LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE PRODUCED AS ADDITION OF EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (EPS): A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Concrete is a composite material produced from the mixture of sand, gravel, water and cement, it can contain additions and chemical additives to improve or modify its properties. The addition of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) to concrete has been studied in recent decades, as its characteristics, in addition to reducing the specific weight of concrete, positively influence the mechanical resistance, confer thermal acoustic insulation, low water absorption and have great environmental appeal. This work, of bibliographic research, analyzed the studies already carried out on the applicability of EPS in the lightweight concrete mixture. Among the several benefits that the use of material to replace natural aggregates in the lightweight concrete mix offers, density and thermal performance have stood out. In conclusion, it is possible to affirm, based on the consulted texts, that EPS is a material that, when composing lightweight concrete, provides reduced density and excellent thermal performance, as well as an economic and environmental advantage, given the recycling capacity of discarded EPS materials.