Modelling EPS Beads Distribution in 2D and 3D and Its Compressive Strength

Abstract

Abstract The paper aims to build a distribution model for the EPS beads distribution in 2 and 3 dimensions. An EPS distribution model is built firstly, in which the calculated 2D distribution with volume fraction of 10%,20%,30% and the radius of 1.35mm and 3.5 mm are compared with the real experimental image of EPS distribution, and the calculated results match the real EPS bead distribution well. Secondly, the 3D distribution model is presented, and then the 3D model is incorporated into the finite element model to calculate the stress distribution. Finally, the failure of EPS concrete is predicted under different volume fraction and the radius of EPS bead according to the calculated stress distribution. From the simulated results of 3D stress distribution, it can be found that under the same volume fraction condition, reducing the radius of EPS bead can improve the compressive strength of EPS concrete.