Journal of Civil Engineering
Vol 40, No 1 (2025)

Behaviour of RC Beam-Slab Member with Embedded Polystyrene Spheres

Ling, Jen Hua (University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)
Lau, Ji Wei (University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)
Lim, Yong Tat (University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Mar 2025

Abstract

In this study, four reinforced concrete specimens were produced. Each specimen consisted of two beams and one slab. Polystyrene spheres were used to replace concrete in the beams and slabs in various combinations to reduce weight. The specimens were subjected to an incremental static load under the four-point load setup. The effects of polystyrene spheres on the structural performance of these specimens were investigated. The specimen with solid beams and lightweight slab (i.e., embedded with polystyrene spheres) had the highest material efficiency. Its efficiency was 5% higher than that of the entirely solid specimen. The material's effectiveness decreased by 2% to 4% when the beams were filled with polystyrene spheres. This was regardless of whether the slab contained polystyrene spheres. From feasibility analysis, none of the specimens fulfilled all five assessment criteria. Ductility was a concern for the specimens. The current specimen designs were unable to outstrength the solid specimen. The size and shape of the polystyrene, as well as the dimension of the specimen, may be modified to improve its efficiency.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jce

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering Transportation

Description

Journal of Civil Engineering (eISSN 2579-9029/pISSN 2086-1206) is a new journal that preceded by the previous Civil Engineering Department ITS Journal which was well known as Jurnal Teknologi dan Rekayasa Sipil (TORSI). TORSI journal was established in March 1981. In 2009, TORSI journal name was ...