In the quest for sustainable and lightweight construction materials, researchers have turned to an unlikely ally: expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as the white foam used in packaging and insulation. A recent study published in the *Abiola Ajimobi Technical University Journal of Engineering Research and Development* (formerly known as ABUAD Journal of Engineering Research and Development) explores the potential of EPS as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete, offering a promising avenue for waste recycling and energy-efficient construction.
Gideon Olukunle Bamigboye, a civil engineering professor at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University in Ibadan, Nigeria, led the research. His team investigated how varying percentages of EPS could replace traditional granite aggregates in concrete mixes, assessing both fresh and hardened properties. The findings reveal a delicate balance between sustainability and structural integrity.
“Our goal was to evaluate the performance of concrete incorporating EPS as a partial coarse aggregate replacement,” Bamigboye explained. “We found that while higher EPS content reduces strength, it also enhances energy absorption and ductility, making it suitable for non-structural and some structural applications.”
The study involved preparing concrete mixes with EPS replacements ranging from 5% to 30%. Tests for slump, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength were conducted at both early and late ages. The results showed an inverse relationship between EPS content and strength performance, with the optimal strength achieved at just 5% EPS replacement.
Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) provided further insights. The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and pore distribution were examined, revealing weaker bonding at higher EPS contents. This weaker bonding contributes to reduced strength but also improves the material’s ability to absorb energy and exhibit ductility.
The implications for the construction industry are significant. EPS, often discarded as waste, can be repurposed to create lightweight concrete, promoting sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. “This research highlights the potential for EPS to be used in lightweight concrete production, contributing to waste recycling and sustainable construction,” Bamigboye noted.
The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these findings. Lightweight materials can reduce the overall weight of buildings, leading to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling. Additionally, the use of recycled materials aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly construction practices.
As the construction industry continues to seek innovative solutions for sustainability, this research offers a compelling case for the use of EPS in concrete. The study not only demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating EPS into construction materials but also underscores the importance of waste recycling in the pursuit of sustainable development.
In the words of Bamigboye, “The future of construction lies in our ability to innovate and adapt, using materials that are both sustainable and efficient.” This research is a step in that direction, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and resource-efficient future.