OPTIMIZATION OF FLY ASH CONTENT FOR MANUFACTURING OF LIGHT WEIGHT BLOCKS

Abstract

In this study Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in granulated form with fly ash are taken under consideration to manufacture the light weight masonry blocks. It’s a novel concept of using EPS (granulated form) as an addition of raw material for the production of light weight fly ash based masonry blocks. The innovative application of moderate volume EPS (granulated form) in reducing the density of the composite material proved to improve the engineering properties of the material. An extensive experimental investigation has been carried out to represent the varied engineering properties of the material consisting of fly ash and EPS (granulated form). There is reduction in unit weight and compressive strength with the addition of EPS granules, however, with the mixing of small percentage of admixture like cement the light weight material can enhance the strength in addition to improve overall properties.