Recycled EPS/Foam Concrete Composite Sandwich Panels applied in Guangzhou
Release time: 2024/03/10 Publisher： original Views：
IntroductionApplication of recycled EPS/foam concrete composite sandwich panels, the outcome of 2022 NEXCEL SFP4-1 "Investigation on Recycled Polystyrene Particles/Foamed Concrete Composite Insulation Material and Its Application in Composite Sandwich Panel", implemented by South China University of Technology, has been successfully applied on building energy-saving renovation project in Guang Zhou.
BackgroundIn 2022, China's production of expanded polystyrene (EPS) exceeded 1.9 million tons, and most of it is used as disposable packaging material, resulting in waste. The recycling rate of discarded EPS foam is still relatively low. However, by utilizing recycled EPS foam as lightweight aggregate to produce recycled EPS bead foam concrete composite sandwich panels, we can effectively manage white pollution and significantly reduce environmental pollution. Furthermore, as an energy-saving, cost-effective, and eco-friendly green building material, it offers new opportunities for the development of composite sandwich panels and energy-efficient construction projects.
Project outcomes and demonstrationThe project proposed a pre-treatment method using secondary coating and particle wrapping for recycled EPS beads, and improved the preparation process of the composite sandwich panel. These successfully resolved problems such as delamination and cracking of the composite sandwich panel, leading to its industrial-scale production.The application of recycled EPS/foam concrete composite sandwich panels was successfully realized in the renovation project of the new site of the Guangzhou Sci &Tec Base. The project required thermal insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance, and certain load-bearing capacity for the partition walls. The total construction area of the renovation project was 9,360 square meters. Through on-site performance testing, it was confirmed that the burning performance of the recycled EPS bead/foam concrete composite sandwich panels achieved Class A. The composite sandwich panels with a thickness of 90mm reached a surface density of 78 kg/m² and a heat transfer coefficient as low as 1.86 W/(m²·K). The panels exhibited resistance to bending loads twice their own weight without cracking. The application of recycled EPS/foam concrete composite sandwich panels in this renovation project provided guidance for the widespread promotion of green, low-carbon construction materials in energy-efficient and prefabricated buildings.
Benefits ExpectedThe successful application of recycled EPS bead/foam concrete composite sandwich panels expands the prospects for reusing discarded EPS materials in thermal insulation wall panels, thereby contributing significantly to the sustainable development of low-carbon and energy-efficient construction. The prefabrication and on-site assembly of these panels, coupled with modern construction techniques, create favorable conditions for promoting lightweight building structures, while achieving a comprehensive cost reduction of 13%.
