This project report seeks to study the suitability of expanded polystyrene as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates and the effects of their use in the concrete mix in terms of strength and workability under different percentages of EPS: 1%, 3% and 6% by weight.
Workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, densities and water absorption rates of the different mix design samples were tested for the different replacement percentages.
From the results obtained from the lab, it was found that the introduction of EPS beads into the concrete mix increases the workability as observed from the increase in slump and compaction factor. It also increases the water absorption while it reduces the density and compressive and tensile strength as compared to a control concrete specimen.
Due to the above reasons, the use of EPS as a partial replacement up to a certain percentage where the strength and thus the structural integrity of concrete is not compromised is encouraged. Otherwise, it can be used to make bricks thus an alternative building material.