Mechanical resistance properties of FRP/polyol–isocyanate foam sandwich panels

The mechanical resistance properties of a sandwich panel comprised of fiber reinforced plastic face sheets and a polyol–isocyanate foam core were investigated for use as a structural building component or cladding system. Foam density and thickness were varied to determine the effect on the sandwich panel behavior. The foam materials were tested in direct uniaxial compression and tension. Panel strips were tested under four-point bending. A full-size panel was subjected to uniform out-of-plane loading in a pressure loading actuator to simulate service conditions. Measured strains and displacements closely match results from finite element modeling using the constitutive properties of the polyol–isocyanate foam obtained from the uniaxial compression and tension tests as inputs. The findings indicate that the sandwich structure is suitable for lightweight building cladding systems used in high wind areas. Deflection is the controlling design factor for out-of-plane loading.