ABSTRACT
This paper explored the use of Expanded Polystyrene Thermocol (EPT) beads in construction of low-housing projects. The mechanical and physical properties, including workability, density, compressive and flexural strengths, heat conductivity and drying shrinkage were assessed at varying percentages of EPT used to replace coarse aggregate of a 35 MPa control concrete mix. The discussion pivoted around the technical feasibility of EPT concrete when applied to the various components of required to construct a low-cost house in South Africa. The addition of EPT beads to concrete is found to negatively influence strength and drying shrinkage while enhances the workability, density, and thermal properties. EPT concrete produced by incorporating approximately 25% EPT beads by volume replacement of coarse aggregates is found suitable for low-cost houses applications.
