Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) subjected to short-term axial loads

The demand for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) as an alternative to light frame construction in residential and light-commercial buildings is increasing, driving the the need for proper design requirements to satisfy regulatory agencies and building officials. A combined experimental and analytical study was conducted to investigate the structural behavior of OSB-faced Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) subject to short-term axial loading. Panels with varying types of foam core, thickness, and other construction details were subjected to concentric and eccentric loading. Reliability-based design expressions were developed for the ultimate limit state of SIPs subjected to short duration concentric and eccentric axial loading. The results were also compared to current allowable stress design practices. In addition to presenting important test data for researchers, this study generated a number of practical manufacturing and design recommendations to improve the performance of SIPs.