Abstract
A growing population in Kenya demands expansion of housing facilities. Traditional burnt bricks, quarry stones, timber, and corrugated iron sheets remain the most commonly used construction materials in Kenya. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) material derived from the distillation process of crude oil and is 100% recyclable, is an alternative construction material. Use of EPS material reduces the rate at which natural materials such as wood and stones are extracted from the environment, hence promoting sustainable development. EPS buildings are fast to construct, cost saving and have thermal characteristics that are suitable for areas with extreme weather conditions. Structurally, EPS materials have performed well for both low and high-rise buildings of up to ten floors. In Kenya, lack of governing standards and unawareness amongst industry players has hampered adaptability of EPS building materials. This paper discusses the potential of EPS as a construction material in Kenya. It is concluded that Kenya needs to develop strategies to promote use of environmentally friendly EPS materials.
Highlights
Provision of decent and affordable housing remains a challenge in developing countries
About 57% of homes in Nairobi are roofed with corrugated iron sheets, while those roofed with ceramic tiles and concrete constitute 12.4% and 27.9% respectively, of the homes
Research has shown that the unit weight of EPS embedded structure is up to 35% less than the conventional concrete structure and the Hannah Nyambara Ngugi et al.: Use of Expanded Polystyrene Technology and Materials Recycling for Building Construction in Kenya pre-assembled units reduces the overall cost of structure significantly [6]
Summary
Provision of decent and affordable housing remains a challenge in developing countries. About 57% of homes in Nairobi are roofed with corrugated iron sheets, while those roofed with ceramic tiles and concrete constitute 12.4% and 27.9% respectively, of the homes. There is need to meet the ever-increasing need for decent and affordable housing in Nairobi, Kenya and beyond. EPS is formed by union of so many beads of polystyrene produced during a modelling process with supply of heat as water steam until full formation of the desired properties. Research has shown that the unit weight of EPS embedded structure is up to 35% less than the conventional concrete structure and the Hannah Nyambara Ngugi et al.: Use of Expanded Polystyrene Technology and Materials Recycling for Building Construction in Kenya pre-assembled units reduces the overall cost of structure significantly [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: American Journal of Engineering and Technology Management
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
