Design Guidelines for FRP-Faced Foam Core Sandwich Panels: Review and Building Code Compliance

This paper presents a detailed review of structural insulated panels (SIPs), specifically focusing on variants composed of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) facings and foam core, and their applications within the construction industry, with a particular emphasis on compliance with Canadian building codes. The discussion encompasses the historical evolution of SIPs, fundamental design criteria, and their structural and thermal performance. Traditional SIPs, typically comprising an insulating foam core sandwiched between oriented strand board facings, are reviewed alongside nontraditional FRP-faced SIPs. The latter’s preliminary design considerations, emphasizing optimized foam core thickness and density to enhance thermal insulation without compromising structural integrity under diverse load conditions, are explored. Challenges and solutions associated with integrating SIPs into construction practices are addressed, highlighting the absence of universally recognized building codes specifically tailored for SIP design. Efforts to bridge this gap through detailed compliance pathways with the North American building codes are discussed. Furthermore, the paper delves into panel connections and overall system performance, focusing on achieving both thermal efficiency and structural integrity. Design examples showcasing the utilization of FRP-faced SIPs in various structural components, including floors, roofs, and walls, are provided. These examples detail load-bearing capacity, deflection limits, and the implementation of design principles to ensure optimal performance.