Use of Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIP) System in Pakistan and Study of Its Different Aspects

Abstract

After the earthquake of October 2005, almost 70% RCC buildings were either destroyed or declared unfit for living. The government of Pakistan (GoP) as well as some local and international donor agencies including United Nations (UN) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) undertook the task of reconstruction of infrastructure in the region. Some new technologies were adopted for the reconstruction of residential, office, school and hospital buildings including Light Gauge Steel (LGS), Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIP) and Straw Bale Construction. In this research work, SCIP technology is studied comprehensively to evaluate its advantages and disadvantages over conventional buildings in all respects. Structural Concrete Insulated Panel is a special type of Sandwich Panel or Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) which is composed of thick polystyrene or polyurethane layer and welded GI Wire mesh crossed between the foam sandwiched between two layers of shotcreting (1.5 inch thick on each side). Wall panels and Roof Panels are manufactured in 4 ft. in width and 8 ft. height, available in thicknesses range of 2” to 6". The conventional building system in Pakistan take much longer time for construction and also it is very poor in terms of energy conservation. According to a conservative estimate, buildings in Pakistan consume more than 40% of the total electricity produced. The demand of this sector is growing at the rate of almost 14% per annum, the highest among all other sectors. To cope up with the challenges of the construction industry, energy efficient fast construction buildings solution is indispensable. In this research work, a typical school building was modelled and analysed using SAP2000 software and its results were evaluated thoroughly. A comparison between SCIP walls of different thickness is also carried out. Financial comparison is done to evaluate the cost efficiency of the SCIP building in Pakistan.