Exploitation of extruded polystyrene (XPS) waste for lightweight, thermal insulation and rehabilitation building applications

Violetta K. Kytinou; Zoi S. Metaxa; Adamantis G. Zapris; Ramonna I. Kosheleva; Vasilis D. Prokopiou; Nikolaos D. Alexopoulos

Developments in the Built Environment (Dec 2024)

Exploitation of extruded polystyrene (XPS) waste for lightweight, thermal insulation and rehabilitation building applications

Violetta K. Kytinou,
Zoi S. Metaxa,
Adamantis G. Zapris,
Ramonna I. Kosheleva,
Vasilis D. Prokopiou,
Nikolaos D. Alexopoulos

Affiliations

Violetta K. Kytinou: Research Unit of Advanced Materials, Department of Financial and Management Engineering, School of Engineering, University of the Aegean, Chios, 821 32, Greece; Laboratory of Reinforced Concrete and Seismic Design of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, 671 00, Greece
Zoi S. Metaxa: Hephaestus Laboratory, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Kavala, 654 04, Greece
Adamantis G. Zapris: Laboratory of Reinforced Concrete and Seismic Design of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, 671 00, Greece
Ramonna I. Kosheleva: Research Unit of Advanced Materials, Department of Financial and Management Engineering, School of Engineering, University of the Aegean, Chios, 821 32, Greece; Hephaestus Laboratory, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Kavala, 654 04, Greece
Vasilis D. Prokopiou: Research Unit of Advanced Materials, Department of Financial and Management Engineering, School of Engineering, University of the Aegean, Chios, 821 32, Greece; Hephaestus Laboratory, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Kavala, 654 04, Greece
Nikolaos D. Alexopoulos: Research Unit of Advanced Materials, Department of Financial and Management Engineering, School of Engineering, University of the Aegean, Chios, 821 32, Greece; Corresponding author.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 20
p. 100580

Abstract

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The present article investigates the possibility of Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) waste to be used as a lightweight aggregate in cement-based materials for structural applications. The developed material offers a promising solution for rehabilitation and energy efficiency upgrades of existing civil infrastructures, providing thermal insulation without adding excessive weight to reinforced concrete structures. Through a comprehensive experimental approach, this contribution evaluates the mechanical and thermal performance of cement-based composites with varying XPS content (up to 100 %) as sand replacement. Results demonstrate a balance between enhanced thermal insulation and maintained mechanical robustness, with optimal XPS content ranges identified for specific application needs. The incorporation of XPS waste into construction materials supports sustainability by repurposing non-biodegradable materials, while meeting the dual requirements of structural performance and energy efficiency. This research supports the exploitation of XPS-modified cement-based materials in structural rehabilitation of existing structures and innovative construction applications, promoting greener and more efficient building materials that could be utilized in ground structures, such as buildings.

Published in Developments in the Built Environment

ISSN: 2666-1659 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); Technology: Building construction
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/developments-in-the-built-environment/

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