Everything that you need to know about them
We have been witnessing the weather playing a truant, with frequent out of the course changes; the fallout, is unpredictable climatic changes precipitating extreme weather conditions. In such a scenario, construction of buildings that can withstand the destructive forces of nature have become more crucial than ever before. An innovative solution that has been gaining wide acceptance in the construction industry, is the use of Sandwich panels. With their uniqueness of build and properties, these advanced construction techniques offer a promising avenue for building structures that are resilient against the forces of nature and are sustainable construction material. In this article we shall try and demystify the secret of their acceptance.
Let’s begin by understanding ‘what is a sandwich panel’. A sandwich panel is a construction material consisting of a lightweight inner core sandwiched between two sturdy outer layers. These panels comprise three layers viz., a lightweight inner core between two layers of more robust outer layers also referred as wythes. They in fact resemble a sandwich in terms of construction, and hence the moniker.
Now, let’s understand the build of a sandwich panel and the logic behind it.
The purpose of the core is to provide structural integrity, keep the panel light weight, and to provide thermal and acoustic insulation. The core material can be cottonwool, honeycomb structure, or foams like PIR, PUF and EPS (Polyisocyanurate, Polyurethane and Expanded Polystyrene). Each core has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of ease of manufacturing, stability, fire and heat resistance, eco-neutrality, moisture penetration, etc.
Similarly, the outer skin also has various options like wood, metal sheet, gypsum boards, various types of cements concrete, etc., offering protection and durability. This composite structure creates a highly efficient building material that is both strong and lightweight. Some times the core is loosely encased in a steel wire mesh and then the outer skin is applied. However, the most prevalent amongst these is the outer sheathing of steel reinforced concrete.
Now let us try to figure out where these sandwich panels are used.
These panels are actually so versatile that their bouquet of solutions proves to be useful to all; the house seeker, the builder, the industrialist, the businessman and the government. The needs are different with each category, but the all-pervading benefits accrue to all, in one way or another.
They have been used widely in residential buildings, commercial spaces, industrial complexes, warehousing spaces and a plethora of other applications.
At times such as this, where there is a heightened sense of responsibility towards safety (on all parameters), environmental friendliness, sustainability, energy savings, etc., solutions offered by these panels come in as a pleasant surprise.