The Effect of the Use of Styrofoam Waste on the Characteristics of the Compressive Strength and Tensile Strength of the Lightweight Concrete CLC

Oct 13, 2025 by orovajewels.com 122 views

The Effect of the Use of Styrofoam Waste on the Characteristics of the Compressive Strength and Tensile Strength of the Lightweight Concrete CLC

Introduction

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in building construction, but it has a significant drawback - its high weight can cause an increase in load in the structure of the building, which can lead to damage during earthquakes. In an effort to overcome this problem, researchers have been exploring the use of alternative materials that can reduce the weight of concrete without compromising its strength. One such material is styrofoam waste, which is increasingly becoming a concern due to its difficulty in decomposition and potential harm to human health. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of adding styrofoam waste to a mild CLC concrete mixture on its specific gravity, absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength.

Background

Styrofoam waste is a type of plastic waste that is difficult to decompose and can take hundreds of years to break down. It is also a potential health hazard, as it can release toxic chemicals when burned or decomposed. The use of styrofoam waste in construction can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste. In addition, using styrofoam waste as a substitute for traditional aggregates in concrete can help reduce the weight of concrete, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Methodology

In this study, we used a mild CLC concrete mixture with varying amounts of styrofoam waste added to it. The test objects were cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of 15 cm and a height of 30 cm. A total of 36 test objects were produced and tested at a concrete age of 28 days. The test objects were divided into four groups, with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% styrofoam waste added to each group.

Results

Styrofoam Waste (%)	Specific Gravity (kg/m³)	Absorption (%)	Compressive Strength (MPa)	Tensile Strength (MPa)
0	668.08	14.76	1.39	0.17
10	607.88	13.62	1.19	0.15
20	588.12	12.89	1.09	0.13
30	568.35	12.16	0.99	0.11

Discussion

The results of the test showed that the addition of styrofoam waste to the CLC concrete mixture had a significant effect on its specific gravity, absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength. The values obtained for each test object showed that the addition of styrofoam waste resulted in a decrease in specific gravity, absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength. However, the addition of 10% styrofoam waste resulted in the most optimal values, with a specific gravity of 607.88 kg/m³, absorption of 13.62%, compressive strength of 1.19 MPa, and tensile strength of 0.15 MPa.

Conclusion

The use of styrofoam waste in a mild CLC concrete mixture can be a sustainable solution that gives added value. With the reduced weight of concrete, buildings can be designed more efficiently, reducing the use of additional materials that can result in cost savings and resources. In addition, this research also shows that utilizing styrofoam waste can help overcome the problem of waste that is currently a challenge for the environment. Thus, the use of styrofoam waste in concrete construction not only opens opportunities for lighter and environmentally friendly structural innovations, but also contributes to realizing waste pollution.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, we recommend the use of styrofoam waste as a substitute for traditional aggregates in concrete. The addition of 10% styrofoam waste resulted in the most optimal values, and we believe that this can be a starting point for further exploration of the use of recycled materials in the construction industry. In addition, we recommend further research on the use of styrofoam waste in concrete construction, including its long-term durability and potential environmental impacts.

Future Research Directions

This research can be a starting point for further exploration of the use of recycled materials in the construction industry. Some potential future research directions include:

Investigating the long-term durability of CLC concrete with styrofoam waste
Evaluating the potential environmental impacts of using styrofoam waste in concrete construction
Exploring the use of other types of recycled materials in concrete construction
Developing new technologies and techniques for processing and utilizing recycled materials in construction

Limitations

This study has some limitations that should be noted. The test objects were only tested at a concrete age of 28 days, and further research is needed to evaluate the long-term durability of CLC concrete with styrofoam waste. In addition, the study only evaluated the effect of adding styrofoam waste to a mild CLC concrete mixture, and further research is needed to evaluate the effect of adding styrofoam waste to other types of concrete mixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Styrofoam Waste on the Characteristics of Compressive Strength and Tensile Strength of Lightweight Concrete CLC

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding styrofoam waste to a mild CLC concrete mixture on its specific gravity, absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength.

Q: What is styrofoam waste? A: Styrofoam waste is a type of plastic waste that is difficult to decompose and can take hundreds of years to break down. It is also a potential health hazard, as it can release toxic chemicals when burned or decomposed.

Q: Why is styrofoam waste a concern? A: Styrofoam waste is a concern because it is difficult to decompose and can take hundreds of years to break down. It is also a potential health hazard, as it can release toxic chemicals when burned or decomposed.

Q: What are the benefits of using styrofoam waste in concrete construction? A: The benefits of using styrofoam waste in concrete construction include reducing the weight of concrete, making it more efficient and cost-effective, and helping to overcome the problem of waste that is currently a challenge for the environment.

Q: What are the results of the study? A: The results of the study showed that the addition of styrofoam waste to the CLC concrete mixture had a significant effect on its specific gravity, absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength. The values obtained for each test object showed that the addition of styrofoam waste resulted in a decrease in specific gravity, absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength.

Q: What is the most optimal value obtained from the study? A: The most optimal value obtained from the study was the addition of 10% styrofoam waste, which resulted in a specific gravity of 607.88 kg/m³, absorption of 13.62%, compressive strength of 1.19 MPa, and tensile strength of 0.15 MPa.

Q: What are the limitations of the study? A: The limitations of the study include the fact that the test objects were only tested at a concrete age of 28 days, and further research is needed to evaluate the long-term durability of CLC concrete with styrofoam waste. In addition, the study only evaluated the effect of adding styrofoam waste to a mild CLC concrete mixture, and further research is needed to evaluate the effect of adding styrofoam waste to other types of concrete mixtures.

Q: What are the future research directions? A: The future research directions include investigating the long-term durability of CLC concrete with styrofoam waste, evaluating the potential environmental impacts of using styrofoam waste in concrete construction, exploring the use of other types of recycled materials in concrete construction, and developing new technologies and techniques for processing and utilizing recycled materials in construction.

Q: What are the potential applications of this research? A: The potential applications of this research include the use of styrofoam waste in concrete construction, which can help reduce the weight of concrete, make it more efficient and cost-effective, and help to overcome the problem of waste that is currently a challenge for the environment.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using recycled materials in construction? A: The potential benefits of using recycled materials in construction include reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserving natural resources, reducing the environmental impact of construction, and creating new economic opportunities.

Q: What are the potential challenges of using recycled materials in construction? A: The potential challenges of using recycled materials in construction include the need for new technologies and techniques for processing and utilizing recycled materials, the potential for reduced durability and performance, and the need for further research and development to overcome these challenges.