Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Testing

Manufacturers of Structural Insulated Panels are often presented with a confusing regulatory landscape. SIPs are recognized in the International Residential Code (IRC) but not the International Building Code (IBC). Within the IRC, they are accepted for limited uses, which don’t capture all the value these manufacturers know their product can deliver. Unable to capitalize on that value, SIP manufacturers often feel frustrated over their disadvantage compared to conventional building solutions.

To alleviate these issues and deliver promised value, many SIP manufacturers pursue product certification to demonstrate their product is equivalent in durability, strength, and safety to code-prescribed solutions. Manufacturers find that using a single-source solution, such as the International Code Council Family of Solutions, for their certification, planning, testing, and inspections prevents delays, minimizes their effort and time investment, and captures the full scope and value they know their product can deliver.

We conduct SIP tests for various uses and characteristics, including but not limited to:

• Axial load
• Core shear
• Fire-rated assemblies
• Headers and panels with window/door openings
• Racking Load / In-plane shear load
• Seismic resistance
• Use in roofs or floors
• Use in basements for single-family residential homes
• Use in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ)
• Transverse load / Wind load
• Unusual dimensions

Below is a list of standards or criteria that may be included in test plans for SIPs:

• ASTM C393: Standard Test Method for Core Shear Properties of Sandwich Constructions by Beam Flexure
• ASTM E72: Standard Test Methods for Conducting Strength Test of Panels for Building Construction
• ASTM E108: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings
• ASTM E119: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• ASTM E1803: Standard Test Methods for Determining Structural Capacities of Insulated Panels
• ASTM C578: Standards Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C518: Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
• ICC-ES AC04 Acceptance Criteria for Sandwich Panels
• NFPA 286: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth

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