ABSTRACT
Stressed-skin panel (SSP) technology possesses many advantages and the subject research program has increased the understanding of SSP structures with respect to serviceability and ultimate resistance performance. In order for the building industry to capitalise on the results of this research, it is essential that the codes i.e. AS 1720.1–1997 (Australian Standard™ 1997) should embrace a design procedure enabling the use of the full potential of SSP systems. This paper outlines an amendment proposal to Section 5 of AS 1720.1–1997 that will enable designers to achieve a problem-free and efficient implementation of SSP technology. It focuses on the aspects of the tributary width of the sheathing and the stress determinations in the composite section. The proposed design procedure is both useable and straightforward to implement and satisfies requirements of structural safety and comfortable serviceability. It is based on a solid research background and relates to EC5 (European Committee for Standardisation 1995), which will necessitate some adjustments to fully comply with Australian design standard.
