Flexural performance of glass fiber reinforced composite sandwich panels

Glass fiber reinforced cement composites are ideal to develop lightweight sandwich panels. However, the maximum size of the sandwich panel that can be produced without compromising the performance is limited, since larger panel results in thicker face. To overcome this limitation the sandwich panel has to be properly engineered by strategically providing ribs to achieve composite action. In this experimental investigation several approaches were taken to produce glass fiber reinforced cement (GFRC) sandwich panel. GFRC ribs were also incorporated at strategic location to achieve composite action. Combination of continuous mesh reinforcement and chopped fibers were tested for their effectiveness in improving performance of sandwich panels. The plain cement matrix of composite was further modified to include pozzolanic admixtures, such as silica fume and metakaolin to improve strength and toughness characteristics. Effect of alternate form of fibers and matrix modification of the composite were evaluated through flexural performance.