Experimental investigation for advanced panel structure subjected to uplift pressure

This experimental investigation evaluates the behavior of a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) structure and Stick frame (SF) structure subjected to pressure uplift to simulate the wind suction/pressure.;Two Laboratory test structures were assembled using SIP and SF. In the SIP structure, the SIP Panels were fabricated by compression pressure and gluing the oriented strand board (OSB) to insulated foam. The SIPS were then assembled in the laboratory and were fastened to the 24&inches; thick concrete reaction floor. A bladder was placed inside the structure and was pressurized to fail the structure. The failure mode of SIP structure was investigated. The conventional stick frame structure was built in accordance to the Texas Department of Insurance Section 103 of the Windstorm Resistant Construction building code. The SF building was assembled by using the OSB, dry wall and standard 2 x 4s lumber for the walls and 2 x 6s lumber of grade lumber for the roof rafters. Hurricane clips were attached to every other wall stud both at the bottom and top plate. The gable end framing utilized metal straps and hurricane clips on every gable end stud touching rafter. The bladder was placed inside the SF structure and was pressurized to cause structure failure. The failure modes are presented.;The measure failure pressures were 105.3 psf and 110.7 psf for SIP test and SF test, respectively. The values of pressure obtained were correlated to the wind speed for different category of structures as per the building code ASCE 7 2002.