RBS polymer encased concrete wall. Part II: Experimental study and theoretical provisions for combined axial compression and flexure

Royal building systems (RBS) consist of rigid polymer extruded components that slide and interlock together to create continuous formwork for monolithic concrete walls. The resulting system is highly durable, very efficient in terms of energy and acoustic performance, weather proof, highly resistant to mold growth and termites attack, and is virtually maintenance free. The polymer encasement provides crack control vertically and horizontally for the concrete, and provides vertical tension reinforcement thus increasing the structural strength of the wall. The current paper presents the results of an experimental study of these walls subjected to pure axial compression and combined axial compression and flexure. In addition, theoretical provisions which consider the contribution of the polymer to structural strength enhancement are derived based on the experimental results.