Experimental tests and numerical modelling of wall sandwich panels

This paper presents the first part of an experimental investigation carried out on a construction system based on completed in situ sandwich panels with non-shear connectors, concerning the study of vertical panels used as structural walls. Compression tests with axial and eccentric loads were carried out on several full scale panel specimens with different slenderness ratios in order to study the behaviour of panels under vertical in-plane forces. Additionally, diagonal compression tests were performed on square specimens in different configurations in order to study the behaviour of panels under horizontal in-plane forces. The most significant load–displacement diagrams for increasing load are illustrated and the failure modalities are discussed. The semi-composite behaviour of the panels, guaranteed by the internal layer of polystyrene and the reinforced concrete beams at the panel ends, is highlighted. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed with non-linear finite element models and some useful design indications are given.

► Construction system with sandwich panels used for intensive building production.
► Sandwich panels made of polystyrene layer with two external sprayed concrete layers.
► Compression tests with axial and eccentric loads and diagonal compression tests.
► High ultimate loads, decreasing with panel slenderness, obtained in compression tests.
► High capacity for stress redistribution in the diagonal compression test.