Lightweight concrete with recycled ground expanded polystyrene aggregate

Abstract

This article describes the possibilities in using recycled, ground expanded polystyrene (EPS) as aggregate for lightweight concretes as thermal insulation or as a structural concrete. The article presents a rich experience and provides explanation on the benefits of using ground EPS aggregate compared to virgin EPS beads in making lightweight concrete. A reinforced lightweight concrete structure made by SU-styrol-technology is also presented. Although the compressive strength of this lightweight aggregate concrete is six times less than that of ordinary concrete, the deformation (deflection) and the load- bearing capacity of the reinforced slab and that of the Su-styrene reinforced concrete and of the ordinary reinforced concrete slab are the same, which is very interesting. The authors have provided a physical interpretation of this behaviour, with the conclusion that the reinforced SU-styrol lightweight concrete is compatible with steel, unlike ordinary concrete. The authors hope that this paper will be a positive motivation for other researchers to explore this interesting topic.