Study on properties of foamed concrete with EPS as coarse aggregate

Abstract

Foamed concrete was prepared using lightweight coarse aggregate (EPS) and composite cementitious materials consisting of flue gas desulphurization gypsum (FGD), fly ash (FA), ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and steel slag (SS). The effects of activator and epoxy resin on mechanical properties, thermal conductivity and water resistance of samples were researched and analysed. The experimental data indicated that density of samples was chiefly affected by EPS and epoxy resin. The flexural strength, compressive strength and water resistance could be improved by the addition of activator. Moreover, epoxy resin played a beneficial role in improving mechanical properties, thermal insulation performance and water resistance due to the improvement of pore structure.