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Structural insulated panels (SIPs) (Fig. 1), as defined in ANSI/APA PRS 610.1, are part of a structurally strong and energy-efficient construction system that utilizes the strength of wood structural panels and the energy attributes of foam plastic insulation to provide cost-effective solutions for compliance with governing building codes. However, the popularity of SIPs has been hindered by the lack of systematic evaluations of their lateral load performance in wall applications. Because SIP walls are required to bear on the cap and sill plates (so-called “restrained”) so that vertical loads from the story above can be transferred to the story below or to the foundation, it is imperative that the lateral load performance of SIP walls reflects this configuration. Unfortunately, most SIP walls have been evaluated in a manner similar to conventional light-frame walls (the oriented strandboard facers are not allowed to bear on either cap plate or sill plate, so-called “unrestrained”) and therefore the actual lateral load performance of SIP walls may not have been realistically characterized.
| - FPL's Mission and Strategic Plan - |
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FPL's mission is to identify and conduct innovative wood and fiber utilization research that contributes to conservation and productivity of the forest resource, thereby sustaining forests, the economy, and quality of life. ... ..more » |
| - FPL Research Emphasis Areas - |
Advanced Composites
As an integral part of the FPL mission, we improve the long-term sustainability of our Nation's forests by creating valuable composite products from biobased materials ... ..more » 
Advanced Structures
The FPL has been in the forefront of wood-frame housing research since 1910 and has long been recognized as a world leader in such housing-related areas as engineered wood ... ..more » 
Forest Biorefinery
We all know the compelling reasons that the United States needs to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Historically, the greatest increases in energy demand have been for transportation fuels ... ..more » 
Nanotechnology
A leader in wood products research for over a century, the FPL is positioning itself to become the lead Federal research facility for the application of nanotechnology in forest products ... more » 
Woody Biomass Utilization
Forests in the United States contain a substantial amount of small-diameter, overstocked, and underutilized material.FPL research projects are exploring the potential of the small-diameter ... ..more » |