Multistep Elastic Analysis of the Nonlinear Out-of-Plane Load-Deflection Behavior of Precast Concrete Insulated Sandwich Panels

■ Load-deflection relationships predicted using the proposed analysis method were compared to the authors’ results from out-of-plane flexural testing of panel specimens and to experimental results reported by other investigators. Precast concrete insulated sandwich panels (ISPs) are a cladding system used to protect buildings from moisture ingress and heat loss. These panels are typically made of rigid insulation between two concrete layers. Mechanical connectors connect the concrete layers to each other. Like all cladding systems, these panels are subjected to out-of-plane wind and seismic loads. The out-of-plane loads induce out-of-plane shear forces and bending moments in the precast concrete ISP, thereby producing interlayer shear forces that are primarily transferred between the concrete layers by the mechanical connectors.