Numerical Investigation of Buckling of Structural Insulated Panel under In-Plane Loading

Abstract

Structural insulated panels (SIP) are thriving in the construction industry as an alternative to traditional materials. These panels considerably improve construction times compared to conventional wet systems. Its implementation in varied designs results in versatile structures with more comfortable and cooler interior environments, translating into significant energy savings for its inhabitants. These panels are made of a composite material. They are typically comprised of two outer layers and a core layer. The outer layers are formed by wooden flakes mixed with a phenolic and polyurethane adhesive pressed at high temperature and pressure. The core middle layer is formed by high-density expanded polystyrene and bonded to the outer layers by high-strength adhesives. Various mechanical tests are usually conducted on isolated panel modules to ensure their good structural behavior. This work presents details of a finite element model created to analyze the structural behavior of an isolated module subjected to in-plane compression. The panel is modeled with a multipurpose finite element code and includes linear buckling analysis (LBA) and geometric nonlinear analysis (GNLA) for the evaluation of buckling loads and nonlinear behavior. Modeling results are compared to the experimental results to validate the model's features and behavior so it can be used in future analyses involving three-dimensional configurations created from the combination of multiple panels.