Design cooperation between StruSoft and FP McCann optimizes design of insulated panels

Among many other types of precast elements, FP McCann produces insulated panels, also known as sandwich walls. The wall consists of an inner and outer panel which are connected using resin based insulation ties.

These walls distribute the wind load to the stabilizing walls or frames leaving them with quite high bending moment. The tradition was to only include the inner panel as the load carrying panel. This is on the safe side. But since spans got longer and longer, Sam Hodgson, structural engineer at FP McCann got this idea to calculate both inner- and outer panel together. To make this work, the insulation ties which act as shear connecters need to have the right shear capacity.

“A good cooperation with the manufacturer, Thermomass, gave us all the parameters that we needed to make an exact model. We were able to calculate, how many connectors were needed, to make the 2 panels work as one. In this way we could show, that our panels can be used for much longer spans than before. That gives us a leading position on the market”.

At StruSoft we are happy to cooperate in optimization processes.

Please contact Dennis Kristensen, [email protected] for more info.