Influence of Reinforcement Detailing on Load-Carrying Capacity and Composite Behavior of HDP- Core Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education & Research, Avadi, Tamil Nadu, India.
² Department of Civil Engineering, Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, (Deemed to be University), Tamil Nadu, India.
³ PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, (Deemed to be University), Tamil Nadu, India.

^* Corresponding author: R.Rajeshwaran; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 16 April 2026

Abstract

This research investigates the structural and thermal performance of lightweight precast concrete wall panels incorporating high-density polystyrene (HDP) as an insulating core.

The study aims to develop a load-bearing wall system that reduces selfweight while enhancing thermal efficiency compared to conventional solid conc rete walls. M30 grade concrete was designed and verified through standard mat erial characterization tests, including specific gravity, sieve analysis, water abso rption, consistency, setting time, and compressive strength in accordance with r elevant IS codes. Sandwich wall panels were fabricated with constant insulation thickness and two different reinforcement spacing (300 mm and 150 mm).

To assess the effect of reinforcement density on structural response.

Axial compression tests were performed using a loading frame, and load deflection behavior, crack propagation, and ultimate load capacity were recorded. According to experimental data, panels with a 150 mm reinforcement spacing outperformed panels with a 300 mm spacing in terms of ultimate load capacity and lateral deflection. The insulated panels showed notable weight reduction with increased thermal resistance and sufficient load-carrying capability. SAP software-assisted numerical modeling demonstrated a high degree of agreement with experimental findings. The findings demonstrate that thermally insulated lightweight precast wall panels provide an efficient, sustainable, and structurally reliable alternative for modern energy-efficient building applications.