Estudio del comportamiento mecánico de paneles compuestos de Totora y láminas de madera contrachapada para aplicaciones interiores

Abstract

This research analyzes the physical-mechanical behavior of composite panels made from totora (Schoenoplectus californicus) mats and plywood sheets for interior cladding. Totora is a renewable, lightweight plant fiber with low environmental impact, whose use in construction has been limited by the lack of technical information on its mechanical performance. Prototypes 3, 5, and 7 cm thick were produced, mechanically assembled under different compaction levels (5 to 7 kg/cm²) and tested in compression and bending according to the UNE-EN 408 standard. Contrary to what the increase in inertia would suggest, strength decreased as thickness increased: the 3 cm panels performed best, with mean strengths of 6.58 MPa in bending and 1.79 MPa in compression, compared with lower values for the 5 and 7 cm panels. Higher compaction improved compressive strength and dimensional stability. With densities of 395 to 568 kg/m³, the prototypes showed a ductile failure mode and a favorable strength-to-weight ratio relative to reference biogenic-core sandwich systems. In addition, an empirical anchoring method for lightweight timber framing (wood framing) was validated using concealed through-bolts. The findings show that the system constitutes a viable alternative for non-structural applications in interior cladding and lightweight partitions, providing technical criteria for incorporating local biogenic materials into sustainable architecture.