Comparative Study of Strength Parameters on Concrete Made Using Expanded Polystyrene Beads, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate and Waste Iron Chips- A Review

The demand for sustainable and cost-effective construction materials has accelerated the exploration of alternative aggregates to replace conventional coarse aggregates in concrete production. This review focuses on the comparative analysis of strength parameters in concrete produced using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), and waste iron chips. These materials offer promising advantages in terms of environmental sustainability, structural efficiency, and resource optimization. While EPS beads and LECA provide significant weight reduction and improved thermal insulation, waste iron chips enhance the density and potentially increase the compressive strength due to their metallic composition. This paper presents a detailed examination of existing studies to highlight the mechanical performance, workability, durability, and potential structural applications of concrete modified with these lightweight and waste-derived materials.