Proportioning of Lightweight Concrete by the Inclusion of Expanded Polystyrene(EPS)

Abstract

This paper handles the characteristics of new lightweight concrete consisting of polystyrene, sand, cement, coarse aggregate and water. This work can be considered a new line of research for lightweight concrete as the mixing method is very simple, relatively inexpensive and does not need complex machinery systems and also to determine the optimum dosage of Expanded Polystyrene Beads. In the present work the Expanded Polystyrene beads are added at 10%, 20% and 30%. Their strength such as compressive, split tensile and flexural strength are studied. From the results obtained it is observed that an optimum of 10% of Expanded Polystyrene beads can be replaced by volume of fine aggregate. It can be used for plain concrete structure, where M25 concrete is preferred.