The construction industry is embracing innovative materials that balance efficiency, sustainability and performance. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has emerged as a standout choice and is being widely adopted by the construction sector. EPS, known for its lightweight, durable and versatile properties, offers exceptional thermal insulation, moisture resistance and energy efficiency, making it an optimum material for modern insulation.
Properties of Expanded Polystyrene
Thermal Insulation
EPS has a very low thermal conductivity, ranging between 0.030 and 0.040 W/m∙K [1]. Therefore, this material can maintain a building’s temperature levels by reducing heat loss in the winter and preventing heat gain in the summer. Research has shown that EPS’ thermal performance also provides remarkable energy savings for houses and commercial buildings [2].
Moisture Resistance
One of the key strengths of EPS is its moisture resistance. This characteristic helps prevent mould formation and provides effective insulation for an extended period. Furthermore, EPS insulation is not affected in humid weather, making it suitable for diverse climatic conditions.
Light Weight
EPS’ low density makes it easy to handle and transport, which significantly reduces labour costs during installation. Its lightweight nature allows for quicker and more efficient construction processes that are vital for large-scale projects. Additionally, EPS reduces the dead load of the building, which results in lesser steel consumption for reinforcement purposes and reduces the overall construction costs.
Durability
EPS is resistant to many chemicals and does not degrade over time, contributing to the extended lifespan of the insulation systems. This ensures that buildings will be energy efficient throughout their lifecycle and significantly reduces the number of replacements or repairs needed [3].
EPS Insulation Techniques
1. EPS Reinforced Sandwich Panels
EPS reinforced sandwich panels are specifically designed for effective insulation and good structural support. They comprise a core of EPS foam sandwiched between facing materials, such as steel, aluminium or fibre cement boards. EPS sandwich panels are extensively used in walls because of their superior thermal and acoustic insulation as well as exceptional moisture resistance properties [4].
2. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
Insulated Concrete Forms are hollow blocks made of EPS, reinforced with steel rebar and filled with concrete. These blocks are stacked one on top of each other to form the exterior walls of a building. This technique offers excellent thermal insulation as well as enhances the structure’s strength. Hence, ICFs are now the popular choice for sustainable construction [5].
3. Geofoam Applications
EPS geofoam is a fill material used in light civil engineering works, such as for roads and embankments. It lightens the load on the soil beneath it while providing thermal insulation. EPS geofoam has proven to enhance structural stability as well as reduce transportation and installation costs, without causing an adverse environmental impact.
Expanded Polystyrene Insulation Solutions for Modern Buildings
1. Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)
EIFS combines EPS panels with a protective finish, providing seamless insulation for exterior walls. It enhances thermal efficiency, reduces energy costs and offers superior weather resistance. The system is lightweight, easy to install and customisable, allowing architects and builders to achieve energy performance as well as aesthetic appeal in modern building designs [6].
2. Roof Insulation
EPS is preferred for insulating flat as well as sloped roofs due to its excellent thermal resistance and durability. It minimises heat transfer, lowering cooling costs in hot climates and maintaining indoor temperatures in cold weather. Its lightweight nature simplifies installation, enhancing the overall safety of the project.
3. Under-Slab Insulation
EPS under-slab insulation prevents heat loss through foundations, especially in colder climates. It creates a thermal barrier, maintaining indoor temperatures. Resistant to moisture and compression, EPS provides long-lasting performance, ensuring a stable foundation while reducing heating expenses and contributing to a building’s sustainability goals.
Environmental Aspects
EPS is part of sustainable building practices in construction. The following are some of the reasons why:
- Energy Efficiency: EPS reduces energy consumption in buildings, which results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings insulated with EPS can achieve their overall sustainability goals.
- Recyclability: When the lifetime of the building is over, EPS can be recovered and recycled. EPS is 100% recyclable and mechanical recycling is the ideal method to convert this waste into products of the same caliber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any regulatory considerations when using EPS in construction?
Builders must comply with local building codes and safety standards regarding the usage of EPS.
Can EPS be customised to meet specific project needs?
Yes, EPS can be cut and shaped to meet specific design requirements, allowing for tailored solutions.
What are the installation requirements for EPS materials?
Installation is generally straightforward as EPS is extremely easy to handle; however, specific guidelines should be followed based on the application.
How does EPS perform under load?
EPS exhibits high compressive strength, making it suitable for load-bearing applications without significant deformation.
Is EPS fire-resistant?
Fire-resistant EPS grades are available, offering enhanced safety while retaining all the benefits of standard EPS.
Government Policies Facilitating EPS Implementation
Policies such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana encourage sustainable materials for low-cost housing schemes. Six Light House Projects have been constructed using new construction technologies under the PMAY-U in the Technology and Innovation Sub-Mission. Out of these, four projects employed EPS in different forms, such as beads, sandwich panels and as an integral part of precast concrete [7]. With PMAY-U 2.0, such projects will be emulated, further incorporating EPS in modern construction techniques.
The Demonstration Housing Projects under the Global Housing Technology Challenge-India aim to showcase innovative construction technologies across various regions. A notable example is the project in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where 32 houses (G+3) were constructed using the Prefabricated Sandwich Panel System. This system incorporates a reinforced expanded polystyrene (EPS) sheet core with sprayed concrete for walls and slabs. Additionally, in Dimapur, Nagaland, a working women’s hostel (G+2) is being built using Flyash EPS Cement Sandwich Panels with a steel structure. These initiatives highlight the application of EPS-based technologies in modern construction, emphasising their potential for wider adoption in India’s housing sector [8].
Conclusion
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has proven to be widely used in construction across countries such as the United States, Germany and Japan, where energy-efficient and sustainable building practices are prioritised. While EPS is still underutilised in India, its benefits make it an ideal solution for the Indian construction sector.
Explore K. K. Nag Private Limited’s Advanced Expanded Polystyrene Solutions Today!
Partner with us to experience the unmatched benefits of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in modern construction. We will guide you on how EPS can transform your building designs and improve sustainability. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative EPS applications and how they can benefit your projects!
References:
- Introduction: A review on semi-crystalline polymer bead foams from stirring autoclave: Processing and properties – De Gruyter (November 2023). Available at:
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/epoly-2023-0092/html - Building Insulation – Thermal Insulation. Published by Knauf Appliances. Available at:
https://knaufappliances.com/thermal-insulation/ - Key Market Drivers – Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for Packaging Market Analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa – China, US, Germany, Japan, France – Size and Forecast 2024-2028. Available at:
https://www.technavio.com/report/expanded-polystyrene-market-for-packaging-market-industry-analysis - Improvement of the Electrical Insulating Property of Polypropylene by Electron Beam Irradiation – ResearchGate (January 2014). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272092969_Improvement_of_the_Electrical_Insulating_Property_of_Polypropylene_by_Electron_Beam_Irradiation
- Shock-absorbing Materials: Guide to Optimizing IoT Device Packaging – NexPCB (July 2023). Available at:
https://www.nexpcb.com/blog/guide-to-choose-your-iot-packaging - Thermal Conductivity of Expanded Polystyrene – Nuclear Power for Everybody. Available at:
https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-engineering/heat-transfer/heat-losses/insulation-materials/thermal-conductivity-of-expanded-polystyrene/ - Experimental Study on the Thermal Conductivity of Thermal Insulation Materials Used in Residential Buildings – Advanced Materials Research 1025-1026 (September 2014). Available at:
https://www.scientific.net/AMR.1025-1026.535 - The Main Control Measures of Envelope Insulation Building – Applied Mechanics and Materials (September 2013). Available at:
https://www.scientific.net/AMM.409-410.593 - Cyclic Behaviour of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Sandwich Reinforced Concrete Walls – Published on Research Gate (December 2018). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329936490_Cyclic_Behaviour_of_Expanded_Polystyrene_EPS_Sandwich_Reinforced_Concrete_Walls
- A New Energy-Efficient Building System Based on Insulated Concrete Perforated Brick with a Sandwich – Civil Engineering Journal (2018). Available at:
https://www.civilejournal.org/index.php/cej/article/view/861 - Overview Of External Insulation And Finish Systems – Academia. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/32278232/OVERVIEW_OF_EXTERNAL_INSULATION_AND_FINISH_SYSTEMS
- Construction of Six Light House Projects under GHTC-India: Innovative Construction Technologies for PMAY-U Light House Projects – NBM Media. Available at:
https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/precast/innovative-construction-technologies-for-pmay-u-light-house-projects.html - Demonstration Housing Projects – GHTC India. Available at:
https://ghtc-india.gov.in/Content/DHP.html
