The aim of this research is to experimentally evaluate the mechanical characteristics of mortar mixtures containing expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads and reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers. Fine aggregates were partially replaced with 10% and 20% replacement ratios of expanded polystyrene beads, as well as four PET fiber volume fractions set at 0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%. Standard specimens for compressive strength, density, split strength, and flexural strength were used to assess the mechanical properties of hardened samples, while the slump test was used to gauge the fresh-state workability. The findings showed that the weight of the mortar reduced when EPS beads were used in place of fine aggregates. However, incorporating EPS beads into the mortar led to notable decrease in its mechanical properties. The workability was negatively impacted by the addition of PET fibers. However, when 0.75% PET fibers were added, PET reinforcement significantly increased compressive strength by 32% and 27% in mixes with 10% and 20% EPS, respectively. Splitting tensile and flexural strength exhibited minor fluctuations, with overall improvements remaining within approximately ±10%. The density and ultrasonic pulse velocity reduce when adding PET fibers. At 20% EPS and 1% PET, the concrete's density dropped to approximately 2030 kg/m³.
The purpose of this research is to produce a modified SCC that involves the incorporation of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and waste of plastic type (PET). The goal is to minimize the weight of the material while simultaneously improving its brittleness and reducing the environmental impact. The study focuses on two methods for reducing the weight of structural elements by using EPS beads, which create voids through concrete, and the second method is making a hollow through the element. This study included designing and investigating four concrete beams under concentrated static load. The parameters were hollow position and material types. The results showed that the offsetting hollow from the center of the beam enhanced the ductility index by 10% and increased the load capacity by 10%. Adding EPS beads reduce the concrete density by 11.5% and load capacity by 22%. Toughness was improved by using plastic fiber due to the mechanism of crack bridging. The crack pattern had been changed due to the utilization of waste material, and enhancement was observed through experimental tests by making smooth cracks and changing the probability of sudden failure when using GFRP rebars. It was found that the optimal quantity of EPS was 2 kg to produce SCC in accordance with code requirements. No debonding or slip was observed during monitoring, as evidenced by the absence of spalling or cracking around the reinforcement.
This study describes the results of tests carried out in order to investigate the structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams containing Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) stabilized Polystyrene beads. Three concrete mixtures were used with densities 350kg/m3, 500 kg/m3 and 600 kg/m3. A total of 12 beams, with control specimens were tested after 28 days of curing immersion in water. Four types of steel reinforcement were utilized: Two ratios of tensile steel reinforcement without compression steel and the same two ratios of tensile reinforcement with compression steel and stirrups. The beams were tested under 4- points loading up to failure. The main variables considered in this study were: different types of Izocrete densities and types of reinforcement steel bars. The results indicated that the amount of polystyrene beads significantly affects the strength of the concrete produced. In general, it can be observed that the compression, tensile and flexure strengths decreased as the EPS beads contents increased, and the moment capacity of the beams reduced with the increase of the beads ratio.The load deflection behavior of the Izocrete beams were similar to other lightweight concrete beams .The failure in most of the beams was initiated at the compression region undergoing large deformation due to the high compressibility of the material.