Experimental study on the structural behavior of insulated sandwich foam-timber panels under combined axial compression and bending

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) can significantly reduce emissions produced by our homes and commercial buildings by reducing the amount of energy used for heating and cooling. A SIP is composed of expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS) board laminated between two oriented-strand boards (OSB). SIPs are used all over the world because of their superior strength and quality build. The objective of this thesis it to evaluate the effectiveness of the foam core in providing composite action in SIPs under axial and bending loads to meet both the strength and serviceability requirements. This thesis presents the experimental program and the results of 32 full-size panels tested to-collapse at the Structures Laboratory of Ryerson University. The data generated from this extensive experimental program can easily be used to determine the load carrying capacity of the SIP walls when subjected to axial compressive loading or combined axial compressive loading and bending moment.