Comparative Study of Strength Parameters on Concrete Made Using Expanded Polystyrene Beads, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate and Waste Iron Chips

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has led to extensive research in lightweight and eco-friendly concrete alternatives. This study investigates the comparative performance of concrete mixes incorporating Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Beads, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), and Waste Iron Chips as partial replacements for conventional coarse aggregates. The primary objective is to evaluate and compare the strength characteristics—namely compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength—of these modified concrete mixes. Standard concrete mix designs were prepared, and varying proportions of EPS beads, LECA, and waste iron chips were introduced separately into different batches. All specimens were cast and cured under similar conditions, and strength tests were conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days. The results revealed significant variations in mechanical performance depending on the type of replacement material used. EPS and LECA contributed to reducing the overall density of concrete, making it suitable for lightweight applications, while waste iron chips enhanced certain strength parameters due to their high stiffness and interlocking properties.