Reinforced plastic (RP) multi-cellular panels have been used recently in designing lowrise buildings (GanagaRao et al., 1996). These RP panels were 24" wide and 5 1/2" thick and were manufactured by pultrusion process using an existing die with a modified (bidirectional) fiber architecture. Constituent materials were rovings, mats, and bi-directional fabrics made of E-glass, and polyester resin. Bending tests were conducted to characterize the stiffness performance of the RP panels and the stiffness results were compared with a simple analytical model. The joining of panels to create a modular deck or wall system is briefly discussed.
展开▼
