Investigation of mechanical resistance of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS)

This paper investigates the mechanical resistance of ETICS, with different types of thin-layer rendering, by means of hard body and point load impacts on such surfaces. Core materials, made of different thicknesses of EPS (expanded polystyrene) were also tested for their resilience to such loads, as well as the elasticity of widely-used applied rendering. Test results focused on the possible impact level on ETICS in use. The robustness of the output results and testing methodology can be replicated and used independently by any stakeholder in the construction industry. The aim of the research is to develop a reliable method to determine the elasticity of the rendering which can be used to predict the mechanical resistance of ETICS. This paper presents the results of a study on the influence of a particular component of ETICS systems on their overall impact resistance, based on standards and modified methods. A novel simplified device for testing the rendering bending angle was designed, constructed and tested. The device investigates the rendering elasticity of ETICS. Results indicated that, with an increasing angle of cracking, the more elastic coats crack less while being subjected to an applied point load. •Determination of interactions between the different thermal insulations and rendering.•Designed simplified bending test device for measuring the ETICS rendering bending angle.•EPS 50 and EPS 70 absorb impact much better than EPS 200 and XPS 300.