Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference between using manufactured or waste-expanded polystyrene (EPS) as an aggregate replacement in concrete. Concrete mixture proportions are held constant, whereas two types of EPS re ground waste material (RGD) and manufactured spherical bead (BD) replace a portion of the fine aggregate. The plastic state and hardened state properties are quantified and compared between test batches. The plastic state measures of consistency, air content, and unit weight are reported. The measured hardened state properties include compressive strength, elastic modulus, strength-weight ratio, and energy-related toughness as determined using compression load-deflection curves. The results indicate that, for comparable concrete mixtures, BD mixtures exhibited improved workability and reduced air entrapment or entrained air as compared to RGD mixtures due to differences in EPS particle surface characteristics. Furthermore, statistically significant increases in compressive strength and energy-related toughness are demonstrated for BD mixtures in comparison to RGD mixtures.
