Design of thermally efficient self-compacting mortars (scms) by using expanded polystyrene beads (eps)
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Date
2024
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Abstract
Buildings consume a significant amount of energy, and throughout their lifespan particularly
in hot regions. To address this issue, researchers have been exploring innovative solutions, such
as incorporating Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) into cementitious systems to enhance
thermal efficiency. In our research, the impact of adding EPS beads to Self-Compacting Mortar
(SCM) systems were investigated. EPS beads (6mm) along with supplementary cementitious
materials (SCMs) like Limestone Powder (LSP), Fly Ash (FA), Ceramic Powder (CP), and
Brick Powder (BP) were utilized. Furthermore, the brick material was ground for 2 hours in
order to achieve required fineness and consistency. The study aim was to find the optimal
combination that would improve thermal performance while maintaining structural integrity.
To ensure proper dispersion of EPS and achieve desired flow properties, we utilized FAST SBR
LATEX as a viscosity-enhancing agent (VEA) and 1800 pc as a superplasticizer. Results
revealed that incorporating EPS resulted in reduced shrinkage and increased water absorption
and flow times. However, it also led to a decrease in compressive strength. Interestingly, the
SCM formulation containing all the SRMs simultaneously exhibited the highest strength, as
supported by microstructural analysis and various testing methods such as X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Notably, when EPS beads were added to the
mixture containing all SRMs, the thermal conductivity reached its lowest point, representing a
significant decrease in energy consumption. This promising result underscores the potential of
EPS-enhanced SCM systems to mitigate energy usage in buildings, contributing to
sustainability efforts.