Styrofoam building block

Types of styrofoam building blocks

Generally, styrofoam building blocks are lightweight, large pieces used in construction as an insulating material. They can give thermal resistance, energy efficiency, and sound insulation, and they can be used as foundation forms, structural infill, or modular building units. The following types of styrofoam building blocks are:

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Blocks

  EPS blocks are lightweight foam blocks filled with tiny air pockets. They are commonly used products in construction to provide insulation and keep buildings energy-efficient. EPS blocks offer good insulation and are friendly to the Earth. In construction, EPS blocks function as insulating materials to keep heat in or out of buildings, helping to reduce energy use and lower utility bills for both commercial and residential buildings. Besides, EPS blocks are also used to provide cushioning and protection during the transportation of goods.

• Structural Insulated Foam Blocks

  Structural Insulated Foam Blocks, or SIFBs, are special building materials. They consist of a core of foam insulation sandwiched between two strong outer layers. This construction gives SIFBs good strength and insulation properties. In addition, SIFBs can be used in load-bearing walls, roofs, and floors.

• Geofoam Blocks

  Geofoam blocks are lightweight blocks made of polystyrene foam. They provide good insulation and are light, which makes them suitable for various civil engineering projects as fill material.

• Composite Material Blocks

  Composite Material Blocks are made from two or more materials mixed together. This combination can give the blocks better qualities and makes them suitable for various uses in construction. For example, foam concrete, which is a composite material, combines polystyrene particles and cement. This mixture results in a lightweight and insulating material ideal for applications such as energy-efficient wall systems, lightweight structural fills, and modular construction components.

Specifications and maintenance of Styrofoam building blocks

With the exception of concrete construction, the following design and technical details are generally applicable.

• Sizes

  The size of a styrofoam building block is usually expressed in terms of length x width x height. Common sizes are 1200x600x600mm(48x24x24 inches), 1200x600x300mm(48x24x12)and 1200x300x300mm(48x12x12 inches). Generally, it can be customized from 1200 to 5000mm in length and from 300 to 1000mm in breadth and height.

• Materials

  The primary material is EPS foam, which is also known as sandwich panel styrofoam. Other materials are Plast Concrete (Plastic Concrete) and Recycled Polystyrene Concrete (Recycled Polystyrene).STYROFOAM is a brand name for polystyrene foam produced by The Dow Chemical Company, which is another variant of polystyrene foam.

• Density and thermal conductivity

  The density of STYROFOAM blocks can vary depending on the specification used, but it is typically in between 6-50 kg/m3. The density of several types of blocks, such as eps shape and general eps, are described in the table below.

  Densities of Styrofoam

  Type	Density
  EPS White Foam	12-20 kg/m3
  EPS Grey Foam	16-22 kg/m3
  EPS White Beads	10-12 kg/m3
  General EPS	16-50 kg/m3

  A common EPS foam building block thermal conductivity is around 0.036 W/mK. Other materials can be as high as 0.045 W/mK, but they are more durable and therefore, more commonly used.

It is also essential to keep the following 3 aspects in mind while maintaining Styrofoam blocks.

• Use FINISHER to

  In order to utilize less Styrofoam and yield lots of finished product, lots of AIR should be trapped in the blocks. To further enhance this situation, the Styrofoam should be utilized as large pieces as possible. After forming the Styrofoam, a FINISHER should be used to STRAIGHTEN and SMOOTH the FINISHED product further.

• FERTILIZER

  While FURNACE FUMES are presently being utilized in a Mediterranean country in the FERTILIZER process, it should be noted that the method of utilizing them should decrease the amount of Styrofoam required to generate a shape.

• Stored properly

  If one has BLOCKS of items not yet utilized, they should be kept in a structure that has an OVERHANG in order to STORE them CORRECTLY. While some air may be allowed to CIRULATE, it is better to HAVE LESS air in CIRCULATION, as it will lead to a lower loss.

Usage scenarios of styrofoam building blocks

• Green architecture:

  Global warming continues to impact how construction works. Therefore, eco-friendly buildings are becoming popular. Styrofoam blocks fit this trend. They help architects create structures that use less energy and produce less waste.

• Extreme Weather Areas:

  Areas that have very hot or cold weather need good insulators. Styrofoam blocks are very good at insulation. They keep buildings cool in heat and warm in cold. Therefore, buildings constructed with styrofoam blocks improve comfort and cut energy use in extreme weather areas.

• Temporary Structures:

  Styrofoam blocks also work well for short-term buildings. They are cheap and easy to modify. This makes them perfect for uses like outdoor events, military camps, and trade show booths. Even though they are temporary, styrofoam-blocked structures are still comfortable for occupants.

• Low-Cost Housing:

  Countries that face poverty need affordable housing solutions. Styrofoam blocks can provide one because they are cheap to buy and quick to set up. Also, thanks to their good insulation, homes built with them can lower utility bills. This makes life better for families in low-income areas.

• Educational Facilities:

  Foam blocks provide low-cost yet quality construction solutions. This is a consideration when building facilities for educational purposes. Blocks help educational facilities constructors stay within budget and meet set standards. Therefore, they help meet specification while going easy on limited resources.

• Healthcare Facilities:

  Constructors of healthcare facilities seek materials that can meet the required standards while going easy on resources. Styrofoam blocks can provide one. They allow for the swift and cost-effective establishment of facilities. This makes it possible to set up essential healthcare services. Also, the blocks' insulation properties promote a healing environment for patients.

• Luxury Homes:

  Although Styrofoam blocks are low-cost materials, they are still useful in luxury homes. They are behind the scenes, providing insulation and reducing noise. They do this while doubling luxury and comfort. This makes them great materials for stately residences.

• Sound-sensitive Areas:

  Areas that need to minimize outside noise include hospitals, schools, and residential areas close to highways. Styrofoam blocks are good sound insulators. They absorb noise and prevent it from entering buildings. Styrofoam blocks enhance peace and quiet in sound-sensitive places by lessening outdoor sound disruptions.

How to choose styrofoam building blocks

• Demand analysis:

  Understanding the market and application demand is crucial when purchasing styrofoam construction blocks. Analyze the market scale and potential of the application field to ensure there is sufficient demand.

• Quality selection:

  Choose a supplier with a good reputation and high-quality products. Visit the supplier's factory or showroom, inspect the production process and quality control system, and understand the raw materials and manufacturing techniques they use.

• Product characteristics:

  Consider the characteristics of styrofoam blocks, such as thermal insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance, moisture resistance, etc. Select the appropriate performance according to specific use requirements.

• Specification matching:

  Ensure that the specifications and sizes of the purchased styrofoam blocks match the needs of the project. Make sure they are compatible with other building materials and construction techniques used in the project.

• Cost-effectiveness:

  Evaluate the cost-performance ratio of the product by considering factors such as price, quality, performance, and service. Choose products that offer good cost performance to increase competitiveness in the market.

• Logistics and storage:

  Consider the logistics and storage conditions for styrofoam blocks. Ensure the supplier can provide reliable logistics services to ensure timely delivery. Additionally, make sure the storage facilities can accommodate and protect the products properly.

Styrofoam building block FAQ

Q1: Are Styrofoam blocks recyclable?

A1: Yes. They can be recycled into packaging materials, insulation products, or new Styrofoam products.

Q2: Can people sleep in Styrofoam houses?

A2: Yes, Styrofoam houses can be used as temporary shelters for camping or emergencies, but they are not suitable for long-term use.

Q3: Do Styrofoam houses need ventilation?

A3: Yes, ventilation is essential for Styrofoam houses to allow air exchange, prevent moisture buildup, and ensure adequate indoor air quality.

Q4: How long do Styrofoam houses last?

A4: If properly maintained, Styrofoam houses can last several years. However, they are not a permanent solution compared to traditional housing materials.