Mechanical Characteristics

• 3.1 Moment of Inertia “I” (mm4 )

It is the geometric property of the panel cross-section that quantifies how its mass is distributed with respect to its center of gravity. This value is decisive in calculating the bending resistance: the higher the moment of inertia, the lower the internal stress and deflection (curvature) that the panel will undergo under a given wind load.

• 3.2 Elastic modulus “E” (N/mm2 )

Also known as Young’s Modulus. It is an intrinsic constant of the materials that defines the relationship between the applied force and the resulting deformation in the elastic zone. A panel with a high modulus of elasticity will suffer less deformation or displacement under the same load, ensuring greater flatness of the facade.

• 3.3 Stiffness “EI” (kNcm2 )

It is the result of multiplying the moment of inertia (I) by the elastic modulus (E). This is the most practical technical data for structural calculations, since it combines the geometry of the panel with the quality of its materials. For a fixed support configuration, the stiffness is the only value needed to predict the maximum allowable deflection.

• 3.4 Elastic limit “R p0,2” (N/mm2)

It represents the maximum stress that the panel can withstand behaving as an elastic material. Up to this point, if the load is removed, the panel recovers its original shape almost completely (99.8%). A high yield strength ensures that the facade will not suffer permanent dents or deformation after severe weather events.

• 3.5 Ultimate ultimate ultimate load “Rm” (N/mm2 )

It is the maximum stress that the material can withstand before physically breaking. If the yield strength is exceeded, the material enters an irreversible plastic phase; if the stress continues to increase until this Rm value is reached, structural failure occurs and the panel breaks.

• 3.6 Elongation at break “A” (%)

This parameter measures the ductility of the material, i.e., how much the panel can be stretched from the time it exceeds its elastic limit until it finally breaks. A higher percentage indicates that the material is capable of absorbing energy by deforming before fracturing, an important safety feature.