POLYSTYRENE BLOCKS: USES, BENEFITS, AND

AVAILABILITY IN OZAMIZ CITY

College of Computer Studies, Engineering and Architecture

La Salle University - Ozamiz

Pansacala Claudine M.
 I. Background of the study

Most of the materials being used in building infrastructures like cement, steel, sand and
gravel, steel bars are common nowadays that people stick to the old ways. In the long run,
buildings which are built to these kinds of materials have less durability. Most engineers find
ways to lessen building damages caused by natural calamities. Polystyrene was accidentally
discovered by a German apothecary, called Eduard Simon, in 1839. When his newly discovered
chemical “Styrol” or “Styrol Oxide” which was an oily substance he had isolated from a natural
resin, hardened after a few days, he assumed it had oxidised. In 1845, English chemist John
Blyth and German chemist August Willhelm von Hoffmann proved that the same reaction took
place in the absence of oxygen, showing that it was not oxidation. They named it “Metastyrol”.
Then, in 1866, Marcelin Berthelot demonstrated that the hard material was actually a polymer.
The problem was that the monomer was too unstable and tended to turn into the polymer before
it should, preventing useful application of polystyrene, as it came to be known in the mid-
twentieth century.

As we all know Polystyrene foams are good thermal insulators and are therefore often
used as building insulation materials, such as in insulating concrete forms and structural
insulated panel building systems. With the unique characteristics of the polystyrene blocks,
buildings can be constructed faster and cheaper than normal brick and mortal buildings from one
storey to multi-storey. The blocks can be used in residential, industrial and commercial
construction projects.

The polystyrene blocks are stacked and then the forms are filled with concrete. Building
with blocks is a lot like building with the toy blocks. Once in place the blocks are used to give
structure. As soon as the concrete is casted in the blocks, stability is gained. Rebar’s are placed in
the foam blocks before the concrete is casted. The steel bars are used for reinforcement of the
structure.

A specific method is used for the filling of the polystyrene blocks to prevent overflow or
too much expansion. Once the concrete has become firmer, the units can be left in the exact spot.
As such the foam structures are used as empty bricks and then filled with concrete. The
polystyrene is not removed afterwards simply because the material forms a sound insulation as
well as act as thermal insulation. Electrical wiring and plumbing pipes can be inserted in the
polystyrene. This ensures quicker installation of electricity and plumbing pipes in a building.
With the interlocking polystyrene block system an exceptionally strong, yet, well insulated
building can be constructed faster than is possible with the normal brick and mortar method. The
steel connectors ensure flexible reinforcement of the structure.

Since then, some engineers start to use polystyrene blocks as permanent insulation in
buildings. The blocks are energy efficient and ensure optimal insulation not only for walls of
buildings, but also the roofs and even floors. Lightweight polystyrene foam provides excellent
thermal insulation in numerous applications, such as building walls and roofing, refrigerators and
freezers, and industrial cold storage facilities. Polystyrene insulation is inert, durable and
resistant to water damage.

II. Statement of the Problem

In constructing a building it should have good materials to be used. If the materials are
poor, a building could easily fail and it makes a threat to people’s safety. The state aims to
answer the following questions:

1. What are polystyrene blocks?

2. What are the uses of polystyrene blocks?
3. What is the benefit of using polystyrene blocks?
4. How many percent of the hardware and construction supply stores in Ozamis City have
or sell polystyrene blocks?
1.1 What are their reasons for not selling or making polystyrene blocks available in their
respective establishments?
 III. Objectives of the Study
Since older buildings we see right now have physical evidence caused by damage in
natural disasters like cracks, debris falls, and sometimes even the building itself collapse. The
main objective of this study is to let engineers know that polystyrene blocks are one of the good
materials that can be used in building construction and its effectiveness and efficiency.
The specific objectives of this study is listed below:

 To determine the polystyrene blocks

 To determine the use of polystyrene blocks
 To determine the benefits of using polystyrene blocks
 To determine the percentage of polystyrene blocks which are present in the hardware and
construction supply stores in Ozamis City

IV. Significance of the Study

In construction the major consideration is the materials. However, high-quality
construction materials don’t come cheap. And with rising economic pressures, the cost of
construction materials has been steadily on the rise. In light of this, it has been the collective goal
of many to discover alternatives to the most common materials used in construction. These
alternatives should possess relatively the same quality and durability to those of conventional
materials, but at much lower price.

The results of this research study may be beneficial for the following:

Architects- The result of this research helps architects in design wise decision. They
would be able to make new designs.

Engineers- The results benefit the engineers in building construction. They will acquire
knowledge about polystyrene blocks being used as one of the constructing materials. A safer and
efficient construction projects.

Future Engineers- The result will benefit the future engineers. Students who study
engineering course gain more knowledge about using polystyrene blocks as one of the
constructing materials.
 V. Scope and Limitations
This study mainly focuses on the building infrastructures being used in engineers and to
help promote safety to both the building and the people who lives in it. This research is limited to
engineers and architects who work on finding and improving the safest and efficient way in
building infrastructures.