Introducing and Numerical Modelling of a Type of Reinforced Composite Panel as a Modern Technology in the Construction Industry

Based on numerous studies, using weak and fragile building materials such as traditional brick due to their high weight, low strength, and low ductility during earthquake will cause the most casualties and losses. Observations from past earthquakes indicate that many structures have undergone remarkable damage even in moderate earthquakes. Low ductility and strength, high weight and severe strength degradation under seismic loads are responsible for these buildings failures. In this paper, behavior of a modern reinforced composite gypsum panel is evaluated and compared with corresponding panels made with traditional materials. The cheap and accessible basic materials used for making these panels result in favorable performance including a significant increase in the tensile and compressive strength as well as providing panels with integrity. So that when it breaks down, its particles do not disintegrate. In order to determine the basic mechanical properties of such panels, numerous standard tensile, compressive, and shear tests have been performed on various panel specimens at the materials laboratory of the faculty of mechanical engineering, Sharif University of Technology. Considerable ductility, strength, energy dissipation capacity, minimum cost, and fast construction are among the features of the proposed panel. Applying the finite element simulation, the buckling force of these composite gypsum panels were determined, which shows high buckling capacity. Subsequently, parametric studies were performed to evaluate the effects of openings on the behavior of these panels as load-bearing walls. The results of experimental tests for this type of panel presented that tensile strength is 4.3 Kg/Cm2 and compressive strength of panel is 18 Kg/Cm2, which are more considerable in comparison with the other traditional masonry materials.