COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE CONVENTIONAL BUILDING SYSTEM IN MASONRY AND THE SYSTEM IN MONOLITHIC EPS PANELS

Abstract

Conventional ceramic block masonry is the most common construction method in civil construction. The use of this method entails an excessive volume of solid waste generated, which is why civil construction is the industry with the greatest waste generation. Furthermore, this system demands a very long runtime when compared to prefabricated systems. However, the implementation of new methods in the civil construction market has allowed the improvement of its construction systems, such as the monolithic panels made of EPS - Expanded Polystyrene. Since this system allows for easy assembly, which consequently reduces the execution time, as well as allows the construction of buildings with radically lower waste generation, it is understood that the conventional masonry of ceramic blocks can be easily replaced by monolithic EPS panels, although its use is still quite limited. As a result, this article aimed to analyze the performance and cost of the two construction systems. The research method used was a comparative bibliographic analysis of the performance between the EPS system and the perforated ceramic blocks system. The EPS system showed a satisfactory result regarding performance, material characteristics, labor cost and indirect costs in relation to the ceramic block. In addition, a budget provided by a company specialized in the area was analyzed, reaching the conclusion that although the costs of the materials that make up the EPS system are higher, the reduction in labor compensates for this cost.