Structural Insulated Panels: Research Proposal for Engineering

This research proposal investigates the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings, particularly in light commercial and residential construction. It outlines the properties, benefits, and drawbacks of SIPs, emphasizing their role in enhancing structural integrity, improving insulation, and accelerating construction. The proposal details a research methodology involving literature review, case studies, and interviews to gather comprehensive data. It also addresses the limitations of SIPs, such as ventilation requirements and water resistance challenges. The research aims to contribute to the understanding and application of SIPs in modern construction, promoting sustainable and energy-efficient building practices. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for engineers, architects, and contractors seeking innovative building solutions.

Running head: Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 1
ACHIEVING HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS BY USE
OF STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS
Name of Student
Institution Affiliation

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 2
ACHIEVING HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS BY USE
OF STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS
Abstract
Structural Insulated Panels are a high-performance building system for light commercial and
residential construction. The panels contain an insulating foam core which is sandwiched
between two structural facings, usually oriented strand boards. The Structural Insulated
Panels plays a significant role in slowing down the transfer of air, vapour, and heat through
the building. They also radically reduce the drying potential of the building, reducing its
ability to recover from unintended water intrusion. Such airtight building with high thermal
resistance can result in achieving a durable and high-performance building if built and
detailed correctly, or at the same time can result to rapid decay and rot of the building
structure if built is built incorrectly. There are many benefits that are attributed to use of SIPs
in construction projects such as; they increase the structural integrity of the building because
they are a two-in-one product. SIPs offer interior comfort in that they block moisture and
wind, reduce the noise levels in the building and maintain a constant indoor climate. Even
though the SIPs has many advantages, there are many limitations which are also associated
with their applications. The disadvantages in most cases result to the increase in the
construction costs, and they can take their troll to the comfort of the occupants of the
enclosure. Various methods will be used to collect data regarding the topic of study some of
the methods that will be employed include; case studies, literature review, and interviews.
Keywords: Structural Insulated Panels, oriented strand boards, structural integrity

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 3
Table of Contents
Abstract...................................................................................................................................1
1.0 Introduction...............................................................................................................3
1.1 background.......................................................................................................................3
1.2 Aims and objectives of the study......................................................................................4
1.3 Significance of the research..............................................................................................4
1.4 Scope of the research........................................................................................................5
2.0 Literature review............................................................................................................5
2.1 Properties of Structural insulated panels..........................................................................6
2.11Exceptional strength........................................................................................................6
2.12 Superior insulation.........................................................................................................6
2.13 Fast construction and finishing......................................................................................6
2.2 Benefits of Structural insulated panels in construction....................................................7
2.3 Drawbacks of Structural Insulated Panels in Constructions.............................................8
3.0 Research Methodology.................................................................................................10
3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................10
3.2 Interviews.......................................................................................................................10
3.3 Case studies....................................................................................................................11
3.4 Literature review/secondary sources..............................................................................11
3.5 Rationale for the research strategy.................................................................................11
4.0 Research timeline..........................................................................................................12
5.0 Conclusion.....................................................................................................................13
6.0 References.....................................................................................................................14

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 4
1.0 Introduction
1.1 background
In the Current world civil engineers, architects and contractors are faced with the urgent duty
of achieving high-performance and energy-efficient building enclosures. Structural Insulated
Panels offers an alternative to part of the building construction that assist in achieving these
goals. Structural Insulated Panels are a high-performance building system for light
commercial and residential construction. The panels contain an insulating foam core which is
sandwiched between two structural facings, usually oriented strand boards. They are
produced under industry controlled conditions, and therefore they can be fabricated to fit any
building design (Edminster, 2012). Usually, the SIPs can be utilized as a wall, roof/wall, and
roof/wall/floor component systems of various construction projects.
The Structural Insulated Panels plays a significant role in slowing down the transfer of air,
vapour, and heat through the building. They also radically reduce the drying potential of the
building, reducing its ability to recover from unintended water intrusion. Such airtight
building with high thermal resistance can result in achieving a durable and high-performance
building if built and detailed correctly, or at the same time can result to rapid decay and rot of
the building structure if built is built Michael et al. (2013) incorrectly.
There are many benefits which are associated with Structural Insulated Panels such as; they
increase the structural integrity of the building because they are a two-in-one product. SIPs
offer interior comfort in that they block moisture and wind, reduce the noise levels in the
building and maintain a constant indoor climate. The Structural Insulated Panels constructs
energy efficient buildings in that they are airtight and outdo the traditionally framed buildings
in energy efficiency. The figure below shows the structure of a Structural Insulated Panels.

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 5
Fig 1: A structural insulated Panel
1.2 Aims and objectives of the study
The aim of the research proposed is to investigate how Structural Insulated Panels have been
used for commercial and residential construction projects in order to achieve high-
performance and energy-efficient buildings .
The objectives are set to assist in achieving the main aim of the research for this case the
objectives of the research are as follows;
 To have a summary of Structural Insulated Panels
 To find out the merits and limitations of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
 To evaluate the properties of Structural Insulated Panels
 To find out the various uses of Structural Insulated Panels in the civic and
construction industry.
1.3 Significance of the research
The findings of the research will contribute greatly to benefit the society considering that
construction of residential and commercial buildings plays a very important role in the
modern day life. The greater demand for graduates with vast construction background
justifies the need for high-performance and energy-efficient buildings. This kind of buildings
will significantly contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the amount of carbon

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 6
emission and at the same time aid in reducing the demand for residential and commercial
buildings in various parts of the world (Elhajj, 2017).
1.4 Scope of the research
With a growing emphasis in the architectural and home construction industry on alternative
versatile, economical and eco-friendly, building materials. Structural Insulated Panel Systems
are a perfect example of those materials. Consist of two timber panels of Oriented Strand
Board and an internal layer of Expanded Polystyrene, the desirable acoustic and insulating
properties of the material combined with the fast site-adaptability and construction make
SIPS an attractive alternative to traditional construction materials and technologies. The
scope of the research is to investigate various ways the Structural Insulated Panels have been
used for commercial and residential construction projects in order to achieve high-
performance and energy-efficient buildings.
The research will be restricted to the various ways through which the Structural Insulated
Panels have been used for commercial and residential construction projects. The researcher
will be restricted to study.
2.0 Literature review
The requirement for an innovative cost technology is high in the present residential
construction industry. One such underutilized innovative building technology is structural
insulated panels (SIPs). They are among the most efficient construction methods which are
useful. Further, it falls under the category of prefabrication, where the parts of a home are
manufactured in an offsite manufacturing unit, then transported and thereafter fitted at the
construction site, providing a clean working environment (Ledford, 2010).

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 7
2.1 Properties of Structural insulated panels
2.11Exceptional strength
The fully finished panels are an integrated building product, they act as a structural
component they are able to withstand severe weather conditions .The strength of the SIPs is
attributed to the Oriented Strand Boards which are put in place to protect the foam and at the
same time to offer support
2.12 Superior insulation
The sandwiched foam between two Oriented Strand Boards offers higher insulation values
than many other insulation materials which are used in the traditional construction methods.
Due to the fewer gaps which in the SIPs the Buildings constructed from the SIPs have in
many proved to be less draft. The figure below shows the sand witched foam Uddin et al
(2014).
Fig 2: sandwiched foam between Oriented
2.13 Fast construction and finishing
The Structural Insulated Panels are usually joined together quickly and quickly by use of
inset splines .All the entire elements of a building are quickly fixed together which makes it
one of the best materials to use in construction Nasim et al. (2014).

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2.2 Benefits of Structural insulated panels in construction
There are many benefits which have been attributed to the use of the structural insulated
Panels in the construction industry such as:
 The residential and commercial buildings that are constructed by the use of SIPs are
generally stronger, energy efficient, more airtight and quieter than the older
technologies of construction such as the brick veneer construction. The nature of
airtightness means that there is fewer noise penetration into the building, fewer
drafts, and an essential lower energy bills, hence there is a general reduction in the
emission of CO2.
 The Structural insulated panels are produced in factory conditions which ensure there
is very high level of accuracy, and due to that the SIPs can be fabricated for any
building design, and at the same time the elements of the building are constructed
somewhere and then they are assembled together on site which reduces the number
of wastes and less waste to be landfilled (Morley, 2014).
 The Oriented Strand Board which is utilised in the manufacture of Structural
Insulated Panels is obtained from the sustainably harvested spruce. The usage of
OSB reduces the amount of timber utilised in the buildings constructed from
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) by up to 35 percent Mullens et al. (2016).
 Due to the nature of the Structural Insulation Panels, they facilitate quick
construction of buildings, and thus they reduce the overall onsite costs because of
reduction of the following; project management, temporary accommodation, cost of
hiring scaffolding, plant, security and safety equipment .it also facilitates earlier cash
recovery, increased capacity, and improved cash flow. The figure below shows how a
SIPs building is assembled.

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Fig 3: Assembling of SIPs building
 The Structural Insulated Panels are lightweight making them quicker and more
comfortable to assemble on site. Nevertheless, Structural Insulated Panels are also
known for their superior strength. Buildings which are constructed form SIPs have
the ability to withstand harsh weather and climate conditions.
 By use of the Structural Insulated Panels, there is limited Cold Bridging because of
the continuity of the thick insulation within the system which offers improved
thermal efficiency, which in turn can offer a platform to achieve the set standards of
home McIntosh et al. (2013).
2.3 Drawbacks of Structural Insulated Panels in Constructions
Even though the SIPs has many advantages, there are many limitations which are also
associated with their applications. The disadvantages in most cases result to the increase in
the construction costs, and they can take their troll to the comfort of the occupants of the
enclosure some of the limitations of use SIPs include;

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 10
i) The SIPs require particular attention to the ventilation due to their high
level of air-tightness
The safety and health of the occupants of the SIPs buildings can be compromised with due to
lack of ventilation. In this cases, the Structural Insulation Panels require particular ventilation
system in order to achieve the permitted standards of ventilation. The special ventilation
systems in most cases are very expensive to put in place Mohammad et al. (2013).
ii) The standard dimension of the panels
The SIPs comes in standard dimensions which were manufactured in factories and due to that
during the design and planning stages of construction one needs to take keen focus on the
location of the openings such as doors and windows as they will be greatly influenced by the
SIPs which will be used as the construction materials. The standard dimensions of the SIPs
redistrict the design of the building as most of them come in specific shapes and dimensions
and due to that, the design of the SIPs are greatly affected.
iii) Water resistance challenge
One of the biggest limitations of the SIPs is moisture resistance. The Structural resistance
Insulation Panels can be affected by moisture. Due to that, the SIPs calls for special attention
so as to protect them from the damage from moisture and that can call for installation of an
extra panel or waterproof surface so as to protect them from moist. The installation of an
additional surface or panel can be an added cost to the client.
iv) Breeding ground for the pests
The inability of the Structural Insulation Panel to resist the pests is another limitation of the
Sips. Most of pests and rodents move to the middle foam which is sandwiched between in the
structural components to breed and due to that it becomes a very big challenge to control

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 11
them. Due to that, the Structural Insulated Panels require special control of the pests such as
treating them with the insecticides before use which is very expensive.
v) Planning and pre-ordering
The SIPs are usually cut accurately according to the CAD drawings submitted to the
manufacturing plant. Due to that, there is a need for the manufacturer and the architect to
work very closely with one another to ensure that the Structural Insulated Panels produced
are accurate and will work perfectly once at the site.
vi) Wiring and other services.
Unlike the hollow blocks which facilitate quick installation of services the SIPs pose a great
challenge when it comes to wiring and passing other services in the building such as water
and fibre cables due to that it calls for special technologies to be applied in order to have the
services in place and due to that the overall cost of construction in most cases increases
beyond the set Michael J. (2013).
3.0 Research methodology
3.1 Introduction
The information which is contained in this chapter regards to the research methodology
which will be employed in the research .The literature review approach which will be
employed in the research provides substantial information regarding to the benefits and
limitations of using SIPs. The information which will obtained from the literature review will
be analysed in depth by using the various case studies that were selected. The research
methods that will be used are discussed below.
3.2 Interviews
Residents of Residential and commercial buildings constructed from SIPs can be interviewed
about the benefits and limitations they have observed as compared to the normal buildings

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 12
which are constructed from other construction materials. The questions that will use during
the interview will be clear, focused and encouraged open-ended response which greatly made
the interview process on being very successful.
3.3 Case studies
This involves the study of various construction and civil engineering projects which have
constructed from Structural Insulated Panels. By learning the various ways in which SIPs
have been used in construction.it can be much easier to identify how the SIPs have
contributed to achievement of high-performance and energy-efficient commercial and
residential buildings.
3.4 Literature review/secondary sources
This will involve reviewing previous research works that have been carried out by other
scholars on the topic of research. With that various publication such as journals, books,
magazines and other publications will be reviewed in order to give an in-depth understanding
of the topic of research.
3.5 Rationale for the research strategy
The research proposed is intended on utilizing case study investigation as a suitable system to
carry out the research. Case study technique encourages a researcher to keenly examine the
information relating to a particular setting that is a specific topographical territory chose as a
topic of study. Additionally, a case study investigation strategy allows a researcher to pick up
top to bottom information and illustrate the aspects of a proposed research topic.

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4.0 Research timeline
The research is to be carried out in 12 months (1year), and the timeline for the research is as
follows.
Project Activities
1 year
(from 1st may – 30thApril)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1
2
Project Planning Meeting
Devise and Implement a
Communications and
Networking Plan among
team members
Data collection
Data analysis
Literature review
Assessment methodology &
prototype
development/refinement and
final interface development
Case study applications and
refinements
Policy workshop and
formulation of policy
recommendations
Draft final report

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Final report and project
recommendations/dissemina
tion
Final report and project
recommendations/dissemina
tion
5.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, The Structural Insulated Panels plays a significant role in slowing down the
transfer of air, vapour, and heat through the building. They also radically reduce the drying
potential of the building, reducing its ability to recover from unintended water intrusion. Such
airtight building with high thermal resistance can result in achieving a durable and high-
performance building if built and detailed correctly and there is need to use them for the
construction of residential and commercial buildings to achieve high-performance and
energy-efficient buildings.

Achieving high-performance and energy-efficient buildings by use of structural insulated panels 15
6.0 References
Edminster, A. V. (2012). Energy Free: Homes for a Small Planet. Chicago: Green Building
Press,
Elhajj, N. R. (2017). Prescriptive Method for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) Used in
Wall Systems in Residential Construction (4th ed.). London: The Office.
Ledford, B. T. (2010). Comparison of Conventional Light-framed Wood Construction and
Structural Insulated Panels. Texas: Kansas State University.
McIntosh J. and Guthrie C. (2013), Structural insulated panels: A sustainable option for
house construction in New Zealand. Int. Journal for Housing Science, 32 (1) pp. 15-27
Michael J. (2013), Load-bearing, single-wall constructions from Shanties to Structural
Insulated Panels. Journal for Construction History. 28 (1), pp. 49-63
Mohammad P., Abang A.L and Yen L. V. (2013), Structural Insulated Panels: Past, present,
and future. Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 3(1), pp. 2-8
Morley, M. (2014). Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): Strength and Energy
Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction. London: Taunton Press.
Mullens, M.A and Arif M. (2016), Structural insulated panels: Impact on the residential
construction process. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 132 (7), pp.
786-794.
Nasim U. and Wenfeng D. (2014), new thin shells made of composite structural insulated
panels.
Uddin N., Vaidya A., Vaidya U. and Pillay S. (2014), Thermoplastic composite structural
insulated panels (CSIPs) for modular penalized construction. Journal of Developments in
Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Civil Engineering. 34 (1), pp. 302–316

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