Journal Article

Mechanical properties of lightweight concrete using EPS beads as coarse aggregate replacement

Suknoi, Suminta, Benchaphong, Apai, Jairtalawanich, Thamma, Sangthong, Sessawath, Dueramae, Saofee, Tonphutsa, Khomdison

2025

Overview

This research aims to examine the mechanical behavior of lightweight concrete produced by replacing natural coarse aggregates with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads. The difference particle sized of EPS beads with diameter of 2.0 and 5.0 mm was used to replaced natural coarse aggregate (crushed limestone) at the rates of 35, 50 and 65% by volume. The compressive strength of concrete was evaluated at 7, 14 and 28 days. Additionally, the mechanical properties in term of splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus of concrete were also measured at 28 days. The results demonstrated that the compressive strength of the concrete reduced with increasing EPS bead replacement. However, specimens with smaller EPS beads exhibited slightly higher compressive strength compared to those with larger beads. Using 35% EPS beads with size of 2.0 mm as artificial aggregate to replace coarse aggregate resulted in compressive strengths of 28.3, 31.2, and 34.5 MPa at 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively. All the concrete can be classified as lightweight concrete for structures due to its compressive strength being higher than 17 MPa. Splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus of concrete depended on concrete strength similar to conventional concrete using natural coarse aggregate.

• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• Subject: artificial aggregate / Compressive strength / Concrete aggregates / Concrete properties / elastic modulus / EPS beads / Lightweight concretes / Limestone / Mechanical properties / Modulus of elasticity / Polystyrene resins / Splitting / splitting tensile strength / Tensile strength