Descriptive Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

of Expanded Polystyrene Monolytic Panels- EPS

Helena Fernandes de Oliveira;Osnilda dos Santos Mota;Fabiana Rocha Pinto;David

Barbosa de Alencar;Davi Samuel Dias Maia

Abstract
The light concrete of expanded Polystyrene is an innovation in the construction market, as it stands
out for its execution, cost and efficiency. This new technique seeks to provide the constructions:
lightness, cost reduction, reduction of time in works and good thermal and acoustic performance,
producing comfort to the environment. This work aimed to study the use of light EPS concrete
(Styrofoam) in internal and external walls, presenting the comparisons between this system and
conventional masonry with ceramic blocks through the monitoring of a work in the city of Manaus -
Amazonas.

Keyword: EPS; Lightweight concrete; Constructive method;

Published Date: 11/30/2019 Page.159-168 Vol 7 No 11 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.Vol7.Iss11.1867
International Journal for Innovation Education and Research www.ijier.net Vol:-7 No-11, 2019

Descriptive Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages of Expanded

Polystyrene Monolytic Panels - EPS

Helena Fernandes de Oliveira

[email protected]
Coordenação de Engenharia do Centro Universitário FAMETRO – Brasil

Osnilda dos Santos Mota

[email protected]
Coordenação de Engenharia do Centro Universitário FAMETRO – Brasil

Fabiana Rocha Pinto

[email protected]
Coordenação de Engenharia do Centro Universitário FAMETRO – Brasil

Frank Henrique Santos Fontineles

[email protected]
Coordenação de Engenharia do Centro Universitário FAMETRO – Brasil

Sara dos Santos Santarém

[email protected]
Coordenação de Engenharia do Centro Universitário FAMETRO – Brasil

David Barbosa de Alencar

[email protected]
Instituto de Tecnologia e Educação Galileo da Amazonia – ITEGAM - Brasil

Davi Samuel Dias Maia

[email protected]
Instituto de Tecnologia e Educação Galileo da Amazonia – ITEGAM - Brasil

Abstract
The light concrete of expanded Polystyrene is an innovation in the construction market, as it stands out for
its execution, cost and efficiency. This new technique seeks to provide the constructions: lightness, cost
reduction, reduction of time in works and good thermal and acoustic performance, producing comfort to
the environment. This work aimed to study the use of light EPS concrete (Styrofoam) in internal and
external walls, presenting the comparisons between this system and conventional masonry with ceramic
blocks through the monitoring of a work in the city of Manaus - Amazonas.

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Keywords: EPS; Lightweight concrete; Constructive method;

1. Introduction
The construction system of panels in EPS was developed by Monolite, so called the Monolite system,
contemplating important advances for civil construction, more specifically for masonry lift. The
construction process can be used both as structural closure as well as sealing structure. In the analyzed
works, not only were the use of panels, but also in a mixed system with reinforced concrete structures or
metal structures.
Monolithic panel (also called Monolite or monolithic only) consists of a large expanded polystyrene plate
(EPS), high-strength lightweight steel meshes interconnected by electrowelded steel bars and additional
layers of mortar or concrete, put into work by traditional processes or designed using projection equipment.
The origin of expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels comes from an Italian project, developed in a region
subject to earthquakes, in order to create a monolithic structure that did not collapse and aggregate thermal
insulation elements in the early 1980s (SOUZA, 2009).
According to Luebe (2004), expanded polystyrene has been used in Brazilian civil construction in a
growing way, using expansion joints, lost coffin, insulation and road foundation, gaining space in the
construction of slabs. It has been used in several countries around the world for more than 40 years, safely
and efficiently, among all the technologies used in civil construction. Contrary to the thought, of being a
premature system, the construction system with walls raised from panels produced in EPS and steel mesh,
arrived in Brazil around the year 1990.

Polystyrene, or Styrofoam, as it is known in Brazil, is a synthetic aromatic polymer made with the styrene
monomer, a liquid derived from the petrochemical industry, can be rigid or foamed, usually used in its
white, hard and brittle shape. Taking into account its weight, it is a cheap resin, being widely used as an
efficient barrier against oxygen and water vapor, having a relatively low melting point (AVESANI NETO,
2008).
These are structured with low carbon steel screens, with galvanized wires of 2.1 mm in diameter and
mesh 50 x 50 mm or 150 x 50 mm, positioned, on its two sides. The plates are interconnected with each
other, by galvanized carbon medium steel connectors, with 2.76 mm in diameter, electrosoldiers to the
screens, forming a truss. Subsequently, in the construction process, receiving, on each of its faces, a layer
of fck microconcrete = 25 MPa with a minimum thickness of 3.5 cm (TECHNE, 2012).
The dimensions of the panels are changeable, according to the desired modulation of the architectural
design. Compared to conventional systems, there is a considerable reduction in waste and requiring reduced
labor for the assembly of panels. There is a decrease in the manufacturing process and in its assembly, as
it can reduce the costs of the foundation when using these panels, since they are lighter materials than
another type of seal (SOUZA, 2009).
In order to understand aspects of safety, habitability and sustainability, it is an important thing to talk about
materials that make up the system, which are summarized in expanded polystyrene (EPS), galvanized steel
and concrete.

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From this and knowing that housing is the most desired construction one should understand and evaluate
the constructive process in EPS panels in order to understand the complete system and its benefits.
Thus, we sought to evaluate and characterize the construction process in EPS panels, its system and benefits.

2. Methodology
A case study was carried out, characterized by a deep analysis of objects, which allow broad knowledge
and other types of designs considered (GIL, 2007).
This research is of qualitative characteristic, a systematic procedure with the objective of providing
answers to the proposed problems. Research develops from the formulation of the problem to the
presentation and discussion of the results (GIL, 2007).
The study deals with the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of expanded polystyrene
monolithic panels (EPS) in the construction process of popular houses, aiming to demonstrate the cost in
relation to the use of this process.

3. Results and Discussion

The construction system is characterized by an alternative for replacing materials such as conventional
masonry. Thus, we sought to understand the advantages of EPS in relation to the conventional.

Table 1 - COMPARISON BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL MASONRY METHOD AND EPS PANEL

CHARACTERISTICS CONVENTIONAL MASONRY EPS PANELS

MECHANICAL Excellent mechanical strength, however, Low thermal conductivity, reduction of

RESISTANCE lower than the system in EPS panels. It energy and air conditioning expenses
drives more heat, but spends more energy
FIRE RESISTANCE Excellent. For a wall with a 9 cm block and Low. For a wall with 9 cm thick panel
mortar of 6 cm thick, one has a time of 150 and 6 cm thick mortar one has a time 40
min min. Flame retardation
THERMAL It is constituted by good insulation, but the Main features, high ability to resist heat
INSULATION K (W/m.k) ceramic block has a lower resistive passage, its cell structure closed. Its
thermal transmission capacity than the EPS. Its coefficient coefficient ranges from 0.035 to 0.042
coefficient (CCT) ranges from 0.9 to 1.2

SOUNDPROOFING. For a wall of 15 cm (9 tij. + 6 arg.) you get For a wall of 14 cm (8 EPS + 6 arg.) you
Rw (db) sound a Rw=38 db get a Rw=38 db
resistance
STORAGE Its storage takes up a lot of space, It can be stacked horizontally
reducing the mobility rate in the work superimposed with a maximum of 20
panels. Reduces space occupancy
WEIGHT Larger, so that in the same dimensions Reduces the structural weight of the
that the panel with a thickness of 15 cm work, as the EPS is 98% composed of
can reach 250kg/m² air. The finished panel with 15 cm
thickness has its weight around

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120kg/m²

MANPOWER Does not need a specialized workforce For its simplicity of execution does not
require specialized labor, but a
qualification through training

SPEED OF Because of its fully artisanal system, it is Due to the easy handling and simplified
APPLICATION characterized by a much slower and less application characterized by modularity,
(PRODUCTIVITY) productive method it presents high executive productivity
PRICE Low initial unit cost, due to the abundance Higher initial unit cost, however, if taking
of its materials and simple manufacture into account the entire context involved
the price may become lower
DURABILITY Larger than any other material, being can The age limits of the EPS are not
exceed 100 years known, but understands that the
material has great durability, as it keeps
its properties unbeaten over the years.
EXECUTION OF Less efficient due to the need for rework to Facilitated due to no need for cutouts of
COMPLEMENTARY perform the walls
INSTALLATIONS
WASTED MATERIAL Because it is a totally handmade concept, Due to their modular character, where
where the executive process is totally the parts already come ready according
geared towards an almost always to dimensional needs, it is possible that
disqualified workforce, to a huge waste there is a reduction of almost 100% in
rate in this system waste

PLASTER ADHESION Its adhesion capacity is much higher, due There is difficulty in joining this material,
to a greater porosity that the material due to its very high impermeability
presents
MARKET There is a better acceptance by its users Limited due to factors such as ignorance
of the material regarding its advantages

PAVEMENT There are no limitations and can be There is a limitation of up to 4 floors.

LIMITATION checked in the most diverse quantities Since to obtain larger numbers, it is
necessary to resort to auxiliary
structures such as beams and pillars
SUSTAINABILITY Large amounts of debris are used for Expanded polystyrene 100% recyclable
further dumping, using a lot of water and and reusable. With its use decreases
energy from its manufacture to execution. the consumption of water and energy
from its manufacture to its execution and
decreases the generation of waste to
nature.
Source: Own Authorship.

The EPS construction system presents numerous phases, where initially the foundations are prepared, made,

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according to the structural calculation, depending on the type of land, which can be adopted different types
of foundation: type radier slab (with 18 cm of height); wall footing (40 cm wide and 15 cm deep in simple
designs); or a special foundation, if, the terrain or architectural polling conditions are not favourable to the
(TECHNE, 2012).
For hydrosanitary, electrical, communication, safety and others that may interfere with the radier, they are
positioned before the foundation begins. The pipe is grounded and leveled where on the ground there is the
launch of the counter floor concrete. Once this initial part is done, one must proceed to the base of the floor,
so that they are developed, with more cleaning and efficiency (Figure 1).

Figure 01: Radier type foundation

Source: Monolite, 2017.

After the foundation is concreted, the process begins in which the assembly of the base, alignment and
plumb of the panels, for the lifting of walls, the assembler must fix the panels at the previously placed starts
with the aid of a stapler, with AC steel clamps 60 (the same as attaching the mesh to the panels) or simply
with annealed wire and tools. The panels have overlapping steel mesh flaps, so that they are sothey are
sodoted to the next panel.
The assembly of the panels takes place in a simple and manual way, being connected to each other and to
the starts with the use of annealed wire and pliers or through the use of a pneumatic pistol (stapler)
(BERTOLDI, 2007) (Figure 2).

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Figure 02: Stapler for Mooring of Panels in The Starts
Source: Thermotech, 2014.

The assembly of self-supporting panels is not complex, but requires care and standards to avoid
misunderstandings in construction. They must be aligned with the iron guides of the contra piso and
mounted on the plumb, where the fixation is made by clamps and annealed wires. The panels will be
numbered by the manufacturer of the construction system and the mesh tabs of each panel must overlap
the tabs of the next panel for composition of the monolithic assembly (Figure 3).

Figure 03: Panel fixed on the start-ups of the radier type foundation
Source: ISOMAF (2019).

After the panels are installed, you can embed the electrical, hydraulic and sanitary pipes. The execution of
the facilities takes place in a practical and fast way, without the production of debris and need for rework,
keeping the built environment clean.
This is one of the advantages of this system compared to conventional masonry, in which according to
Lueble (2004), in the placement stage of pipelines and pipes, a conventional construction, presents a high
waste of materials, because masonry is broken and generated debris, which must be collected from a
recycling plant (Figure 4).

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Figure 04: Electrical and hydraulic installations

Source: MONOFORTE, 2016.

In the case of rigid or semi-rigid tubes, when necessary, the metal screen is cut with pliers and at the end,
the screen is closed again to hold the pipe. The system admits sophisticated mesh grounding, creating a
Faraday cage and for multi-floor designs, recommending the use of shafts, as it facilitates access to and
maintenance of electrical and hydraulic systems.
After the assembly of the panels, with alignment and plumb checked and all hydraulic and electrical
installation has been carried out, the coating with mortar must be performed, which can be applied by
manual process or by means of a pneumatic projection, with predetermined thicknesses according to the
project. The use of pneumatic equipment provides greater productivity, coating compaction quality and
causes low vibration to panels when compared to the manual process.
The coating is applied in two layers, the first has the function of filling the surface of the EPS until facing
the mesh of the steel screens. The coating should always be done on both sides of the panel, so that it is not
only one of the coated faces for healing, preventing the system from presenting differential retraction
(MACHADO; PINTO, 2001) (figure 5).

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Figure 05: Application of microcement with equipment

Source: Téchne, 2012

Only after application and curing the mortar, which the panel has resistance and becomes self-supporting,
and can be used as a sealing element or also as a structural element of high load capacity. From the union
of steel meshes and mortar micropillars are formed along the wall, which results in a monolithic building
that resists earthquakes (seismic events) and vertical loadings.
In the application of the finishes there is nothing different from the others, it will be carried out in the same
way as a conventional system, such as the application of tiles, plaster or mass running (SILVA, 2009) (figure
06).

Figure 06: Final Finish

Source: Téchne, 2012

Among the various advantages and benefits that the use of this construction system with monolithic panels
in EPS can provide, we can mention the following:
• Low thermal conductivity: in which its organization is formed of numerous closed cells, with very
small diameter, full of air, with the blocking of heat passage. A foundation that indicates the excellent
thermal insulation capacity of the EPS is its constitution (98% air and 2% polystyrene), leaving, due to the
amount of air, inside the cells without locomotion. Thermal insulation capacity is demonstrated by the
Thermal Conductivity Coefficient (TCC), which, the lower the coefficient of thermal insulation capacity
(REIS, 2015);
• Baixo peso: as execuções realizadas na obra são significativamente reduzidas, devido ao seu baixo

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peso, facilitando os serviços e podendo reduzir prazos (REIS, 2015);
• Low thermal conductivity: explained by closed cells and large amounts of air, which end up hindering
the passage of heat. Thus, demonstrating itself as a good insulator (COSTA, 2007);
• Mechanical Resistance: even though it has a low weight, it has a high mechanical strength, which can
be applied when this attribute is necessary (REIS, 2015);
• Construction up to 40% faster when compared to conventional masonry;
• The EPS used in the works does not generate combustion: characterizing safety for any work;
It is essential to have a high quality material, which is certified and produced by specialized companies.
The EPS used in the walls is differentiated and come in panels ready to be fixed on the base, so one should
always buy from a renowned manufacturer so as not to have problems in his work with some disadvantages,
such as consumer ignorance; low adhesion to the chapisco; high initial cost.

4. Final Considerations
Depending on market changes and current trends where the focus on sustainable construction swells is
growing significantly, the use of methods that reduce waste creation and energy expenditures, becoming
increasingly frequent in construction occupying more and more space, showing that the monolithic system
of EPS is an advantageous option for those looking for innovative constructions.
It was observed that the method of monolithic polystyrene panels (EPS), is a new and innovative system
in Brazil, replaces conventional walls, because it is a prefabricated, modular, lightweight system composed
of expanded polystyrene EPS, enabling a new and advanced construction system, by synthesizing the
advantages of the traditional system and prefabricated, dispensing beams and pillars, and towed in
structural mortar.
Light concrete is recognized for its reduced specific weight and high thermal and acoustic insulation
capacity. As it is a product of fast production and application, high fluidity (molded without needing
density), presents itself as an excellent option for execution of structural walls or sealing.
The use of EPS plates for the elevation of internal walls is an economically and technically accessible
solution, given the speed and containment of expenses provided to the construction of the work under study.
Thus, the greater the size of the work, the more advantageous the system becomes.
It is concluded, then, that this system is economically viable to build popular housing, because its thermal,
acoustic and sustainable advantages characteristic of the method. EPS panels have become a sustainable
solution reducing the use of renewable materials, this method does not generate leftovers, as all parts are
designed and manufactured on measures, through architectural designs the panels are delivered to be
delivered to be fixed in the work, thus minimizes the loss of materials at the time of execution.

5. Bibliographic References
BERTOLDI, Renato Hercílio. Caracterização De Sistema Construtivo Com Vedações Constituídas Por
Argamassa Projetada Revestindo Núcleo Composto De Poliestireno Expandido E Telas De Aço: Dois
Estudos De Caso Em Florianópolis. 2007.144f. Dissertação (Mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa
Catarina, Florianópolis, 2007.
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COSTA, P. Tipos de parede, espessura e montagem de uma parede em tijolo. 2007. Disponível em: <
http://www.dicascaseiras.com/2010/03/10/tipos-de-parede-espessura-montagem-parede-tijolo/ >. Acesso
em 1 Setemb. 2019.

GIL, A. C. Como elaborar projetos de pesquisa. 4. ed. São Paulo: Atlas, 2007.

LUEBLE, Ana Regina Ceratti Pinto. Construção de habitações com painéis de EPS e argamassa armada.
In: Conferência latino-americana de construção sustentável x encontro nacional de tecnologia do ambiente
construído, 1., 2004, São Paulo.

MACHADO, Rosane M. A; PINTO, Taisa S. Inovação tecnológica na construção civil: o caso dos painéis
de EPS. 27 pg. Monografia (Especialização) –CEFET –PR. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Gerenciamento
de Obras, VI. Curitiba, 2001.

NETO, José Orlando Avesani. Caracterização do componente geoternico do EPS através de ensaios
mecânicos e hidráulicos. 227p. Dissertação. Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, 2008.

REIS. C, 2015; Painel Monolítico em EPS, Poliestireno Expandido; Disponível: <

http:/www.guiadaobra.net/painel-monolitico-eps-poliestireno-expandido-718/ >. Acesso em 22 Agos.
2019.

SOUZA, Ângela Cristina Alves Guimarães de. Análise comparativa de custos de alternativas tecnológicas
para construção de habitações populares. 2009. 180f. Dissertação (Mestrado) – Programa de Pós-graduação
em Engenharia Civil, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Recife, 2009.

TÉCHNE. Tecnologia: Paredes de panéis monolíticos de EPS. Disponível em: <

http://techne.pini.com.br/engenharia-civil/129/artigo285706-2.aspx>. Acesso em 22 Agos. 2019.

TERMOTÉCNICA. Método construtivo inovador e sustentável recebe certificação. Disponível em:

<http://www.termotecnica.ind.br/metodo-construtivo-inovador-e-sustentavel-recebe-certificacao/>.
Acesso em 29 Agos. 2019.

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