Study of the properties of lightweight concrete and its potential use as an alternative to hollow bricks for roof slabs using polystyrene granules

Abstract

The research summarizes the conduct of tests on lightweight concrete (lightened by the addition of polystyrene beads) in terms of density, compressive strength, weight, and absorption rate. All these tests are conducted on three mixes of lightweight concrete using polystyrene beads, and the best mixes are selected in terms of weight lightness and absorption rate. Consequently, the possible and available uses of this concrete are deducted, such as sloping layer works and the manufacturing of solid bricks as an alternative to hollow bricks. The research shows the possibility of using this type of concrete in the manufacturing of certain types of bricks used for ceiling slabs instead of hollow bricks to avoid water leakage and moisture storage within concrete ceilings, which results in problems. The research discusses part of these issues related to surface moisture and the possibility of avoiding them.