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Thermal-resistant lightweight concrete with polyethylene beads as coarse aggregates
As stated by Ali et al. (739), concrete is the extensively used construction material globally. However, in most cases, people use regular concrete, which is characterized by the high weight and low or limited range of thermal conductivity. Various previous research studies conducted recommend that the use of lightweight concrete is more effective in the construction industry because of its many advantages. The scientific objectives of this study include: to find out how a reduction in the weight of the concrete leads to positive results in the construction domain. Another objective is to find out how the use of thermal insulating lightweight concrete leads to conserves energy and lowers greenhouse gases. The research also seeks to assess and evaluate the durability of the structures done using lightweight concrete. In finding more information about the usage of lightweight concrete, the study uses various approaches to achieve its objectives. Generally, the study used an inductive research approach, where it directly focuses on the aims and objectives to be achieved during the research process. It also involves the use of various researchers, by referring to researches done in the past to establish a strong foundation for the study at hand. For example, it focuses on the past studies regarding lightweight concrete, their origin, how they have been used as well as finding the feasibility of using lightweight concrete as part of the structural components that can be used to bring up good buildings (Ali et al. 739). The experimental program is also used as an essential approach to proving the effectiveness of thermal resistant, lightweight concrete. In the end, the primary role of introducing polyethylene beads as coarse aggregates were established to be vital in the formation of lightweight concrete, characterized by high thermal insulation.
This study concerning the use of lightweight concrete in the construction industry is essential because of various reasons. First and foremost, it provides the advantages of using this kind of concrete because for a long time now, most people in the construction industry have ventured into using the normal concrete which is composed of heavy material and is never recommended as the appropriate one for use in the construction industry. The advantages of using lightweight concrete are; it lowers the amount of dead load that may be carried during construction. It reduces haulage and handling of costs and enhances the faster rate of construction. These are just some of the advantages that justify why this study is essential.
Additionally, the study is also significant because it puts past research works regarding the use of lightweight concrete on the check. Before proceeding with the current study, the author must reflect on the already existing research literature to inform us about nature and every other factor involved in the use of lightweight concrete. For example, the study reveals past studies done such as the impacts of temperature on the mechanical properties on lightweight concrete, effects of water, the amount of compressive strength in concrete having different kinds of beads.
The previous studies conducted on the topic are a foundation for this study. They provide nearly all the necessary information about lightweight concrete that the author needs to help him proceed with his research. In other words, before carrying out any research work, we must do a literature review, especially if the study involves something that has been in existence for long a time. This provides the clue or hint of where to start. This ensures that the study conducted is of high credibility and can be verified from various credible sources. Many studies have been done concerning the application of lightweight concrete in the construction industry. So it is only necessary to reflect upon the already existing information before coming up with the right conclusions on this study.
The study is beneficial, and the author argues in support of lightweight concrete by stating many advantages. Some of them include high thermal insulation, increased resistance, reduced size of footings, higher utility space and reduced expenses among many more (Ali et al. 740). The study also highlights how the construction industry is making efforts to establish buildings of high energy efficiency. Additionally, it states that the use of lightweight concrete is the most effective method of realizing this. However, the work ought to include practical cases studies of construction where this has fully worked as supporting and convincing evidence.
I also suggest that the study ought to include a strong connection between the previous studies done on this topic with the current study. The study ought to also explain the preference of polyethylene beads and not any other so that it brings a more precise understanding. Furthermore, the research was based only on the performance of lightweight concrete. Maybe it should have also involved details of the regular concrete as used in the construction industry so that proper deductions can be made based on the two kinds of concrete. Some of the scientific questions that can arise from this study include: At what environmental conditions can this kind of concrete be used? What are the scientific conditions that make polyethylene beads to be the recommended coarse aggregates for lightweight concrete? And how can the percentage of segregation be measured?
Work Cited
Ali, M. R., et al. “Thermal-resistant lightweight concrete with polyethylene beads as coarse aggregates.” Construction and Building Materials 164 (2018): 739-749.