An enhanced version of timber-cardboard sandwich (TCS) panels could be a lifesaver for people displaced by natural disasters – with new research published by UQ revealing that the new panels offer lighter, cheaper and more sustainable alternatives for lightweight and low-cost wall panelling.
The panels, known as a timber-cardboard web-core sandwich (TCWS), comprise thin timber facings separated by cardboard studs and air pockets, with lab tests revealing the new panels are just as strong, or stronger on a weight ratio as TCS but with 50% less weight. In addition, the panels were also 33% stronger than foam or bio-based panels.
Led by Mahmoud Abu-Saleem, PhD candidate, and Dr Joe Gattas, Associate Professor at the UQ’s School of Civil Engineering, the research strongly supports the broader use of cardboard in the next generation of building products.
“Cardboard is one of the most highly recycled materials for packaging in Australia,” according to Dr Gattas, who said its use in temporary structures meant builders are less exposed to shortage and soaring costs of construction materials.
“There’s no impact on waste generated and no increase in resource consumption,” Dr Gattas said. “You’re essentially extending the service life of that material before it gets recycled again.”
Wood Central understands that the new and improved TCWS is an extension of the timber-cardboard sandwich panels – used in the $12,000 disaster-proof house, also developed by Mr Abu-Saleem and Dr Gattas last year, which featured a solid monolithic core. Dr Gattas said they could reduce the weight thanks to an air gap between the timber and cardboard, meaning two people could handle the panels.
“The panels are intended for short-term use, possibly for temporary housing or granny flats for people displaced by natural disasters,” Dr Gattas said. “The fact that they are lighter means they will be easier to lift and fit together quickly in a post-disaster scenario, where temporary structures are in high demand.”
“We need systems that suit short-term use cases as there’s a lot of need for this class of accommodation in Australia and internationally.”
Dr Joe Gattas, Associate Professor at the UQ’s School of Civil Engineering, on the potential for timber-cardboard sandwich panels to be used in temporary accomodation.
Wood Central understands that the new panels are on full display at a prototype’ cardboard house’ constructed at UQ’s Pinjarra Hills Research Facility and have held up well to the wet Queensland summer.
The researchers kept the elements at bay by incorporating the principles used for timber-clad homes – including substantial eaves, often seen on iconic Queenslander-style homes. And whilst Mr Abu-Saleem said that replacing some of the monolithic cardboard with the air gaps reduced the weight, this could also reduce the insulation effectiveness of the panels.
“This could be addressed in the future by adding another waste material like paper to the air gaps to improve their insulation properties.”
