Definition:
Structural Insulated Panels are an extremely strong super-insulated structural building component used for floors, walls, and roofs. The system consists of two engineered lumber facings adhesively laminated to expanded polystyrene high-performance rigid insulation.
Applications:
SIPs replace conventional stick frame methods and can be used in any number of applications from residential to industrial building types. Floors, walls and roof can all be constructed from SIPs. Panels can be assembled on site, or pre-assembled at the manufacturing plant into wall units. Some manufactures use completely automated computer aided machines to cut out window and door openings as per the clients design requests. Most manufactures have a wide variety of panel sizes available, ranging from 4x8 to 4x24. Large panel construction can implemented much like traditional balloon framing, where walls span multiple stories.
Components:
SIPs are constructed much like a beam, having both a flange and web that resolve loads. The web is made from Oriented Strand Board (OSB), an engineered wood panel, that is adhered to an insulative foam. The web is then attached to vertical and horizontal members at each of the ends, which act as flanges. These panels will often referred to as "Stressed skin panels". The OSB and foam resist shear and torsion, while the foam and framing resolve compression.
EPS:
The expanded polystyrene (EPS) is highly insulative closed cell foam that has no embedded oxygen, and thus gives it a high resistance to fire. Higher densities are available for special applications. Unlike many other foam products, EPS is regarded as "Ozone-Friendly" - no CFCs are used. Other characteristics of EPS include:
Structural Integrity - EPS retains its shape indefinitely. It will
not shrink, decompose or disintegrate due to age or weather.
Thermal
Stability - The insulating value of EPS does not decrease with age.
Toxicity
- EPS is formaldehyde-free.
Low Water Absorption - EPS has a closed cell
structure. Its water absorption level is so low that moisture and the elements
will not significantly affect its insulation values.
Permanence - EPS is an
inert, organic material. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or
micro-organisms. It will not rot and is highly resistant to mildew.
Flammability- Like many construction materials, EPS is combustible. It
should not be exposed to flame or other ignition sources. However, you can
expect a building made with EPS products to survive a fire that would completely
destroy a "stick-built" home. The panels have passed rigorous fire endurance
tests required by national codes, and their solid core construction eliminates
the "chimney effect" caused by hollow stud walls.
Splines/cams:
Panels are attached to one another by means of splines, or cam locks, and sealed with water-resistant material. Splines are intermediate pieces of lumber or metal that join two panels together with the aid of construction adhesive, nails or screws.
Wire chases:
Electrical Wire Chases can be pre-cut into the foam core prior to the laminating process. Typical wire chases are 1.5" in diameter and are placed at 12" and 48" up from the floor horizontally around the walls and vertically every 4'. Wire chases can also be added for alarm systems, cable TV, Etc. Chases can also be routed out of the panels if need be.
Characteristics:
Energy efficient envelope.
Use of reconstituted materials.
High level of Manufacture/prefabrication.
Strength/stability.
Fire
resistance.
Assembly is rapid and efficient.
Thermally outperforms
standard stick frame construction.
Flexible and adaptable.
Resources:
For more in-depth information refer to the web page links page and
the information survey binder in the house_n design lab.
These
companies have detailed information available: