Modular sandwich panel system for non-loadbearing walls – Experimental mechanical, fire and acoustic testing

Abstract

Investment in the construction industry has increased over the last years and conventional construction materials, techniques, solutions and practices cannot meet the current needs. Resources are not being used to their full potential and there is a lack of manpower. It is vital to evolve encouraging sustainable and quality cost-effective materials, techniques, solutions and practices, therefore also enhancing the construction workers’ quality of life. This work proposes a new modular sandwich panel system for interior walls partition applications. The modular sandwich panel is made of an extruded polystyrene boards (XPS) core and has three options as facesheets: gypsum plasterboard (PGC), fire resistant gypsum plasterboard (PGF) and magnesium oxide board (MGO). This is an alternative solution for partition walls based on five main factors: it has the potential to be reused; its modules are self-supported (they do not need vertical metal studs from floor to ceiling); it is easy to install (on-site) by only two people; it is quick to install; and it provides easy local access to the interior of sanitary facilities. This work also includes experimental research for evaluation of proposed the wall solution in terms of mechanical resistance and stability, fire safety and airborne sound insulation between adjacent rooms. Mechanical resistance testing includes impact resistance tests, simple compression load tests, sanitary appliance load tests and endurance cycle load tests. Fire resistance testing allows to assess the integrity and maintenance of the panel wall under fire conditions. Acoustic experiments aim to determine the weighted standardised sound level difference (DnT,w) between adjacent compartments separated by the proposed panel wall system. Mechanical resistance tests indicate that the panel wall system has acceptable mechanical performance, including the connections between the panel wall modules. Results indicate that fire resistance and sound insulation characteristics of the panel wall can be enhanced.