Engineering properties and sustainable applications of pond ash geomaterial incorporating expanded polystyrene beads

Abstract

This study investigates the engineering behavior of a sustainable geomaterial called Pond Ash Geomaterial (PAGM), made by blending Expanded Polystyrene beads (EPS) with pond ash and cement as a binding agent. The effects of EPS density, beads content, and cement content on the density, compressive strength, and elasticity modulus of PAGM are analyzed. The results show that PAGM with low-density and low-content EPS can achieve similar properties to high-density and high-content EPS PAGM. Based on these findings, design charts are proposed that can facilitate the guidelines for the application of PAGM on-site. The study highlights the suitability of PAGM as a lightweight filling material that can reduce environmental impact and be a cost-effective alternative to EPS geofoam blocks. Predictive models are developed for determining the engineering characteristics of the PAGM. Overall, the use of PAGM as a building material has practical implications for sustainable construction practices, as it utilizes an industrial byproduct, reduces waste, and can be used in a range of applications.

Keywords

• Sustainable
• Waste reuse
• Lightweight material
• Expanded polystyrene beads
• Geomaterial
• Pond ash