TITLE:
Recent Advances in the Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Concrete Sandwich Panels
AUTHORS:
Abdelrahman Ali, Taropafadzwa Magunda, Olebole Dikgang
KEYWORDS:
Concrete Sandwich Panels, Mechanical Performance, Thermal Performance, Shear Connectors, Composite Action, Thermal Insulation, Durability
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.16 No.3,
July
17,
2026
ABSTRACT: Concrete sandwich panels (CSPs) are increasingly used in energy-efficient building envelopes due to their ability to combine structural load-bearing capacity with thermal insulation. This review provides an integrated assessment of recent advances (2018-2025) in the thermal and mechanical performance of CSPs, with particular emphasis on the trade-off between structural efficiency and thermal performance. The literature indicates a transition from traditional steel connectors, which induce significant thermal bridging, to low-conductivity fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) connectors and optimized geometrical configurations. These developments, together with advanced insulation materials, have improved overall panel efficiency. However, mechanical performance remains strongly dependent on the degree of composite action, governed by connector stiffness, spacing, and configuration. A key finding of this review is the persistent conflict between mechanical and thermal requirements, where increased structural stiffness may lead to higher thermal-induced stresses and deformation. In addition, current research largely treats thermal and mechanical behaviors separately, with limited consideration of fully coupled thermo-mechanical interactions. Durability aspects, including moisture ingress, freeze-thaw effects, and long-term connector performance, are also insufficiently addressed. This review synthesizes current knowledge, highlights inconsistencies in experimental and modeling approaches, and identifies critical research gaps. Future studies should focus on integrated multi-physics modeling and full-scale experimental validation to improve the long-term performance and reliability of CSP systems.