Evaluation of shear strength properties of modified expanded polystyrene (MEPS) comparing with sand

This thesis study presents the results of the study which influence the use of recycled waste expanded polystyrene foams (EPS), as a lightweight material used with river sand. In this study, thermally modified waste EPS have been used. The waste EPS were put in an oven at 130 oC through 15 min to obtain modified expanded polystyrene (MEPS). The influences of MEPS on shear strength properties such as cohesion and internal friction angle were investigated. For this purpose,several series of Direct Shear tests were carried out. MEPS and sand were prepared at same gradation curve and were mixed with each other at substituation of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 % by weight for loose and dense cases. The test results showed that MEPS has a similar behavior comparing with the shear strength of the sand at same gradation. MEPS can be an alternative light weight fill material for geotechnical applications.