Matthews, Brendan Shane (2019) Flexural Investigation and Design of Stressed-Skin Panels With an Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Core. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
This dissertation has been created with the desire to undertake an investigation and subsequent design of stressed-skin panels with an autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) core which considers different material systems for the stressed-skin component in order to determine its potential applications in the Australian building industry. The motive for the project stems from clear industry concern for the safety and certification of composite structures (such as stressed-skinned panels) in relation to the fire performance of some core materials such as the widespread use of typical foams. The issues with existing systems and the potential benefits of using AAC were supported by the literature review which reinforces the need and importance for the industry and it’s supporting engineers to consider innovative ideas that can help to improve the safety and reliability of buildings.
Four-point load testing was completed on four test samples with variation in core thickness (75mm and 150mm), skin type (no skin, GFRP and steel) and span distance (2000mm and 5340mm) used to understand the behaviour of the structure once loaded. The testing proved successful as the data showed that the stressed-skin panels supported the loading conditions well over different spans and displayed a significantly improved performance over a skinless AAC panel of the same configuration.
The potential to use the system as a wall, roof, floor or permanent formwork was highlighted and the relevant Australian standards and codes were used to develop application specific criteria for serviceability and ultimate strength conditions. Analytical methods were adopted and calibrated against the testing data in order to predict the load carrying capabilities of each application with variation in span (1.5m to 6.0m), core density (400kg/m3 – 580kg/m3 ), core thickness (75mm to 200mm) and steel skin thickness (0.4mm to 2.0mm) explored. The results were presented in graphical form with corresponding span tables and idealised arrangements were determined for each application with a measure of efficiency between core density and skin thickness. A summary of the most efficient (and therefore recommended) combinations can be given as:
• Wall → 510kg/m3 core with 0.40mm skins and 550kg/m3 core with 0.55mm skins
• Roof → 400kg/m3 core with 0.40mm skins, 510kg/m3 core with 0.55mm skins and 550kg/m3 core with 0.95mm skins
• Floor → 510kg/m3 core with 0.55mm skins and 550kg/m3 core with 0.95mm skins
• Formwork → 550kg/m3 core with 0.40mm skins
It was found the concept of a steel stressed-skin panel with an AAC core generally satisfies the performance criteria for the building applications considered, and if accompanied with further work, has the potential to make a positive change in the Australian building industry.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Civil Engineering and Surveying (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Elks, Gary |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Aug 2021 00:20 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jun 2023 22:47 |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/43128 |
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