Investigation of mechanical properties and thermal behavior of expanded polystyrene concrete (EPS) and exfoliated vermiculite (EV) concrete has been accomplished in this research. It includes how EPS concrete is prepared by substituting the coarse aggregate with 0, 10, 15, and 20% with EPS aggregates. Similarly, EV concrete is prepared by replacing the fine aggregates with 0, 15, 45, and 60% with EV aggregates. The influence of EPS and EV proportion on mechanical and thermal properties was detected. Thermal properties were studied with an adiabatic box technique. Clear improvement in thermal behavior was observed in comparison with normal concrete and reduction in compressive strength was observed for an appreciable increase in the amount of EPS and EV. Also, the properties like split tensile strength, load–deflection curves, and durability properties of the EPS and EV concretes were experimented.

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Purpose This study aims to assess the efficacy of thermal analysis of concrete slabs by including different insulation materials using ANSYS. Regression equations were proposed to predict the thermal conductivity using concrete density. As these simulation and regression analyses are essential tools in designing the thermal insulation concretes with various densities, they sequentially reduce the associated time, effort and cost. Design/methodology/approach Two grades of concretes were taken for thermal analysis. They were designed by replacing the natural fine aggregates with thermal insulation aggregates: expanded polystyrene, exfoliated vermiculite and light expanded clay. Density, temperature difference, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and time were measured by conducting experiments. This data was used to simulate concrete slabs in ANSYS. Regression analysis was performed to obtain the relation between density and thermal conductivity. Finally, the quality of the predicted regression equations was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), integral absolute error (IAE) and normal efficiency (NE). Findings ANSYS analysis on concrete slabs accurately estimates the thermal behavior of concrete, with lesser error value ranges between 0.19 and 7.92%. Further, the developed regression equations proved accurate with lower values of RMSE (0.013 to 0.089), MAE (0.009 to 0.088); IAE (0.216 to 5.828%) and higher values of NE (94.16 to 99.97%). Originality/value The thermal analysis accurately simulates the experimental transfer of heat across the concrete slab. Obtained regression equations proved helpful while designing the thermal insulation concrete.