Evaluation of strength, deformability and failure mode of composite structural insulated panels

Composite structural-insulated panels (CSIPs) are novel prefabricated elements for structural applications. They are made from glass–fiber reinforced magnesia cement boards as facesheets and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) as a core. The main aim of the paper is to present experimental results on the strength, deformability and failure mode of panels. Quasi-static full-scale and model tests under monotonic loading were performed to recognize mechanical properties of CSIPs. In the case of full-scale tests, bending and compressive, impact resistance, resistance to vertical and horizontal hanging loads and gradient temperature tests were carried out. In addition, compressive, shear and flexural small-scale tests were performed. The experimental results showed that CSIPS overcame several deficiencies of traditional structural insulated panels (SIPs). Some finite element modeling results within linear elasticity were also attached.