Racking Performance of Structural Insulated Panels

Kermani, Abdy; Hairstans, Robert

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.

Citation

Kermani, A., & Hairstans, R. (2006). Racking Performance of Structural Insulated Panels. Journal of Structural Engineering, 132(11), 1806-1812. https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%290733-9445%282006%29132%3A11%281806%29

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2006-11
• Deposit Date: Mar 20, 2008
• Print ISSN: 0733-9445
• Electronic ISSN: 1943-541X
• Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 132
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 1806-1812
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%290733-9445%282006%29132%3A11%281806%29
• Keywords: Structural insulated panels; SIP; Structural characteristics; Racking load; Bending and axial compression; Effects of openings; Design parameters
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/1982
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2006)132:11(1806)