An investigation on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of dune sand mortars lightened by expanded polystyrene beads (EPS)

Abstract

As the idea of sustainable development has been involved in all fields including construction and civil engineering, a huge amount of researches has focused on reducing energy use and protecting the environment, while at the same time ensuring the comfort of inhabitant. Taking on this viewpoint, the current work focuses on replacing natural materials with recycled and synthetic materials, to produce a new eco-material that satisfies the binary concept; minimizing cost and constructing light elements with complex geometry that promotes architectural innovation. The present work aims to mix design and study a mortar based on mixture of fine siliceous dune sand and crushed limestone sand lightened by expanded polystyrene (EPS). Sand was substituted by EPS with percentages of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 100%. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of composite mortars were assessed according to the dry density, compressive strength, flexural strength, porosity, and conductivity. The obtained results show that, the use of EPS decreases the mechanical properties and the density of mortars. However, the thermal properties of mortars incorporating EPS were improved and meet the requirement for lightweight concrete constructions and insulation applications.