Compression tests of Mi Panels
- Authors: Bukasa, G. M. , Dundu, M.
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Reinforced concrete construction , Concrete beams , Flexure , Concrete - Deterioration
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5073 , ISBN 9781614994657 , ISBN 9781614994664 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13644
- Description: A number of compression tests of Mi Panels are presented. The use of lightweight Mi Panels as building system allows the reduction of construction time and waste in the building environment. The compression tests are performed to simulate the behaviour of the wall, when subjected to vertical loads from the roof. Two LVDTs were placed at mid-height of the panels during the compression tests, to record the lateral displacement. Mi Panels failed by fracturing into two parts at mid-height. No cracks in the panel were observed before overall flexural buckling failure. The tests showed that the panels are capable of carrying the required loads, and can be used in place of brick walls.
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Flexural tests of Mi Panels
- Authors: Bukasa, G. M. , Dundu, M.
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Concrete beams , Flexure , Fiber cement , Fiber-reinforced concrete
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5074 , ISBN 9781614994657 , ISBN 9781614994664 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13645
- Description: Two series of flexural tests on 2700x600x75 mm Mi Panels are presented. The inner core of these lightweight panels is made from mixing polystyrene beads called Neopor, high strength cement, and water. A chemical is used as binding agent to bond the inner core to the external fibre cement sheets of 4.5 mm thickness. The experimental programme consists of two series of tests with different loading conditions; the first series has line loads at one-third point from each end support and the second series has line loads, at quarter and three quarter span of the panels. All flexural tests are performed to simulate the behaviour of the wall, when subjected to wind loads. Although the panels failed by fracturing, the tests showed that the panels are capable of carrying the required loads.
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