Cardboard sandwich adds strength to shelter panels

Described in the journal Structures, the timber-cardboard web-core sandwich (TCWS) panels consist of thin timber facings separated by cardboard studs and air pockets. According to the research paper, they are 50 per cent lighter than a previous design that featured a solid carboard core - known as timber-cardboard sandwich (TCS) panels – but just as strong.

The panels were developed by structural engineering PhD candidate Mahmoud Abu-Saleem and Associate Professor Joe Gattas, both from the University of Queensland’s School of Civil Engineering. Designed primarily for temporary housing and shelters, the panels’ use of readily available and sustainable materials means they are less exposed to the shortages and cost pressures of traditional construction materials.  

“Cardboard is one of the most highly recycled materials for packaging in Australia,” said Dr Gattas.

“There’s no impact on waste generated and no increase in resource consumption. You're essentially extending the service life of that material before it gets recycled again.”

The panels have been used in a prototype ‘cardboard house’ constructed at UQ’s Pinjarra Hills Research Facility and have reportedly held up well throughout the wet Queensland summer. According to the researchers, they were able to keep the elements at bay by incorporating the same principles used for timber-clad homes throughout Queensland over the years. But the lightweight design means they can be easily handled and rapidly installed.

“The panels are intended for short-term use, possibly for temporary housing or granny flats for people displaced by natural disasters,” said Dr Gattas.

“The fact 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.”