Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila Campus

363 P. Casal St. Quiapo,Manila

S/Y 2018-2019

Department of Architecture

AR403

Research Methods for Architecture

Research

Compendium

Under the Guidance of

Ar. Joseph Alcoran

Professor
Effects of Thermocol as mixture for cement on the compressive strength of concrete
By: Bermundo,Rhea C. and Madarang,Kassandra P.

Abstract
This research is about the recycled of the polystyrene which aims the effect of
polystyrene (as composite)to the compressive strength of concrete mixture for cement blocks.
The local country is tested by experiment also in foreign country proved that can be use in
construction material. Most of the waste are commonly polystyrene and the quality of
polystyrene a strong plastic created from ethylene and benzine. It can be injected, extruded or
blow molded. This makes it a very useful and versatile manufacturing material. Most recognize
polystyrene in the form of Styrofoam used for beverage cups and packaging peanuts.
Polystyrene also is made into a foam material, called expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded
polystyrene (XPS), which is valued for its insulating and cushioning properties. The goal of the
researcher is to proved that some of the waste from the dump like Polystyrene is can be
recycled into a new material with benefits to the people.

Keywords: Polystyrene, Ethylene,Benzine, Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded

polystyrene (XPS)

I. Introduction automobile parts, toys, gardening pots

and equipment and more.

Polystyrene is a versatile plastic One of the solid wastes produced

used to make a wide variety of worldwide is the Styrofoam or the
consumer products. As a hard, solid Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).The
plastic, it is often used in products that Polystyrene is a thermostatic
require clarity, such as food packaging polymeric material that is in
and laboratory ware. When combined unexpanded form (UEPS).The effects
with various colorants, additives or of curing conditions and polymer-
other plastics. . However, polystyrene cement ratio on the compressive and
is also used as a building material, flexural strengths of polymer-modified
with electrical appliances (light EPS concretes. The strength
switches and plates) and in other development of the polymer-modified
household items. Polystyrene is used EPS concretes strongly depends on
to make appliances, electronics, the curing conditions. Combined dry
and wet curing’s enable to develop Philippines University in Cavite,
both the strengths of cement matrix. Philippines and Maria Cecilia M.
Marcos Civil Engineering Department
The relation of Local and Foreign
in Adamson University, Manila also
manufacturer of Polystyrene is the
tested the polystyrene developed
uses of compostable beverage of
criteria, paired with the quantitative
cups,plates,packaging food
comparison of the parametric and non-
products,electronics,and etc. which is
parametric differences of commercial
widely known around the world. The
hollow blocks currently used by the
Foreign Inventors influenced each of
company with the proposed concrete
the country to use as compostable or
block, the study gave the company a
recyclable services. The Polystyrene
solid basis on the feasibility of the
produced as aggregate of cement for
proposed block. The proposed block
building construction. The Department
passed the standards on concrete
of Industrial and Technology
slump, dry density for lightweight
Education, Federal University of
concrete, and compressive strength
Technology, Minna ,Niger State,
thus solidifying the claim that the
Nigeriaby Ibrahim,Bankole,
proposed block can be used by the
Ma’aji,Ohize,Abdul B. Test carried out
company in their projects.
that the test results for the specific
gravity of the materials used was in This research utilized the study
line with the Building Standard (BS) of the effects of polystyrene as mixture
Regulation for cement, plaster sand for cement to evaluate its feasibility as
and stone which means that, the concrete footpath construction by
results given have no negative or recycle polystyrene from the trash in
imposing strengths given the order to solve the problem of the world
compressive strength of the expanded in waste reduction. The local
polystyrene material. Also for the government benefit for the utilization of
construction of houses either as load the material. Also to developed a way
bearing walls, non-load bearing walls, to reduce the cost of constructing a
slabs, culverts, stairways and other low residential cost through the
uses since it passed all the tests introduction of lightweight concrete
subjected to.In the Philippines Anjerick interlocking blocks utilizing expanded
Topacio in Civil Engineering polystyrene foam as substitute to
Department in Lyceum of the coarse mixture. The development of
new construction materials using
recycled plastics is important to both
the construction and the plastic
recycling industries.
II. Problem Setting
A. Statement of the Problem
In this study, the improvised
model of polystyrene will show various
experimental examples of
engineers to determining the standard
and strength of mixing to cement, Will
the other mixture of concrete will be
good to this proposing mixture ?
The following questions would be
answered according from the data and
results of the experiments:
1. Does the Polystyrene help improve
the compressive strength of
concrete?
2. What is the comparative strength of
the pure concrete than of that concrete
with Polystyrene as an admixture?
3. How effectiveness of polystyrene
material for building construction?
4. At what percentage mixture would
give significant increase/ expand in the
compressive strength of concrete?
B. Scope of Delimitation of the
study
The study will focus on the effect of
Polystyrene as aggregate to cement
on the compressive strength of
concrete. By making cement blocks
which determine the optimum
composition of the lightweight that will
be varied as partial replacement to
coarse of mixture. However this study
involves the density and volume of
the concrete increases and decreases in
workability. Testing, Analyzing and
observing the effects that will excluded
during the experiment.
C. Definition of Terms
Benzine -Any of various volatile
flammable petroleum distillates used
especially as solvents or as motor
fuels
the Cement-A powder of alumina, silica,
lime, iron oxide, and magnesium
oxide burned together in a kiln and
finely pulverized and used as an
ingredient of mortar and concrete
Ethylene-A colourless flammable
gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon
C2H4 that is found in coal gas, can be
produced by pyrolysis of petroleum
hydrocarbons, and occurs in plants
functioning especially as a natural
growth regulator that promotes the
ripening of fruit
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)-Refers processed materials that are mostly
to a rigid, tough and lightweight thermoplastic or thermosetting
thermoplastic product. EPS is polymers of high molecular weight
generally white and made of pre- and that can be made into objects,
expanded polystyrene beads. EPS is films, or filaments
ideal for the packaging and
Polymer-A chemical compound or
construction industries due to its light
mixture of compounds formed
weight, strong and excellent thermal
by polymerization and consisting
insulation properties. It is the largest
essentially of repeating structural
commodity polymer produced in the
units
world.
Polystyrene-A polymer of styrene
Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) -
especially : a rigid transparent
Consists of closed cells, offers
thermoplastic that has good physical
improved surface roughness and
and electrical insulating properties
higher stiffness and reduced thermal
and is used especially in molded
conductivity. The density range is
products, foams, and sheet materials
about 28–45 kg/m3. Extruded
polystyrene material is also used in Recycle-To process (something,

crafts and model building, in particular such as liquid body waste, glass, or
architectural models. cans) in order to regain material for
human use
Granule-A small particle
especially : one of numerous particles Resin-Any of various solid or
forming a larger unit. semisolid amorphous fusible
flammable natural organic
Hydrophilization-A process used for
substances that are usually
hydrophobic drugs to increase their
transparent or translucent and
release rate from capsules, which is
yellowish to brown, are formed
dependent on the rate of dissolution,
especially in plant secretions, are
by covering the surface of the drug
soluble in organic solvents (such as
particles with minute droplets of a
ether) but not in water, are electrical
hydrophilic polymer solution.
non-conductors, and are used chiefly
Plastic-Specifically : any of in varnishes, printing inks, plastics,
numerous organic synthetic or and sizes and in medicine
Styrofoam-Used for an expanded develop, expand the market and to
rigid polystyrene plastic. give the people opportunity to
construct low cost and good quality for
D. Assumption of the study
houses.
The polystyrene is giving a new
F. Objectives of the Study
purpose as recycled waste which is
produce matrix of light foam cement. If The Objectives of this research
the Polystyrene particle and foam This study generally aims to know the
cement concrete interacted the two of structural performance of Polystyrene
material the fillers are hydrophilized on concrete in terms of compressive
with cement surfactant solution. The strength. Percentage of the expanded
examination will show the cement polystyrene foam as aggregates will be
concrete and polystyrene particle varied to determine the optimum
contract zone without any fractures or composition of the lightweight
micro crack depends on the size and interlocking concrete blocks. And to
shape particle used. determine the standard hollow blocks
and effectiveness of the proposed
E. Significance of the Study
interlocking blocks in the building
This study aims to know more construction.
about the effect of Polystyrene in
compressive strength of the concrete III. Review Related Related

when it use as mixture. In Research, Literature

this study will provide additional

Literature and Studies
information about this material being
Topacio, A.& Marcos, M. C.
used as an alternative aggregate to
M. prepared and tested several
concrete. It acquires additional
specimens during the experiment.
knowledge about this material and
Topacio A. and Marcos proposed in
expanding knowledge about its uses.
titled The Lightweight interlocking
In Society, it will serve as an additional
blocks using expanded polystyrene
option to other mixture in a concrete.
foam as partial replacement to coarse
In environment, it will be lessen the
aggregates. Based on their
waste instead of dump in surroundings
experimental results, formed a model
it may recycle and reuse and in
interlocking blocks utilizing recycled
Economy it may help the country to
expanded polystyrene. Some of the
issues and concern not only for the develop a new geotechnical material,
Philippines but also to the other foreign Density tests, direct shear tests and
countries which gives pollution of compression tests were conducted to
surroundings and by this experiment it evaluate the density and strength
aimed solution to waste problems and properties of Polystyrene Beads
decreasing cost of construction Mixture. Direct shear tests were
materials. According to the results, conducted under 4 different vertical
Laboratory tests were carried out stresses (32.7, 50, 75, 100kPa). The
including density, slump, and effect of gravimetric water content
compressive strength to evaluate the (3.25, 6.5, 9.75, 13, and 16.25%),
physical and mechanical to determine volumetric EPS beads content (0, 33,
which alternative is better between a 50, 60, 67, and 100%) and preload
conventional concrete hollow block pressure (0, 100, 200, 300, 400kPa)
(CHB) and the proposed interlocking on properties was studied. The results
block in terms of its physical and showed that the water is necessary for
mechanical properties, material cost, preparing specimens, but has no
and time of construction. Results distinct effect on dry density and shear
showed that the 15% EPS substitution strength of Polystyrene Beads Mixture.
is the optimum proportion with density
of 1855 kg/m3 and compressive The Workability Assessment for
strength of 14.03 MPa. Finally, Polystyrene aggregate concrete
parameters comparison between the presented in University of Technology,
conventional and proposed block Sydney, Australia by
indicated that the proposed block is a Sabaa,&Ravindrarajah, Lightweight
better alternative especially in terms of concrete can be produced by partially
material cost and time of construction. replacing the normal weight coarse
aggregate particles with expanded
According to Benazzouk,Douzane, polystyrene granules. The particle and
Mezreb,Laidoudi, & Quéneudec,in bulk densities for the polystyrene
University of Nanjing in aggregate used are 58 and 17kg/m3 ,
china,conducted The Density and respectively. The expanded
Strength Properties of Sand-Expanded polystyrene aggregate is commercially
Polystyrene Beads Mixture the EPS available with suitable chemical
(Expanded Polystyrene) utilized to coating, which is necessary to achieve
a uniform dispersion of the beads in the gradual addition of the polystyrene
the fresh concrete mixture and to avoid aggregate. The concrete produced
segregation during mixing and was tested for the unit weight, the
handling of concrete. Materials slump and the compaction index. In
General purpose Portland cement addition, the concrete mixtures in the
(ASTM Type I) was used as the binder Perspex cylinder were subjected to
in the concrete mixtures. The vibration to determine the time
compaction index test is based on the required for the first air bubbles to
assumption that the denseness of escape. Since the entrapped air
uncompacted fresh concrete is bubbles can easily escape from wet
controlled by its workability and the mixes, the first air bubbles escaping
volume of uncompacted concrete time to some degree can indicate the
increases with the decrease in degree of the workability of concrete.
workability. A Perspex cylinder with The Effect of mix compositions on
150mm diameter and 300mm high was compaction the effect of water to
loosely filled with fresh concrete. A cement ratio on the compaction index
tamping steel rod fitted with a 50mm for the reference and polystyrene
diameter steel disc was used to aggregate concrete mixtures. The
compact the concrete by hand and a compaction index decreased with the
total of 75 strokes were used to increase in the water to cement ratio. .
achieve full compaction. The cylinder From the steepness of the plots, it can
size, diameter of the disc attached to be said that the workability of the
the tamping rod and the number of concretes with the cement content of
strokes used for compaction were 350 kg/m3 is less sensitive to the
determined after an extensive Workability assessment for
preliminary investigation. The Perspex polystyrene aggregate concrete 3/8
collar to fit the inside of the cylinder change in the w/c ratio compared to
was used to assist the measurement the concretes with the cement content.
of the height of compacted concrete Effect of fine aggregate content (or
2.4 mixing and testing of fresh aggregate grading) when the fine
concrete In order to achieve a proper aggregate content is increased the
mixing of the polystyrene aggregate, it compaction index of the polystyrene
is necessary to mix all other aggregate concrete mixture is
ingredients in the normal way prior to increased, indicating the reduction in
its workability. The sensitivity of the
fine aggregate content on the OUTPUT
workability is increased when the Test results of the prototype of
water content of the concrete mixture concrete blocks of their compressive
is reduced. In wet concrete mixtures, strength.

the availability of sufficient cement This process usually do traditionally

paste counter-balances the effect of
the increasing surface area of the
aggregate particles.
IV. Conceptual Framework
on how to make cement block which
the aggregates adding the new
component which is the polystyrene.
Chart 1
The Chart showed the process
from the materials, procedure in order
and to the results.

INPUT
Aggregates used to make cement
block concrete
Portland Cement
Sand Table 1 Concrete Mix Volume for One Test
Gravel Specimen
Water Table 1 The mixture are
Polystyrene
measurable according to the Table
1. This shows the volume of the
specimen interlocking the blocks
used in the study. The cement and
aggregates will be get from the
waste from other places of local or

PROCESS foreign country that will utilized the

The following process on how to do company in cavite. The percentage

the cement block of substitutions of EPS foam shown
Mixing in the table.The total volume of one
Molding interlocking block is 0.01320 cubic
Curing meter.
Testing
 Materials prepared according to data collection technique of
ASTM Standards Aggregate is research and surveys on social
required of ASTM C 331 with bluk
density less than 70 lb/ft3. media because there are no

V. Research Methodology specific and consistent individual

that can be interviewed for other
The research design will be opinion on the study but to give
experimental study based on the easier way to survey with the
test and results of the engineers help of technology and there is
need for the information to this only limited time.
study.
The procedures to follow as
Since the type of mixture follows:
of cement made by different
components, 1. To determine whether
are suitable for the study
The Aggregates of cement of by fulfilling the following
blocks will be subjected to this requirements:
research. Whenever possible
a. The capacity number
results based on the experiment.
of people know about
Should be taken to subjects of all
Polystyrene. To be able
types of this research to see the
to know about the study
if there are any possible as
of Styrofoam as part of
mixture of cement using
solid waste in the
Styrofoam.
Philippines.
The outcome of this will be
b. Opinion about the
based on the research for those
study on how it will be benefit
people who experimented. This
to the engineers rather the
type of project established for
projects in construction.
alternative way for cement
blocks as mixture using c. Identifying the type of
Polystyrene/Styrofoam. building using the mixture of
Whenever possible, The study polystyrene/
will be a qualitative type of
research, under a descriptive
survey methodology, using the
 Styrofoam in cement
blocks.

VI. Presentation of Results,

Findings, and Analysis

A. Based on research test

experiment

Fig. 2 Dry Density of

specimens

In Fig. 2 shows that the

mixture for 15% and 20%
substitution can be considered
lightweight while 0%, 5% and

Fig. 1 Slump test Results 10% substitution is found out to

still be normal weight
In Fig. 1 shows that the
(ASTM_C331-04, 2002). The
average slump of each of the
results showed that the more
mixtures during testing is in good
percentage of EPS that is
working condition and passed
substituted to the aggregates,
the standards which was 3 to 5
the less weight the concrete
inches of slump. The maximum
mixture becomes which can
slump that was gathered was
conclude that the percent
4.97 inches for 20% EPS foam
substitution has an inverse
substitution that shows high
proportionality with the dry
workability for the concrete mix
density of the mixtures. Also,
during fabrication and
Fig. 2 shows that the cylindrical
experimentation.
and block specimens follow a
downward slope and that the
block specimens has a higher
density than that of the
cylindrical specimens.
 Fig. 3 Material Cost
Comparison
In Fig. 3 shows the material
cost of producing one block of
specimen versus that of the
conventional method of CHB
laying. One block
conventional CHB costs Php.
73.65 which includes the other
mixtures like mortar
plastering while the 20% EPS
substitution specimen, one block
costs of Php 42.57 with the
difference of Php. 31. With this,it
can be said that the proposed
block will not only help in the
fight for the control of solid waste
and pollution but also to give
more profit to company with the
introduction of mortar-less
interlocking blocks.
Fig.4 Time of Construction
Fig. 4 shows that there is a
big difference when it comes to
time of construction between the
two methods. The proposed
block ended after 9 minutes 50
for seconds while the conventional
method ended at 28 minutes 5
seconds. There is a 185.60%
and decrease in time between the
two methods. This time reduction
can help ease the work for the
company and make them utilize
the saved time for other works
for the early completion of a
project.
A. Based on survey from
Engineering Field
 FIG.(1) Defining the
Polystyrene by their ideas
FIG. (1). In this figure, the
researcher showed the different
use of polystyrene/Styrofoam in
different event.
2. What do you think is the
used of styrofoam?
19 responses
FIG.(2)
FIG. (2) In this figure the
researcher identify on what the
Styrofoam can be used for. Also
this are the answer of the
interviewee.
FIG. (3)
FIG.(3) According to the survey,
in the question of the “Will you
trust the material if one of the
mixture of cement blocks used
polystyrene/Styrofoam, number
of people sad “yes……….” Are 7
out of 19 people acquiring most
vote garnering 36.8% of total
responses while the second is
“no” which is voted by 4 out of 19
people garnering 21.1% of most
total votes while the other
remaining options are voted by 1
out 19 each garnering 5.3%. In
conclusion, majority trusts that
using polystyrene/Styrofoam as
mixture of cement blocks.
FIG. (4)
FIG.(4). The researcher conduct
a research about the Styrofoam
as a partial replacement for
aggregate. The researcher
gather an answer of 80% (yes)
and 20% (no) in the total of 20
respondence.
 perform this research in the
project for residential and other
houses, but not in high rise
building or commercial type.

FIG. (5)

FIG. (5). In this figure the

researcher shows that the FIG. (7)
Styrofoam can be used in
construction material and the
respondence agree and this
figure shows the answers of 18
respondence.

FIG. (6)

FIG. (6). This figure shows the

respondence agree that the
Styrofoam will help the
engineers to be productive as
alternative material In
construction. Also the engineer
will benefit in the material cost.
But they can only used or
Analysis and Interpretation - For 7 days of treatment time,
observed that the strength of
concrete in partial change of
VI. Summary of Findings, fly ash and Polystyrene was
Conclusions and increased when compared to
Recommendations Polystyrene compressive

Summary Findings strength of concrete.

- Within 28 days of the
Based on the investigation
treatment period, the
carried out ,the following
strength of Concrete in
conclusion were made.
partial replacement of fly ash
- The workability of the and Polystyrene increased
concrete in terms of slump compared to normal cubes. It
cone and compaction factor is for the proportion of 35%
shows that the compaction fly ash and 0.2%
factor slightly changes in the Polystyrene.
fly ash, thermocouple - In the same way the
replacement and the slump compressive strength of the
cone also changes to% fly concrete was increased
ash rise, Polystyrene content Compared to the normal mix
and value drop within the and partial replacement of
value for in the normal range 35% fly ash at their 0.2%
of concrete. Polystyrene.
- By performing compressive
Conclusions
strength of concrete cubes
compressive This project studied the
- For 3 days of treatment time, feasibility of the wastes
the strength of concrete in Polystyrene which one of the
partial replacement of fly ash wastes in the country. One of the
and Polystyrene l increased solution to be less wastes is to
compared to the normal recycled used in construction as
compressive strength of the an aggregate substitution. With
concrete. this, various parameters set in
order to assess the viability of
the proposed product in for the company to be used in
conjunction with the standards their future projects for low cost
The cost of materials, and time housing. Also, the 15%
of construction. These EPS(Expanded polystyrene )
parameters tested using different foam substitution concrete
methods as presented in the mixture can be considered the
results section of the study. The best mixture as it passed the
study is also utilized a multi standards for light weight
criteria decision model in order concrete in terms of density and
to determine the rank of each has a higher compressive
parameters in terms of their strength than that of the 20%
importance by consulting to substitution.
experts in the field of
Recommendation
construction materials. The
proposed concrete interlocking Based on the results of
blocks designed in order to help the study, the following
the company in building low cost recommendations are:
housing units. With the results
 The proper use of EPS (
that, the proposed of blocks has
Expanded polystyrene)
a lower price than that of the
material for the building
conventional CHB, it can be
construction which is
concluded that the proposed
require quality of a
interlocking block is a better
building material.
alternative for low cost housing.
The proposed block passed the
 Since the EPS is tested
standards on concrete slump,
in local and foreign
dry density for lightweight
countries it can be
concrete, and compressive
recommended to be a
strength thus solidifying the
material in construction.
claim that the proposed block
can be used by the company in
 The government should
their projects. it can be
make use of EPS
concluded that the proposed
material in the
blocks can be a good alternative
construction of mass
 housing since it is https://www.researchgate.net/pu
cheaper, has a faster blication/287509477_Effect_of_c
erecting time and safe. ement_and_EPS_beads_ratios_
 Areas liable to flooding on_compressive_strength_and_
and river over flowing density_of_lightweight_concrete
should make use of EPS https://www.merriam-
in the construction of their webster.com/dictionary
buildings as it leaves the https://www.sciencedirect.com/sc
building standing not ience/article/pii/S095894650400
minding flow of the river 0101
or water due to its box
https://www.sciencedirect.com/sc
like nature.
ience/article/abs/pii/S026611440
 The Barangay should
6000495
implement program to
collect waste and http://www.i-

separate the Styrofoam asem.org/publication_conf/acem

to deliver in other 18/2.ICGE18/W3B.6.GE1161_47

companies to make a 54F1.pdf

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and V. M. Malhotra, “Properties of
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