Sandwich Panels Subjected to Point Loads: Design Approach Using Effective Widths in Elastic Range

Sandwich panels have established themselves as self-supporting and isolating construction elements for room closures in hall construction. As a result of subsequently installed photovoltaic (PV) systems or cladding, sandwich panels are subjected to point loads at the connection points to the substructure of additional systems. In the case of pressure-suction changes from wind, a cyclical local load also occurs. Therefore, for sandwich panels-which are designed and dimensioned for uniform surface loads (dead weight, wind, snow, temperature constraints)-the question must be answered as to how this local load introduction affects the load-bearing behaviour and stress distribution in the sandwich panel. To quantify any stress concentrations across the width of the panel, the method of effective widths is used here, based on stress distributions in the elastic range determined through component tests and numerical models. The results of these test series, along with the resulting design concept based on effective widths in the elastic range, as well as the failure under the ultimate load condition, are documented in this paper.