Partially Replacing EPS Foam and Metakaolin in Interlocking Bricks

The characteristics of interlocking blocks made with recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam as a partial substitute for coarse aggregates and Metakaolin in place of fly ash are presented in this study. This is a list of the blocks' properties. In the study, a multi-criteria decision model was also used to find a solution to waste issues and rising building material costs. Pulverized EPS was used to replace coarse aggregates by 10%, 15%, and 20% by volume, respectively. To make the block lighter, metakaolin and EPS foam are used. For comparison, a control specimen was prepared. Laboratory tests were performed to compare the physical and mechanical properties of the proposed interlocking block to those of a conventional concrete hollow block (CHB) in terms of physical and mechanical properties, material cost, and construction time. Finally, a comparison of parameters between the conventional and proposed blocks revealed that the proposed block is superior in terms of material, cost, and construction time.