ABSTRACT
Light weight sandwich wall panels are largely used for different kind of commercial or industrial buildings. They are typically designed from the weather/climate related conditions of the site (wind action, thermal comfort). Despite their low weight, they have adequate load carrying capacities under transverse (out of plane) loads, e.g., wind loads. However, under extreme loading conditions, like external explosions, such walls can be heavily damaged or destroyed, either under positive or negative pressure phases. The study presented in the paper describes the results obtained on wall sandwich panel elements tested for transverse loading until complete failure. The panels are arranged as single span systems supported on side rails and loaded at the mid-span using a quasi-static monotonic loading protocol. After an initial quasi-linear response, the maximum bending strength is reached. Then, due to a local buckling of the top face at mid-span, a sudden drop in load capacity is recorded, followed by a second increase in capacity due to development of catenary forces. If the end fasteners have adequate resistance, the ultimate capacity in the catenary stage can be significantly higher than the peak flexural capacity, which is generally used in the design. For small edge distance, the failure takes place due to the pull over of the fastener head through the top face of the sandwich panel and tearing of the bottom face around the fasteners. For large edge distances, the failure is due to the excessive deformations of the supporting rails. The increase in the ultimate panel capacity by means of adequate fastening and supporting enhances the robustness and reduces the risk for the occupants, all at a small increase in costs.
