Assessment of lightweight concrete using expanded polystyrene beads

Abstract

Normal concrete has a density of 24-25 kN/m3 which increases the self-weight of the structure and also makes it uneconomical. In order to reduce the weight of the structure lightweight concrete is used. One of the methods to produce lightweight concrete is to use Expanded Polystyrene beads as a partial substitute to fine aggregate. The main objective of this investigation is to obtain lightweight concrete and also to determine the optimum dosage of Expanded Polystyrene Beads. In the present work the Expanded Polystyrene beads are added at 10% interval (by total volume of fine aggregate) and their properties such as density and compressive strength are studied. From the results obtained it is observed that an optimum of 40% of Expanded Polystyrene beads can be replaced by volume of fine aggregate which gives a strength of 21 N/mm2 for M20 grade concrete along with the density of 19 kN/m3. It can be used for plain concrete structure, where M20 concrete is preferred.