The Effectiveness of Styrofoam Mixtures in Lightweight Concrete Walls

Abstract

This research explores the potential use of styrofoam concrete as a sustainable construction material with excellent acoustic properties. Considering variations in the thickness of styrofoam concrete, the study employs the NoiSee application on smartphones as an affordable and flexible noise measurement tool. The results investigate the potential of using styrofoam to reduce noise. The findings indicate that styrofoam, especially at a thickness of 4 cm, exhibits high effectiveness with a noise reduction of up to 60%. Additionally, the addition of styrofoam waste to brick mixtures can enhance the sound absorption coefficient at 800 Hz frequency. Styrofoam is effective in sound absorption below 1000 Hz, with thickness ranging from 1 cm to 3.5 cm improving sound absorption performance at various frequencies, while a thickness of 4 cm proves effective at 1000 Hz frequency. Overall, the combined results affirm the potential of styrofoam as a customizable soundproofing material for various acoustic applications.