Effect of adhesion between eps granules and cement matrix on the characteristics of lightweight concretes

Abstract

The paper presents the results of examinations of the effect of modification of EPS granulate on the compressive strength of lightweight concrete composites. EPS granulate was used to volumetrically replace mineral aggregate with the amount of 50% and 75%. Modification of EPS granulate consisted in coating with cement slurry and cement slurry with silica dust. It was found that the coating of the EPS granulates followed by preparation of the concrete mix leads to an increase in adhesion of EPS to the cement matrix. This results in significantly higher compressive strength compared to concrete based on unmodified EPS aggregate. Concrete made with 50% of EPS granules previously coated with cement slurry with silica dust obtained an average compressive strength of 18.3 MPa, which was by 18.1% higher than that of concrete with unmodified EPS.