Analysis of asymmetric high-performance structural insulated panels for load-bearing walls

This paper reports on theoretical, numerical and experimental research into the use of structural insulated panels as structural wall components. Methods to determine and improve the structural capacity of such panels are discussed. The results indicated the significant influence of load transfer through the panel core on structural behaviour. Symmetrical stiffening of both faces increased the bending stiffness of panels considerably, but hardly influenced load distribution. Creating asymmetrical sandwich panels had a large influence on the distribution of loads and therefore structural behaviour. The modelling included an analysis of panels connected to a sole plate at the bottom. The bottom connection was described as a fixed end in the theoretical model; this approach is validated by finite-element model results. Equations were then developed to determine the value of the deformation and stresses at any location in the structure. Owing to the influence of shear deformation, the bending moment transformed depending on the slenderness of the panel. This influenced the out-of-plane displacement as well as the stresses in the panel. This reaction can be explained by the fact that bending resulted in both bending deformation and shear deformation, and that the load distribution acted accordingly.