A Study on load bearing capacity of sandwich wall panels

Abstract

Sandwich wall panel technology is a new system introduced to Sri Lanka. Thermal insulation, sound insulation, light weight and reduction in natural resources like sand have lead to its popularity in Sri Lanka. The system is faster in construction than conventional wall systems. The sandwich wall panel system is used in Sri Lanka as partitioned walls in construction industry today. Load from above floors are taken by separate column and beam system. If accurate load bearing estimate is available, it can minimize or omit use of other load bearing systems. The scope of this research was to recognize suitability of available codes and to identify the reduction in load bearing capacity due to a window opening in a sandwich wall panel. In this dissertation, method of production of locally available sandwich wall panels and load bearing capacity according to available literature are presented. Three 1200mm width, 100mm thick and 2400mm high sandwich wall panels were cast. Out of these three, two panels had openings to represent windows. The panels were tested in axial compression while monitoring transverse deflection at mid height of the panel. All three panels’ ultimate load bearing capacity was nearly equal. Only one panel had higher degree of lateral movement while loading. All panels have shown local crushing failure near top and bottom loading points. Three sandwich panel blocks of 600mm length, 100mm thick and 300mm height were tested in a Universal testing machine to get ultimate load bearing capacity. The blocks’ ultimate load bearing capacities are also nearly equall to that of 2400mm height panels. Six numbers of 150mm mortar cubes were also tested in Universal testing machine to find ultimate compressive strength. Samples of diagonal shear connecters (Gauge 9 GI wire) were cut out from specimen and tested for compression capacity in Universal timber testing machine. The samples failed in buckling. 100mm high samples had about 0.7kN compression capacity. It was concluded that 600mm width and 900mm high opening in the given orientation did not affect load bearing capacity of panel.