Thermomechanical Response of Profiled Metal-Faced Insulating Sandwich Panels: Testing and Analysis
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 6
Abstract
The durability of profiled metal-faced insulating sandwich panels (MFISPs) in terms of exposure to high temperatures and thermal cycles is critical for their use in civil engineering applications. In this paper, a total of 20 full-scale panels made with two different thicknesses were tested under instantaneous lateral pressure loading at ambient conditions as well as under various combinations of high temperatures, thermal cycles, and lateral pressure. The pressure was applied through a vacuum chamber whereas thermal blankets were used for sustained and cyclic thermal exposure of the panels. Each thermal cycle entailed 24 h of time duration with a temperature range of 20–80°C. The results show a consistent reduction in the initial stiffness, local buckling pressure, and strength of the panels when they were loaded at high temperatures. These reductions were more substantial (up to 24%) under the combined effects of high temperature (80°C), thermal cycles, and pressure loading. The study also shows that the thickness of the foam core can play an important role in controlling the local buckling capacity and strength of the MFISPs. A nonlinear finite-element analysis was also conducted with a relatively good correlation with the test results. The numerical results provide further insights into the structural response and explain certain aspects that could not be obtained from the tests. Given that MFISPs are typically used for roof panels, where the combination of high temperatures and wind load is inevitable at certain regions, the results presented in this work are recommended for consideration in their design.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 21, 2023
Accepted: Jan 8, 2024
Published online: Apr 13, 2024
Published in print: Jun 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Sep 13, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Continuum mechanics
- Design (by type)
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Lateral pressure
- Load factors
- Material mechanics
- Material properties
- Materials engineering
- Measurement (by type)
- Panels (structural)
- Pressure (type)
- Solid mechanics
- Stress (by type)
- Structural analysis
- Structural design
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Temperature effects
- Temperature measurement
- Thermal effects
- Thermal loads
- Thermodynamics
- Thickness
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