PRODUCTION OF STYROFOAM BRICKS USING STRENGTHENING ADMIXTURE

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make eco-friendly lightweight styrofoam bricks of higher compressive strength. To achieve that strengthening admixture was used. Sixteen different mix ratios of cement: sand: styrofoam is taken to make standard size (240 mm × 115 mm × 70 mm) styrofoam bricks. Two dosages (350 and 650 gm/50 gm cement) of admixture were used for the study. With no admixture, the compressive strength of styrofoam bricks was seen to vary from 3.19-11.56 MPa. Such value was seen to be increased up to 18.52 MPa after the use of admixture. The water absorption rate of almost all styrofoam bricks was not more than 10%, which is much less than the conventional brick. Density of the styrofoam bricks varies from 892-1,834 kg/m3. This is also less than the conventional brick. The cost per styrofoam brick was seen to vary from $0.06-0.18, which is found compatible with conventional brick.