Fiber Cement Board Research Articles

Axial compressive behaviour of cold-formed steel single-stud wall panels with one-sided sheathing and two-sided dissimilar sheathing board configurations: Experimental and analytical study

For practical reasons, it is typical for different types of sheathings (referred to as dissimilar) to be connected at both flanges of the stud (lipped channel-section) in cold-formed steel (CFS) panelized construction (e.g. one side has interior sheathing and the other exterior sheathing). However, limited studies are available on the axial behaviour of CFS studs with different combinations of sheathings present at both-flanges of a stud. This novel experimental study investigates the structural behaviour of nineteen (19) CFS panels with sheathing on one side only and different sheathing on both flanges of the wall panel using combinations of eight (8) different sheathing board types [fibre-cement boards (FCB) (8 mm/10 mm/12 mm thick); calcium silicate boards (12 mm thick); orient strand board (12.5 mm thick); and heavy duty FCB (6 mm/9 mm/12 mm thick)]. Also, first time an attempt is made to study the effect of dissimilar configuration using eight (8) different sheathing board types on axial strength of CFS panels in India. Experimentally tested single stud wall panel specimens consist of; one bare single-stud; eight (8) specimens sheathed with different types of sheathing boards on one flange only; and ten (10) specimens with combinations of different sheathing boards on both-flanges. Average test results are obtained by performing two (02) tests for each specimen. The strength enhancement of a bare single-stud from the sheathing boards has been investigated by testing specimens with a single layer of sheathing at one-flange and combinations of different sheathing boards on both-flanges. The ultimate axial compressive strength, load–deformation behaviour and failure patterns are the parameters compared. A new analytical and semi-analytical design methodologies namely; Rayleigh–Ritz (R-R) method and finite-strip method based on direct strength method (DSM) are adopted for evaluating the axial compressive strength of the CFS wall panels with dissimilar sheathing. Limited studies are available to verify the efficacy of R-R method and DSM to estimate the axial compressive strength of CFS wall panels with dissimilar sheathing on both flanges. Results establish that DSM may be used efficiently rather than the R-R method for axial compressive strength prediction of dissimilar sheathed CFS wall panels. The predicted values show good agreement with the experimental test results, and therefore, demonstrate that the semi-analytical method may be applied efficiently in design.

Influence of The Number of Trapezoidal Labyrinth Weir Cycles on The Hydraulic Characteristics of The Weir

The labyrinth weir that is viewed from above has a zig-zag shape. The main objective is to extend the spillway so that the water level upstream of the weir is as low as possible or to increase the discharge capacity. The shapes of labyrinth weirs based upon cycle shape are triangular, trapezoidal, and rectangular. However, besides the shape of the spillway, several parameters affect its hydraulic characteristics. Therefore, this paper intends to explore the effect of the number of cycles on the trapezoidal labyrinth weir on the hydraulic characteristics of the weir, based on an experimental study. There are two types of model tests one-cycle and two-cycle. Both of the models have a 2300 mm length of the spillway and were made of fiber cement board with a thickness of 20 mm and tested in a rectangular flume of 950 mm width, under various discharges to fulfill the goals of this study. The results of this study show that the discharge capacity through a one-cycle model (0.0064m3/s to 0.0150 m3/s) has a larger capacity than that of a two-cycle model (0.0023m3/s to 0.0095 m3/s). Analyzing can determine that the most efficient hydraulically are the less cycle number of labyrinth weir.

Effects of Density Variation on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Empty Fruit Bunch Cement Board (EFBCB)

A cement board is a composite material mostly comprised natural fibre and cement. Cement board is mainly used in roofing, raised floors, dropped ceilings, prefabricated structures, office containers, and other building components. Fibres in cement composites from discarded palm oil fruit bunches have been used to increase the quality of construction materials. Therefore, the impact density of the natural fibre cement board is essential to enhance the physical and mechanical properties. However, research on untreated fibre at various densities has not been compressively discussed in previous studies. Therefore, this research used empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre in manufacturing empty fruit bunch cement boards (EFBCB) with a cement-to-fibre ratio of 3:1 and thickness of 12 mm. Three target density variations, 1100 kg/m3, 1200 kg/m3 and 1300 kg/m3, were applied in this study to obtain their effect on physical and mechanical properties. The results revealed EFBCB sample with a target density of 1300 kg/m3 showed the most promising results. This sample’s average thickness is 12.38 mm after a 28-day curing period. Besides, at 1300 kg/m3 target density, EFBCB achieved the lowest thickness swelling (TS) value at 1.82%, highest internal bonding (IB) at 0.164 N/mm2, highest modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) at 1398 N/mm2 and 3.51 N/mm2, respectively. Thus, increasing the cement board density and improving the physical and mechanical properties of EFBCB. This study demonstrates that EFB has the capacity to be one of the potential natural fibres for green building materials.

Effect of wall sheathings on seismic behaviour of phosphogypsum-filled CFS shear walls

To improve the seismic behaviour of cold-formed steel (CFS) walls, a novel infilled CFS wall covered with different wall sheathings (gypsum wallboard, oriented strand board and fibre cement board) was assessed. Four full-scale specimens were tested under cyclic lateral loads to investigate the impacts of the wall sheathings on the seismic performance of the CFS wall. The failure process, failure mode, load–displacement curve, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, deformation and strain variation of the walls were investigated. The failure modes of the walls were found to be failure of the connections between the CFS frame and the sheathing as well as crushing of the infill material. Compared with a specimen without sheathing, the peak load and lateral stiffness of the walls with sheathing were increased by 1.25–1.72 times, indicating that the sheathings played an important role in the lateral resistance of the wall. An analysis model and formulas for predicting wall lateral stiffness were developed. Comparisons between the calculations and experimental data showed that the proposed theoretical method was able to predict the lateral stiffness of the infilled CFS walls accurately.

Characterization studies on calcium silicate boards and fibre cement boards used as sheathing in light gauge steel framed systems

This paper presents a systematic mechanical characterization study on two types of board materials reinforced with lignocellulosic fibres used as sheathing in light gauge steel framed building, namely calcium silicate board (CSB), and fibre cement board (FCB), under tensile, compressive and shear loading. The ASTM and EN standards for wood-based panels recommend the preparation of the test specimen by bonding additional numbers of boards along thickness to eliminate global buckling under compression and shear loading. However, it is observed that the FCB and CSB specimens still suffers premature bearing failure at the loaded ends and delamination of the boards at the glued interface which often fails to characterize the actual material behaviour. To overcome this limitation, the paper proposes a unified coupon made of single (virgin) thick board and the use of combined loading compression fixtures and large panel–shear test fixtures to simulate the desired failure modes and obtain complete stress–strain response under compression and shear loading, respectively. The scope of the work majorly encompassed an extensive experimental program comprising of total 115 specimens made of FCB and CSB of thicknesses 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm, tested along both longitudinal and transverse directions to evaluate the constitutive properties and strength limit states. The results show that the FCB exhibits higher strength and stiffness than the CSB specimens. Further, a nonlinear stress–strain model was established to represent the response of the board material under compression.

Comparison of resistance improvement to Aspergillus brasiliensis growth on recycled building materials by nano-metal impregnation and ozone treatment

This study explores the potential of nanometal and ozone treatment to improve the Aspergillus brasiliensis resistance of recycled building materials (RBMs). RBMs include gypsum board (GB), waterproof gypsum board (WGB), calcium silicate board (CSB), and fiber cement board (FCB). The A. brasiliensis was inoculated on each sample, and their growth was visually evaluated according to ASTM G21-09. The results show that the effect of the treatment with nano-silver of 0.015 g/L and 0.03 g/L solution by impregnation was similar to that of the treatment with 60 ppb concentration of ozone for 4 hours: rating 3 on GB, rating 1 on WGB, rating 1 on CSB, and rating 1 on FCB. The antifungal effects of different building materials treated with different types and concentrations of nanometals or ozone are different. All the tested nanometals or ozone of the selected concentrations failed to provide complete protection against fungal growth on the four tested BMs. However, it is supposedly confirmed that the higher the nanometal concentration was, the longer the lag period until fungi growth began, and fewer fungi grew on the materials.

Properties of Fiber Cement Board Affected by AFPLF (Abaca Fiber and Pineapple Leaf Fiber)

At present, the Philippines is the top producer of natural fibers globally. This production of abaca and pineapple leaf fiber increased as time passed by. However, applying these fibers is limited and needs further studies to be efficiently utilized. This study introduced the usage of treated Abaca fiber and Pineapple leaf fiber (AFPLF) by incorporating it to cement boards and evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of fiber cement boards (FCB). This study's experimental results showed a significant increase in compression strength in 5% fiber reinforcement, higher than the compression capacity of cement board without fiber. In addition, the physical properties of the cement board reinforced with Abaca fiber and Pineapple leaf fiber (AFPLF) showed good characteristics in terms of drilling, impact, density, and water absorption tests. The cement board reinforced with 5% Abaca fiber and Pineapple leaf fiber (AFPLF) produces the best results regarding the fiber cement board's physical and mechanical aspects.

Experimental studies on fiber cement boards under compression loading

Fibre cement boards are widely used as external cladding in cold-formed steel (CFS) building systems, due to their superior durability and weather-resistant characteristics. These boards are made of cement and reinforced with short, randomly oriented, non-hazardous cellulose fibres. Characterizing the observed stress-strain behaviour of the board under compression loading is a challenging task due to: a) loading eccentricity which induces bending, b) global buckling caused by high slenderness of the specimen, and c) stress concentrations at the loading end resulting in bearing failure. The above failures are usually handled at the specimen preparation stage by gluing additional numbers of boards to reduce slenderness, and by the inclusion of end tabs to avoid bearing failure. However, the introduction of glue in the board specimen may alter the strength characteristics and modify the load transfer path. Preliminary studies on the board specimens following the standard testing procedure (ASTM D3501) for wood-based panels fail to simulate the real material behaviour of the boards under compression loading. It is clear that the existing test methods have several shortcomings and hence cannot be adopted for fibre cement boards. In this paper, the fibre cement boards were tested under compression loading using combined loading compression (CLC) test fixture. This paper presents the details of the experimental study and the results for board of thicknesses 8, 10, and 12 mm, respectively. The test matrix includes specimens tested in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Under compression loading, the board exhibited nonlinear behaviour up to failure. The structural parameters like ultimate stress, ultimate strain, Young's modulus, and Poisson ratio in both longitudinal and transverse directions were obtained. This study proposes a nonlinear constitutive model for the board material.

Application of the Acoustic Emission Method and Artificial Neural Networks to Assess the Damaging Effect of High Temperature on the Structure of Fibre-Cement Boards.

This article shows the results of research into the damaging effect of high temperature on the structure of fibre-cement boards. Samples of fibre-cement boards were exposed to high temperatures over various lengths of time and then they were investigated under the three-point bending and acoustic emission methods. In this way, the critical temperature and the duration of its influence on the structure of a fibre-cement board were determined. An artificial neural network was used to analyse the results obtained using the acoustic emission method. The investigations showed a marked fall in the number of registered AE events for the tested series of boards exposed to high temperature in comparison with the reference boards. Moreover, in the boards exposed to high temperature, a marked increase in the energy of AE events occurs during the bending test, whereby the registered events, by and large, come down to a single pulse induced by a brittle fracture. It is also demonstrated that the determination of the damaging effect of high temperature on the structure of fibre-cement boards solely on the basis of bending strength (MOR) is inadequate.

Analysis of the Significance of Changes in the Number and Energy Parameters of Acoustic Emission Signals on the Assessment of the Strength of Fibre-Cement Boards.

The article presents the results of three-point bending tests carried out for samples cut from full-size fibre–cement boards subjected to typical and exceptional conditions. The tests were carried out with the simultaneous acquisition of acoustic emission signals. It has been noted that some factors significantly deteriorate the strength parameters of the samples as well as cause the occurrence of differences in the number of acoustic emission signals of various classes and their energy parameters. A statistical analysis was carried out in order to repeat the relationship between the strength parameters of the samples and the acoustic emission parameters. Based on the research, it was found that the MOR bending strength for specimens exposed to fire and high temperature is more than 50% lower than for air-dried specimens and specimens exposed to water. The increased number of freeze–thaw cycles also has an impact on the strength of the specimens. Components exposed to more than 10 freeze–thaw cycles had a strength more than 30% smaller than the reference specimens soaked in water and exposed to bath-drying cycles. A similar dependency was indicated by the number of signals of the individual classes, their energy parameters and their frequencies. The number, strength, duration and frequency also decreased along with the increase in the test case number. On this basis, conclusions were drawn concerning the suitability of acoustic emission for the evaluation of the strength of fibre–cement elements.

Experimental and numerical investigation of the mechanical properties of low cement thin boards reinforced by polypropylene and fiberglass mesh

Recently, Fibre Cement Board (FCB) due to its lightness and speed in construction and execution has been highly considered. In this paper, numerical and experimental studies have been carried out to achieve eco- friendly FCB. A total of 20 mixtures were prepared. Limestone powder (LP) and silica fume (SF) were used, as a partial replacement for cement, and perlite (PLT) as a replacement for sand in the predetermined mixtures. Polypropylene fibre (PP) and fibre-glass mesh (FGM) were also used to improve the mechanical behavior. The flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, density, and water absorption of the specimens were evaluated. . Numerical analysis was also implemented to simulate the testing configuration for the full-scaled FCB. The results showed that the minimum density corresponded to the perlite specimen, reinforced by 0.75% polypropylene fibre. In contrast, the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were increased by 48% and 51%, respectively, compared to the reference one. . The results declared that using LP, with and without SF, should be limited by 5%. The numerical results of the small FCB model were precisely validated by the experimental specimens, which can be considered an appropriate assessment method to evaluate the performance of full-scaled FCB.

Experimental characterization of comfort performance parameters and multi-criteria sustainability assessment of recycled textile-reinforced cement facade cladding

Within the building construction sector, fiber cement boards have attracted interest as facade cladding materials in the last ten years, especially those that incorporate –for reinforcing purposes– natural and/or recycled synthetic fibers (i.e, from the textile industry). So far, the design-governing parameters of facade cladding panels have been mechanical strength, durability, constructability, aesthetics, insulation capacity, and fire resistance. From the sustainability perspective, the impact of the facade on the economic and energy efficiency performance is most often the parameter that leads the decision-making process. Within this context, the quantification of the sustainability performance of the facade –accounting for economic, environmental, and social indicators– is unfrequently carried out in design and project phases, this being attributed to the lack of methodologies that allow considering and quantifying some relevant indicators representative of the facade sustainability performance. As consequence, decisions made based on solely economic and on some of the environmental indicators might lead to solutions with lower sustainability performance than that required (or expected). Recycled textile waste fabric-reinforced cement board as a facade-cladding material for building envelopes is the focus of this research. In order to characterize the fire resistance, and thermal and acoustic insulation –as relevant serviceability parameters– of this material, an experimental program was carried out. Likewise, the sustainability performance of this facade-cladding is assessed through a method based on the Integrated Value Model for Sustainability Assessment (MIVES). This multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model relies on the value function concept and the multi-disciplinary participation of experts to identify and quantify the relevant indicators of the facade sustainability performance and the relative importance of indicators and requirements. The MIVES-based model generated for this research can be straightforwardly used for assessing the sustainability performance of facade-cladding techniques made of any material and for any type of building (and location). The application of the MIVES model led to the sustainability index of this new material for facade-cladding ranging from 0.68 to 0.71 (/1.00) for different weighting scenarios.

Assessment of the Destruction of a Fibre Cement Board Subjected to Fire in a Large-Scale Study.

This article presents the results of a study involving the assessment of the structural destruction of fibre cement boards taken from a large-scale model subjected to fire. These were subjected to a three-point bending test using the acoustic emission method. The analysis of the obtained results took into account the course of bending stresses σm, the modulus of rupture (MOR), the number of acoustic emission events Nzd and the sum of EA events ∑Nzd. The conducted tests showed that the samples subjected to fire exhibited a clear decrease, up to 72%, in the recorded sum of EA events compared to a reference board (not subjected to fire). The analysis of the obtained modulus of rupture (MOR) values showed a similar trend—the reduction of the modulus of rupture for the degraded samples was in the range of 66–96%. In order to illustrate the changes taking place in the structure of the tested plates more precisely, analyses were carried out using the optical method and a digital microscope. This method may be sufficient for the final evaluation of degraded samples.

Properties of Fiber Cement Boards Influenced by BSCH (Banana Stem and Corn Husk) Fibers and Citric Acid Addition

At present, the amount of organic wastes including banana stem and corn husk produced from the Philippines is roughly 56 million technical tons. On the other hand, the construction industry demands innovation to some of the construction materials including cement fiber boards (CFB). The objective of this study is to address the increasing volume of organic wastes including banana stem and corn husk (BSCH) by incorporating BSCH fibers in to cement boards. To test whether the boards fabricated with BSCH fibers is a viable option, the study determined the physical and mechanical properties of cement boards reinforced with BSCH fibers added with citric acid. The experimental results obtained from this study showed that the flexural strength of the cement boards reinforced with banana stem and corn husk fibers is higher than the cement boards without fibers. On the other hand, the compressive strength the cement fiber boards increased in 8% fiber reinforcement and gradually decreased as more fibers were added to the mix. Furthermore, the boards with fibers showed effective drilling characteristics. From the tested cement fiber boards, the cement fiber boards with 8% fiber reinforcement showed the most promising results in both physical and mechanical properties of the fiber cement board.

Axial Compression Behaviour Analysis of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Wall Panel with Fibre Cement Board

Nowadays, one of the fastest growing technique is an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF). It has advantages like cost-effective, less maintenance, soundproof, energy-efficient, waterproof and disaster-resistant. ICF wall panels are made by interlocking Fibre Cement Board (FCB) sheet which poured in placed concrete. In this study, the behaviour of the ICF wall panel under axial compression is examined with experimental and analytical methods. ICF wall panels cast with various thickness and dense FCB are tested under axial compression. ICF panels with 1.2gm3/cm dense FCB with changing width of 6mm and 10mm were casted for experimental analysis. The experiments were carried out in an universal testing machine with the capacity of 600 kN. The maximum peak load of 540 kN is observed in FCB of 10mm thick and the maximum displacement of 13mm is observed in FCB80 at the peak load. An analytical investigation is carried with Euler’s crippling load equation and an average variation of 12% is observed between analytical and experimental results. It is concluded that the ICF system of construction provides desirable plastic behaviour against axial compressive loading. Hence ICF is recommended for construction to get the maximum benefits of the wall while it reaches ultimate strain.

Konka Board: a cement-pumice-tow sheathing board

Konka board was a New Zealand invention which combined cement, pumice and flax fibre ("tow") into a fibre-cement board, replacing the imported asbestos-cement sheet. Sold soon after manufacture, Konka, it could be nailed or screwed, and over time it hardened. A waterproof plain or stucco plaster finish provided a resilient, borer proof, fireproof, low maintenance house. Three patents created the Konka system – 34,845 for the fibre-reinforced board, 37,354 for the stud and support system into which a concrete grout was poured to lock the panels in place, and finally 52,50 for metal strips to ensure a smooth final plaster surface. A waterproofing additive in the plaster provided the final part of the system.The company quickly setup a national series of agents, with manufacturing ultimately occurring in Wanganui, Gisborne, Christchurch and Timaru. Patent 34,845 was challenged in 1927, with the Privy Council finding in 1930 that it was invalid, opening the way for similar products to be made. The development in the 1930s of NZSS 95 Model Building By-law allowed Konka to be used nationally, without further evidence as to its performance. However, competitor other products were also included e.g. Excell, Rotorua, Thermax, Duro, Wangan, Walasco and the asbestos based Fibrolite.Konka survived until the 1960s, when flax production was in decline, the high labour costs and manufacturing time meant it was no longer competitive. Even so, in a twist of fate it was a Konka style approach which led to cellulose fibre replacing asbestos in fibre-cement sheeting. In the twenty-first century, Konka could even be considered a desirable product – a natural fibre reinforced, composite sheet.

Behavior of screw connections in sheathed cold-formed steel walls

This paper presents a study on the behavior of screw connections in sheathed cold-formed steel (CFS) walls. A finite element (FE) model with solid elements was developed to investigate different failure modes. Suitable solution techniques, element types, mesh sizes, screw modeling, and geometric and material non-linearity were considered in model development. Since the behavior of the sheathing boards is similar to that of other quasi-brittle materials, the Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model was used to model the material behavior using both classical plasticity and continuum damage mechanics. Uniaxial experimental tests were performed on fiber-cement board samples to define material parameters used in the CDP model. The load displacement behavior, ultimate strength, and failure modes obtained from the developed FE model were validated against available experimental results on walls sheathed with cement or gypsum boards. The validated FE model was then used to perform parametric study to investigate the effect of different design parameters on the connection behavior. These parameters are: board type and thickness, CFS profile thickness, screw diameter, screw length, and edge distance. The results of the parametric study were used to develop a design equation for the screw connection strength using nonlinear regression analysis.

Effect of axial loading on cold-formed steel wall panels with fibre-cement and calcium silicate boards sheathing: Experimental and analytical studies

Sheathed Cold-formed Steel (CFS) wall framed buildings provide various advantages such as speed of construction, environmentally green, high strength-to-weight ratio etc. over construction with conventional materials. In this type of construction, walls are the main load-bearing elements. It has been observed in literature that sheathing significantly influences the load-carrying capacity of CFS wall frame. However, limited studies are available on axial behaviour of calcium silicate board (CSB) sheathed CFS wall panels. Fibre cement board (FCB) sheathed wall panels are proposed in the present study and the same are investigated for their performance under axial loading. A detailed series of experiments on full-scale sheathed perforated CFS single-studed wall panels are carried out and load factors which may be adopted by designers or researchers for evaluating axial strength of sheathed CFS panels, are proposed. Sheathings using FCB and CSB boards are applied on the specimens. Effect of variation of parameters such as type of sheathing, sheathing thickness, layer configuration of sheathing (number of layer on either side) on the load factors are also investigated in the present study. ‘Differential equation of equilibrium’ based analytical method is validated with the experimental results in the present study. In the adopted analytical method, the stud is assumed as channel section restrained by sheathing based springs. The value of spring stiffnesses is obtained analytically as specified in the literature, using modulus of elasticity, obtained through experiments. Suitable modification factor is recommended for panels with sheath on one side, while predicting axial strength of CFS panels with sheath, analytically. The proposed factor may be used with confidence as the experimental results agree well with the analytical results.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF ACOUSTICAL INSULATION OF CEMENT-BASED BOARD PREPARED WITH WASTE COCONUT COIR AND OIL PALM FIBERS

ABSTRACT Among the major challenges facing the modern era of technological and industrial advancements are pollution and exponentially growing energy consumption. Pollution continues to be a menace affecting different aspects of life such as health, productivity, and comfort. This paper focuses on the elimination or reduction of sound pollution in buildings using cement-based boards made from pretreated coconut coir and oil palm fibers obtained from agricultural residues. The study includes an account of the preparation of fiber cement boards made from Portland cement Type 1, limestone powder, water, sand, and pretreated coconut coir and oil palm fibers at 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight of powder materials, respectively, and a high-range water reducer in order to make sure that the natural materials would be spread in an even way throughout the specimens. Sound insulation tests were performed as key indicators of the performance of the fiber cement boards. It was found that an increase in the proportion of natural materials resulted in fiber cement boards with decreased density, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Furthermore, in relation to both physical and mechanical performance, the boards incorporating coconut fibers were superior to those incorporating oil palm fibers. With an increased proportion of natural fibers, sound insulation performance tended to improve. The boards prepared with coconut coir and oil palm fibers in this study yielded acceptable physical and mechanical properties and showed promise in relation to providing insulative protection against sound.

Development of Structural Insulated Panels Made from Wood-Composite Boards and Natural Rubber Foam.

An experimental study was carried out to develop and examine the properties of a new type of structural insulated panel (SIP). SIP prototypes conducted from this research consisted of insulated foam manufactured from natural rubber filled with wood particles as the core layer and three kinds of commercial wood-composite boards (plywood, cement particleboard, and fiber-cement board) as the surface layers. Polyurethane was used as an adhesive bond between the surface and the core layer. This preformed panel was placed into a clamping device and compressed until adhesive curing was achieved. The physical and mechanical properties of the SIP prototypes were consequently evaluated. The test results indicated that the types of surface layer materials played a significant effect on the SIP properties. The SIP covered with cement particleboard and fiber-cement board revealed high mechanical properties and high water resistance. The SIP prototype covered with plywood showed desirable properties (such as low density, high resistance of screw withdrawal, and low thermal transmittance). However, high water absorption and low fire resistance were drawbacks of the SIP covered with plywood. These properties should be improved.