The aim of this study is to develop Lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) mixtures using locally sourced waste materials such as Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) and Waste Plastic Fibers (WPFs) which are all available abundantly available in Republic of Iraq at little or no cost. The fresh, hardened and mechanical properties of these LWSCC were studied, followed by results analysis. Five different mixes of LWSCC were prepared in term of WPF content (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 %), in addition to the control mix (R mix) and lightweight concrete (E mix) made of EPS content as a replacement of coarse aggregate. The study showed that the LWSCC produced with these waste materials were decreased the density (lightweight) of the concrete mixes as EPS tend to form more clumps, absorb water and make the mix dry. Therefore, concrete mixtures were adjusted accordingly to be able to offset the workability caused by the addition of EPS. The increase in WPF content decreased the workability due to clumping that occurred in the mixing phase. The analysis of mechanical properties of the LWSCFRC specimens revealed that there was not much improvement. While LWSCC with 100% of EPS replacement as coarse aggregates and 1.25% WPFs provides the best flexural toughness performance
This research includes studying the possibility of producing a new kind of No-fines concrete by replacing granules of coarse aggregates with grains results from the fragmentation of industrial waste of polystyrene. This replacing were with different volumetric proportions of coarse aggregate, and theses volumetric ratios were equal to (5%, 10%, 15% and 25%). Waste plastic fibers (WPFs) resulting from cutting of soft drinks bottles were added for strengthening this new kind of concrete. Mixing ratio was equal to (1:5) (cement: coarse aggregate) by weight. One reference mix was produced for comparative purpose. Compressive strength, flexural strength and density tests were conducted, it was examined three samples of each examination and taking the average. Compressive strength values of the new sustainable concrete were ranged from 10 MPa to 12.4 MPa at age of test equal to 28 days, while the average value of the density of this concrete at the same age reaches 1930 kg/m3. This average value of modulus of rupture was equal to 2.36 MPa at 28-day age test.
This research work includes production of new type of light weight concrete and studies the mechanical and thermal properties. Several proportions of raw materials were used to produce this type of concrete. This study is intended to produce light weight concrete with low thermal conductivity so that it can be used for concrete masonry units. Polystyrene aggregate was added as percentages by weight of cement to improve the thermal properties of this type of concrete .Mechanical , and thermal tests with difference ages were made in this work .For polystyrene concrete with polystyrene cement ratio (p/c) of (2.67 – 6 )% , the28-day compressive strength range is from (4.31 – 2.67)MPa, flexural strength range is from (3.05-1.719 ) MPa , density range is from ( 1493-1213 ) kg/m 3 ,and thermal conductivity range is from ( 0.91-0.782)% as a percentage by that of reference mix. The study show suitability of this type of concrete to be used in concrete masonry units of non-bearing walls.
Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a pioneering concrete that can gush beneath its own load, filling the formwork, and achieving full consolidation while maintaining sufficient cohesion to handle the concrete without segregation or bleeding issues. To develop EPS- fiber reinforced SCC, waste materials such as Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) and waste plastic fibers (Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) were incorporated. This study investigated the response of SCC to the incorporation of different ratios of PET fibers (0.35%, 0.5%, and 0.75%) and 10% of EPS particles and its impact on fresh and mechanical properties of SCC mixtures. Five SCC mixtures were designed, including the reference mixture, 10% EPS mixture, and three volume fractions (Vf) of PET mixtures. Test results indicated that EPS particles had an optimistic effect on fresh properties and a slight negative effect on mechanical properties. While PET fibers revealed a slight negative impact on fresh properties, they also improved mechanical properties. The highest and lowest values in fresh properties tests, including slump flow, T50, V-funnel, L-box, and sieve segregation were (780mm for (E %10) mix, 5.4 seconds for (0.75% f) mix, 19 second for (0.75% f) mix, 0.85 for (E %10) mix, and 10.77% for (R) mix), respectively and (670mm for (0.75% f) mix, 1.8 second for (E %10) mix, 6 seconds for (E %10) mix, 0 for (0.75% f) mix, and 3.28% for (0.5% f) mix), respectively. While, the highest and lowest values in mechanical properties tests, including density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength were (2305 kg/m3 for (R) mix, 4.2 km/s for (R) mix, 48 MPa for (0.5% f) mix, and 3.66 MPa for (0.5% f) mix), respectively and (2170 kg/m3 for (0.5% f) mix, 4.03 km/s for (0.75% f) mix, 31 MPa for (E %10) mix, and 2.33 MPa for (E %10) mix), respectively
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.
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.