Flexural behaviour of light-weight sandwich panels composed by concrete and EPS

This paper shows an experimental study about the flexural behaviour of light-weight sandwich panels with perpendicular connectors. For that, three experimental programs were performed to assess the influence of different support and loading conditions. The results obtained show that the contribution of the connectors to the stiffness of the structure is low. The slabs tested show a high deformability and degree of cracking even under service loads. To improve the structural response, a reinforced connection between the slabs and their supporting elements should be used. Furthermore, a model is proposed to predict the failure of the panels.

► A mathematical model was proposed to estimate the flexural resistance of PSP.
► Overall contribution of 90° connectors to the flexural stiffness of the slabs is small.
► PSP presented a high deformability and degree of cracking even under service loads.
► Design efficient reinforced connection between the slabs and their supporting element.
► Slab failure was related to horizontal forces that compromise the welding of connectors.