Abstract This paper describes an experimental and analytical study characterizing the elastic properties of packed beds of expanded perlite. Elastic moduli of packed beds of expanded perlite particles (expanded siliceous volcanic glass) were investigated by elastic wave velocity measurement along the axial direction. By adopting an isotropic model for the medium, the elastic moduli Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus were measured. Young's modulus increased nonlinearly with increasing bulk density. Poisson's ratio did not show a large variation with density and which may be understood in terms of the fabric of the medium (double porosity structure of the packed beds). During compaction to achieve different densities, some crushing of particles into smaller particles and platy debris occurred. Analyses were based on both the raw compaction densities and densities modified by removal of debris from consideration on the assumption that it is non-structural. Four analytical models were applied to predict elastic moduli of packed beds of expanded perlite particles within the porosity range 84-95%. Models were assessed on their ability to successfully predict elastic moduli of these highly porous bodies for both cases: using the raw compact density and the modified density. It was found that the Wang (Minimum Solid Area) model was able to estimate Young's modulus and the Gibson and Ashby model was reasonable for the average behaviour of both elastic moduli. The best agreement was found for the Phani model with our modified shape factor.