Caracterización Físico-Mecánica De Biotableros Estructurales Compuestos Tipo Sándwich – Alternativa De Pared Portante en Construcciones No-Convencionales

Abstract

The use of traditional materials as masonry elements in conventional constructions is one of the major causes of injuries and death due to the overbalance effect produced during telluric events. Nonetheless, Caracterización físico-mecánica de biotableros estructurales compuestos tipo sándwich -Alternativa de pared portante en construcciones no-convencionales traditional materials are still widely used as part of the Ecuadorian construction industry despite the Country is located in both a high-risk seismic region and a territory privileged by natural resources that in turn are not properly exploited. Hence, this research aims to physically and mechanically characterize sandwich-like structural biocomposite panels as feasible alternative for load-bearing walls in non-conventional constructions that promote biomaterials sustainability. To fulfill the purpose in this study and according to the current ASTM standards, 46 samples from two biopanel prototypes were tested under the mechanical modes of compression, bending, tension and shear with their corresponding densities and moisture contents. Furthermore, the experimental results were validated by means of finite element analyses using the LS-Dyna software, to then calculate the biopanel structural capacities under different loading conditions. The acquired results show biopanels with an excellent flexibility and mechanical resistance that in turn reflects high ductile performance during progression of stresses; this will definitely allow reducing the abovementioned adverse effects during seismic events of high magnitude and duration.