Indentation modelling of aluminium cladding panels subjected to hailstone impact

Abstract

In spite of colossal damage caused to aluminium panels in hailstorms, there is currently no rational design procedure found on research to regulate the design of building claddings or rooftops to withstand hail impact. Damage predictive models that have been reported in the literature are not suited to predicting hail induced damage. Thus, insurance premiums on damage to aluminium cladding caused by hail cannot be set to fairly distribute risks. In the current study, an analytical model for predicting permanent indentation generated by the impact of a hailstone is presented. The model was developed from a combination of plate theories and results from thirty-seven full scale impact experiments conducted on 900 mm ×900 mm aluminium panels. The model presented in this article takes into account strain rate effects and has been demonstrated to give predictions that are within some 10% difference from experimental measurements.