Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core Panel system is a modern, efficient, safe, and
economical construction system for the construction of buildings. These panels can
be used both as load-bearing and non-load-bearing elements.

The EPS core panel is a 3D panel consisting of a 3-dimensional welded wire space frame
provided with the polystyrene insulation core. The panel is placed in position and
shotcrete is on both sides.

EPS panel after shotcrete has the following five components (as Fig. 1.1):
i. The outer layer of shotcrete.
ii. Welded reinforcing mesh of high wire.
iii. The core of the expanded polystyrene sheet.
iv. Diagonal wire (stainless or galvanized wire).
v. The inner layer of shotcrete.

Some of the advantages of the EPS Core panel systems are as follows:
i. Reduce the cost of construction
ii. Reduce the Construction period
iii. Reduce transport costs. Lightweight panels: do not require cranes and other
heavy construction equipment. (A Standard panel of size (1.2×3) m without
shotcrete weighs 20 kg).
iv. The installation does not need heavy construction equipment.
v. Ensure high levels of thermal insulation, and sound insulation, as well as sanitary
and fire safety.
vi. EPS 3-D panels allow no additional cost to erect buildings in areas with
moving soil, especially heaving, subsidence, frozen ground, and remote
areas.
vii. Strength and durability – used extruded polystyrene is virtually inert and does
not absorb moisture, is durable and is resistant to decay.

Some of the Limitations of the EPS Core Panel System:
i. EPS Panel construction system may only be used in the construction of
foundation walls supporting 4 storeys or less unless designed by a
professional engineer.
ii. Concrete must be applied by either the “shotcrete dry” or “shotcrete wet”
process in accordance with ACI 506 R-85, “Guide to Shotcrete,” by the
American Concrete Institute.
iii. Compressive strength of concrete shall not be less than 20 MPa.
iv. The steel reinforcement shall have a minimum allowable stress (fy) of 415
MPa.

The EPS Core panel system is environment-friendly and aesthetically appealing. It
can be constructed quickly resulting in savings in construction time and money. The
technology has been in use successfully in many African as well as European
countries with the involvement of different agencies