- Author
- Yancey, C. W. C. | Cattaneo, L. E.
- Title
- Development of an Improved Compression Test Method for Wall Panels.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Sponsor
- Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC
- Report
- NBS BSS 095, February 1979,
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- panels; compression tests; walls; loads (forces); tests; computer programs; wallboard; sandwich panels; plywood; fiberboards; fiberglass reinforced plastics; sandwich laminates
- Abstract
- An experimental and analytical investigation of the primary factors involved in the testing of prototype wall panels under axial compression loading is reported. The objective of the investigation was to develop a method of testing wall specimens that incorporates the best features of ASTM Standard Method E 72 while at the same time incorporating improvements in the areas of deficiency in the Standard. Twenty-five laboratory tests were conducted on samples composed of five types of wall panel construction. The panels were tested to failure under either of two different eccentricities of load, while being supported with one of two types of idealized end conditions. Selected test results and detailed descriptions of the laboratory procedures used are presented. A computer-aided analytical study of the variables affecting the degree of uniformity of loading was conducted. Equations based on the analogy of beams supported on elastic foundations were used in the analysis. A study of the statistical parameters commonly used to interpret test results was conducted to establish useful guidelines for predicting structural performance on the basis of small sample test results. A compression test method applicable to traditional and innovative wall constructions is presented. The principal additions in the revised test method are as follows: (a) a provision for variable eccentricity, (b) a procedure for selecting a load distribution assembly which will be compatible with the test panel.