Delineation of Basic Construction Techniques for the Construction of Expanded Polystyrene Insulation Wall Panels in Nigeria

Abstract

The use of building materials is very vital in all phases of life as no field of architecture and engineering is conceivable without their use and this is due to the advancement in technology, which has led to various innovations not only in the field of medicine and engineering but also in environmental science and particularly in building materials. The challenges of poor performance, high cost of purchase and maintenance of burnt bricks, concrete blocks and sandcrete blocks have generated a lot of concern amongst all the stakeholders in the building industry, hence, the sought-for other conventional building materials that can serve as alternatives. However, the calls for the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) have gained ascendancy in recent times perhaps due to its attendant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, thermal properties and sustainability criteria. Despite all these, there is still a lack of technical knowledge of utilization and lack of awareness of this trending innovative material commonly adopted in modern methods of construction. To be acquitted with evolving advancement in building technology, there is the need to be well informed on the attributes and versatility of expanded polystyrene. This study, therefore, provides an overview and the various aspects of the construction process and technology beginning from the substructure to superstructure and roof construction with the use of expanded polystyrene.