Use of expanded polystyrene in developing solid brick masonry units

This paper presents the results of an experimental program aimed at using expanded polystyrene (EPS) wastes in developing lightweight mortar and masonry solid brick units of adequate mechanical and thermal characteristics for use in building and construction applications. Five dosages of EPS were used to partially substitute the sand in the mix, namely; 0, 10, 15, 20 and 26 kg/m(3). The results showed that the density, compressive strength, tensile strength, static modulus of elasticity, and coefficient of thermal conductivity decrease with the increase of the EPS dosage in the mix. The results showed also that the proposed EPS solid bricks possess adequate strength for non-loadbearing applications have superior thermal properties. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.