Mechanical, sound and thermal properties of recycled expanded polystyrene concrete reinforced with 0.5% to 5.5% kenaf fibre

Abstract

The incorporation of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in the concrete matrix has been increasingly popular in the construction industry in recent years, because of its excellent insulating and protective properties. However, there are shortcomings in the mechanical properties of the EPS concrete. This research aims to improve the tensile strength of the EPS with the usage of natural kenaf fibres, and the compressive strength with additives for example silica fume and naphthalene-based superplasticizers. The method of producing EPS–KF concrete mix is by selecting an EPS concrete mix with adequate strength by referencing local standard MS 76:1972 before determining the optimum percentage of kenaf fibres. This study found that with the optimum volume of EPS and kenaf fibres, the density of the concrete can achieve lightweight classification. In addition to that, the fibres are found to improve the tensile property, without compromising too much of the compressive property. The concrete produced from this study may be ideal for use as concrete bricks in the construction industry for non-structural purposes, especially in low-cost housing for its advantageous benefits and also to reduce the detrimental effects of waste to the environment.