Start colloquium Anne Derks

Failure behavior of axially loaded sandwich panels in residential buildings

Nowadays, sandwich panels are commonly used in roofs or façades to insulate and enclose buildings. The main structure of the building supports these panels. However, what if the main structure is constructed out of those sandwich panels? Material could be saved, as the main structure, façade or roof, and the insulating elements in the building become one.
Several challenges arise when using sandwich panels as the structural elements in a building. The panel is now loaded with axial forces and wind. This means other failure mechanisms arise compared to the panels in the façades and roofs loaded in bending. The possible failure modes are investigated during this graduation project, and the maximum load-bearing force is determined.