded polystyrene on the mechanical properties of lightweight concrete will be studied