Properties of polystyrene concrete bricks with silica fume

• Main Author: Kho, John Han Shyan
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English; English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, UNIMAS 2009
• Subjects: TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); TH Building construction
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/4560/1/Properties%20of%20Polystyrene%20Concrete%20Bricks%20with%20Silica%20Fume%2824pgs%29.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/4560/8/John%20ft.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/4560/

This project reports the results of experimental investigation on the properties of concrete bricks containing expanded polystyrene beads and silica fume. In the study, lightweight polystyrene concrete can be produced by partial replacement of fine aggregate. Expanded polystyrene beads were used as lightweight aggregate for replacement of sand. In addition, cement was partially replaced by silica fume in order to improve the properties of concrete. A total of 216 samples of bricks were prepared for this study. The main purpose of this project is to investigate the properties of polystyrene concrete bricks such as the compressive strength, weight and density, water absorption, sulphate attack, sea water attack and finally, expansion and contraction of polystyrene concrete bricks. The samples were tested in four conditions such as laboratory condition, tap water, sea water and 5% sulphuric acid. These samples were compared to each other by taking tap water condition as control. It was found that the bricks have low compressive strength with high water absorption but with presence of silica fume, the strength was increased and the water absorption was decreased. There are also changes in physical properties such as colour and dimension. The experimental study shows that the properties of polystyrene concrete bricks were mainly influenced by the content of silica fume and expanded polystyrene beads in the mix. This study also shows the potential use of recycle materials in construction industry.