Properties of hardened concrete bricks containing expanded polystyrene beads

Polystyrene aggregate concrete is one of many lightweight and low strength materials. This project reports the results of an experimental investigation into the properties of hardened concrete bricks containing expanded polystyrene beads. The beads are used as part of sand replacement in the mixes. A total of 200 samples of bricks with the standard size of 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm were prepared in this study. Among the properties studied were compressive strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage and wet expansion of the polystyrene concrete bricks. It was found that polystyrene concrete is very prone to segregation and has low compressive strength. The properties of the bricks are mainly influenced by the content of polystyrene beads in the mix. The results indicate that polystyrene concrete mix with certain portion of the beads may provide as a suitable alternative material in the construction industry