Styrofoam Housing System (SHS) – Prefabricated modular unit made of polystyrene and laminate of glass fibres embedded in epoxy resin used as a building material in temporary shelter. Preliminary evaluation of mechanical properties

In response to global crises, wars, and natural disasters, the concept of the ‘SHS’ (Styrofoam Housing System) transitional house was developed. The project is based on the creation of a modular unit that is inexpensive, easy, and quick to manufacture and assemble due to the use of lightweight composite panels. SHS utilizes interconnected prefabricated modular panels comprising a polystyrene core faced with a laminate layer (glass fibre cloth and epoxy resin). This article presents the results of preliminary tests of the basic mechanical properties of the composite with the aim of evaluating the possibility of its use as building partitions. Axial compression and four-point bending tests were conducted on small samples alongside bending tests on full-scale models, which constitute modular elements of the transition house. The influence of the number and location of laminate layers on its static performance was analysed. In the tests on small samples, the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method was also employed. The tests on large models allowed for the estimation of the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of the modular elements. The obtained results indicate that the SHS panels meet the ULS and SLS criteria. Finally, based on the conducted tests and analyses, the design and erection were successfully completed. • SHS is based on a composite of polystyrene and epoxy resin. • Basic tests of the mechanical parameters of the composite were conducted and presented. • The system was used to build a temporary housing unit.