A new bonded vertical joint design for architectural panels

This paper presents a new bonded vertical joint design for façade architectural panels which improves the façade behaviour under static and dynamic loads and enhances durability. Furthermore, it overcomes more of the structural, construction and aesthetic problems that could appear on precast façade panels. This study reports the current problems of steel façade panels and the advantages achieved with the new vertical joint design, bonded with a toughened epoxy resin. The experimental study of the new joint behaviour includes mechanical standard tests on the adhesive behaviour and non-standard static and dynamic tests performed on half scale mild steel specimens bonded with the toughened epoxy resin in order to determine its mechanical behaviour under external loads. The experimental results can be useful to calibrate numerical models of the new joint behaviour.