EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE (LWC) USING PUMICE AND EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE BEADS (EPS)
Abstract
It is very significant to mention about Light Weight Concrete (LWC) which is very popularly used in in multi-story building frames, shell roofs, prestressed or precast elements because of its light weight or lower dead load compared to normal concrete. Because of other reasons such as high cost, lack of proper standards, etc., it is less popular in practice. This research work analyses and presents the best experimental study of preparation of LWC in different proportions (50%, 60% & 70%) with the mixture of pumice and Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) to provide the best results. This research work aims at producing LWC of density 1850 kg/m3 and compressive strength of greater than 20 MPa. Partial replacement of pumice in place of coarse aggregates and partial replacement of EPS beads in place of fine aggregates is the essence of the experimentation here. Compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths, among other mechanical attributes were calculated based on the experiments carried out. It is satisfying that the LWC can be prepared at 60% replacement of pumice and EPS beads in providing the expected density of 1850 kg/m3 and strength. Therefore, it is concluded that challenges in producing LWC having adequate density and strength parameters can be overcome by new materials used such as pumice and EPS beads.
