Effect of heat treatment of expanded polystyrene concrete on its compressive strength

The purpose of this research was to identify the effect of heat treatment of heat-insulating concrete on its compressive strength. For comparison, samples of normal hardening and samples that have undergone heat treatment were used. Lightweight heat-insulating concrete based on cement, polystyrene, and industrial waste was used as the subject of the research. A steaming chamber was used for steaming concrete; tests of the mechanical strength of concrete were carried out on a hydraulic press. All tests were carried out under laboratory conditions. Studies have shown that the density of polystyrene concrete after heat treatment is 7% lower than that of polystyrene concrete hardened under normal conditions. During heat treatment, the crystal structure of the material changes, which affects its final properties. This is proved by the fact that the strength of polystyrene concrete after heat treatment is 30% higher.