The effect of expanded polystyrene beads (EPS) on the physical and mechanical properties of aerated concrete

There is a significant challenge to developing the strength and durability of the aerated concrete (AC) for structural applications, but to date, no researchers have focussed on the effect of expanded polystyrene beads (EPS) on the AC properties. EPS-AC consists of cement, sand, water and aluminium powder with commercially available spherical small, hollow and impermeable polystyrene beads. In this research, different contents of EPS from 0 to 4% by cement weight were added to create the AC with different densities. It is revealed that the greatest enhancements in the properties of EPS-AC were noticed when the EPS volume fraction was increased to 4%. The compressive, flexural strength and modulus of rupture were enhanced by 48, 37 and 125% respectively, whereas the density was raised slightly. Moreover, it was shown that all EPS-AC mixes could satisfy the requirements of structural lightweight concrete.