A STUDY ON THE PROSPECTS OF INTRODUCING THE APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL SANDWICH PANEL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM FOR ENERGY HOUSING IN THAILAND

摘要

The objectives of this research are to study and design structural insulated panels (SIP), develop construction system for energy housing in Thailand, and study the construction costs and energy-saving efficiency of a model SIP house designed to evaluate the possibility for its further development and industrialized production. The study was conducted by means of document research and interviews with individuals concerned, to obtain an overview of the industry. Laboratory testing for mechanical properties of SIP specimens using different composite materials was then conducted to select suitable materials for the study. Design and mock-up of wall panels were also tested under working condition for their structural strength in the laboratory before designing a model SIP house, make structural calculations, estimate construction costs and carry out energy simulation study through the use of computer programs. Finally, energy savings of the model house and cost recovery periods were calculated. The results of the study show that the application of SIP construction system for housing in Thailand can, in effect, save on energy consumption. However the actual savings is considered minimal when taking into account the higher construction cost and therefore makes it not feasible for investment. Nevertheless SIP is a lightweight system that is simple and fast to construct, so it would be suitable for projects that have specific requirements with sufficient quantity demands to warrant industrialized production for construction. Efficiency in energy-savings would have positive tendency if the SIP construction system were to be applied to housing for high-income groups or to non-residential buildings that require heavy air conditioning loads operating either mainly during the day or over the full 24 hours.