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

With the growing emphasis on sustainability in the construction industry, there has been a marked increase in research aimed at developing lightweight, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional concrete materials. In this context, the present study delves into the comparative analysis of concrete mixes that incorporate Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), and Waste Iron Chips as partial replacements for conventional coarse aggregates. The principal objective of this investigation is to assess and contrast the mechanical performance—specifically, the compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength—of concrete blends modified with these alternative materials. To achieve this, standard concrete mix designs were developed, into which varying proportions of EPS beads, LECA, and waste iron chips were individually introduced in separate batches. Each specimen was cast using consistent procedures and subjected to identical curing conditions to ensure uniformity and accuracy in the comparative evaluation. Strength testing was carried out at intervals of 7, 14, and 28 days to monitor the development and progression of mechanical properties over time. The results indicated notable differences in the performance characteristics of the mixes, depending on the type of material used for partial replacement. Specifically, both EPS beads and LECA significantly contributed to reducing the overall density of the concrete, thereby making the material particularly suitable for lightweight structural applications. On the other hand, the inclusion of waste iron chips was found to enhance certain strength- related attributes, a result attributable to their inherent stiffness and the mechanical interlocking they provide within the concrete matrix. Overall, the study underscores the potential of these alternative materials in producing sustainable and performance-optimized concrete suitable for diverse construction needs.