Finite Element Analysis of Thin Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels

The purpose of this study is to numerically investigate the performance of a thin Precast Concrete Sandwich Panel (PCSP) proposed for building retrofit. Standard precast concrete sandwich panels, constructed of steel reinforced concrete, are physically heavy and have significant thicknesses. A thin precast concrete over-cladding sandwich panel is presented in this paper which combines the state-of-the-art in ultra-high-performance concrete, carbon fibre shear reinforcement and vacuum insulation to allow for a slimmer design while abiding by thermal and structural constraints. Another precast concrete re-cladding sandwich panel is also referred to in this paper which uses phase change materials (PCM) in a thicker inner wythe to enhance the thermal storage properties of the concrete. The panels are modelled, and their structural integrity is investigated, using finite element techniques. The aim of the analysis is to provide an insight into the limiting parameters of these thin precast concrete claddin elements. The analysis has highlighted the concrete wythe thickness and the insulation stiffness as two important performance parameters.