How Do You Make Lightweight Concrete Using Styrofoam?
Lightweight concrete, also known as EPScrete (expanded polystyrene concrete), is a material widely used in the building of environmentally “green” homes. The substance is often made using small Styrofoam balls as a lightweight aggregate instead of the crushed stone that is used in regular concrete. While it isn’t as strong as stone-based concrete mixes, it has several advantages over the more traditional mix. EPScrete has increased insulation properties, and because it’s up to 88 percent lighter than stone-based concrete, it has smaller structural support needs such as foundation sizes and steel reinforcement requirements. Place 5 gallons of water into the concrete mixer. Add in any additive or colorant you wish to use in the concrete, and mix the add-ins thoroughly with the water. Add half a 94 lb. bag of Portland cement to the mixer as well as the 5 gallon bucket of sand. Mix thoroughly with the water, creating a mix that’s soupy in texture. Add one of the 5 gallon buckets of Styrofo
