Racking Performance of Structural Insulated Panels
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 11
Abstract
Formed from a thick layer of polystyrene foam sandwiched between two layers of oriented strand board, structural insulated panels (SIPs) are a viable alternative to traditional wood stud shear walls. Developed in North America, SIPs satisfy building performance criteria while being both sustainable and cost effective. This paper details a comprehensive experimental and parametric study at Napier University examining the structural performance of shear walls constructed of SIPs under the action of both racking loads and combined bending and axial compression. The effects of size and position of openings, for doors and windows, were examined and compared to designs carried out in accordance with BS 5268 and Eurocode 5. The study has demonstrated that SIPs perform as an effective composite material possessing the strength and stiffness necessary to sustain required design loads.
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Acknowledgments
The SIP panels used in this study were of type “SIPs Eco Panels,” manufactured and supplied by Structural Insulated Panels Scotland Ltd.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 132 • Issue 11 • November 2006
Pages: 1806 - 1812
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 17, 2005
Accepted: Dec 20, 2005
Published online: Nov 1, 2006
Published in print: Nov 2006
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: J. Daniel Dolan
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