Experimental Investigation Flyash Based Light Weight Geopolymer Concrete Using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

The main objective is to produce lightweight geopolymer concrete using expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads as partial replacement of the fine aggregates for building components. The selection of EPS bead aggregate was made mainly due to its low density, closed cellular structure, hydrophobic and energy absorbing characteristics. Also, to study the strength characteristics of light weight geopolymer concrete using different combinations. Previously, several studies were conducted on mix details, strength properties, drying shrinkage, compaction and finishing etc. of the geopolymer concretes .A new material that has been introduced in the construction field called Geopolymer concrete in which cement is totally replaced by Fly ash rich in Aluminium (Al) and Silicon (Si). When the polymerisation process of highly alkaline liquids is activated, the materials start to bind with aggregates in concrete. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight material that is used in various Engineering, industrial, commercial as well as household applications. It has density that is about a couple of hundredth of that of soil. It has compressive strength comparable to medium clay and has good thermal insulation properties with stiffness. It is mainly use to reduce settlement below embankments, reducing lateral pressure on sub-structures, reducing stresses on rigid buried conduits and related applications, sound and vibration damping. EPS is very light in weight and has grainy form which is used as aggregate to create a light weight structural concrete. It has unit weight varying from 1200 to 2000 kg per m³. As polystyrene aggregate is light weight and high density, concrete can be created by partially replacing sand (fine aggregate) in the normal weight concrete mixtures with equal volume of the chemically coated crushed polystyrene granules.