Structural Sandwich Performance After 31 Years of Service.
Abstract
Study of the design and fabrication of structural sandwich panels was initiated at the Forest Products Laboratory in the mid 1940's. It was recognized that, even with extensive basic research, additional information would be needed on the long-term serviceability and durability of sandwich panels as a building component. Accordingly, an experimental unit was built on the laboratory grounds in 1947 to provide for long-term exposure tests of panels. Selected sandwich panels placed in the exposure unit were evaluated for bending strength and stiffness after various lengths of service between the years 1947-1978. Panels were constructed with a variety of facing materials including plywood, aluminum, particleboard, hardboard, paperboard, and cement asbestos, and with cores of paper honeycomb, polyurethane, and extruded polystyrene. Measurements were kept of the bowing of panels due to seasonal climatic changes. This information should be useful to building manufacturers, building code authorities, and others concerned with design and manufacture of housing. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA078789
Entities
People
- Gerald E. Sherwood
- Jerome Palms
Organizations
- Forest Products Laboratory