Expanded polystyrene (EPS) wastes are
generated from industries and post-consumer products.
They are non-biodegradable but are usually disposed by
burning or landfilling leading to environmental
pollution. The possibility of using EPS as partial
replacement for fine aggregates in concrete has
generated research interests in recent times. However,
since the physical and mechanical properties of EPS are
not like those of conventional fine aggregates, this study
is focussed on the use of EPS as an additive in concrete
while keeping other composition (sand and granite)
constant. Expanded polystyrene was milled, the bulk
density of EPS was 10.57kg/m3
and particle size
distributions were determined. Engineering properties
of expanded polystyrene concrete were determined in
accordance with BS 8110-2:1985. The result showed
that the amount of expanded polystyrene incorporated
in concrete influence the properties of hardened and
fresh concrete. The compressive strengths of 17.07MPa
with 5 % expanded polystyrene concrete at 28 days for
example can be used as a lightweight concrete for
partitioning in offices. Incorporating expanded
polystyrene granules in a concrete matrix can produce
lightweight polystyrene aggregate concrete of various
densities, compressive strengths, flexural strengths and
tensile strengths. In conclusion, this reduces
environmental pollution, reduction in valuable landfill
space and also for sustainability in construction
companies
Keywords : Polystyrene, Strength, Flexural, Bulk density, Absorption