Effect of External Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Panels on Slabs Subjected to Impact Load

Abstract

The current research addresses the effect of impact load on Reinforced Concrete (RC) slabs strengthened by Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and/ or Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sheets. A total of five slabs were tested; one control specimen without EPS or GFRP, two slabs with two EPS panels with different densities on their impact side, one slab with GFRP sheet on impact side and finally one slab with EPS panel on impact side and GFRP on the tension side. To test the effect of the presence of EPS panels and GFRP sheets, the RC slabs were supported on a table centered below a drop tower. A weight of 3.245 kg was dropped freely from the drop tower to hit the slab. The energy that the slab could withstand was calculated based on the weight, height and number of drops. Results varied according to the variation of parameters; the combination of EPS on the impact side and GFRP on the tension side yielded double the energy the specimen could withstand compared to the control specimen. Results also showed that EPS acted like a cushion that is capable of absorbing a portion of the impact energy. Another finding is that the higher the density of the EPS the more energy it can absorb. This paper proves that EPS is a promising material that could be utilized in reducing the effects of impact loads on concrete structures.