Stress-strain relationship in axial compression for EPS concrete

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) concrete is an environment friendly lightweight material, which is widely used for building construction in recent years. In this study, EPS concrete with the dry density of 800-1200 kg/m3 was made by replacing coarse aggregates with EPS beads, and its stress-strain behavior was investigated based on the axial compression tests. Then, the effect of dry density and curing age on the compressive strength as well as peak strain were observed. Finally, a stress-strain model for EPS concrete was proposed and its applicability was discussed. As a result of this study, EPS concrete showed higher compressive strength and peak strain with the increase of dry density and curing age. It was also indicated that the proposed stress-strain model agreed well with the test results and could be used for the structure analysis and design in the structural application of EPS concrete.