ACP Deflection Calculator

3D Structural Analysis

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Panel Configuration

Define ACP panel dimensions and material

2400×1200

Short Side (a)

Long Side (b)

ACP Thickness

Support Condition

ACP Panel Deflection Calculator - Complete Guide

How to Use This ACP Deflection Calculator

Enter Panel Dimensions: Input the short side (a) and long side (b) of your ACP panel in millimeters. These are the unsupported span dimensions between fixing points.
Select ACP Thickness: Choose from standard aluminum composite panel thicknesses - 3mm, 4mm, or 6mm based on your project requirements.
Choose Support Condition: Select how your ACP cladding panel is supported - 4-sides fixed, 3-sides fixed, or 2-sides fixed (opposite edges).
Set Wind Load: Enter the design wind pressure in kPa based on your building location, height, and local wind zone as per IS 875, ASCE 7, or EN 1991 standards.
Configure Stiffeners (Optional): Add aluminum stiffeners (hollow tube, C-channel, or I-beam profiles) for larger panels to reduce deflection and stress.
Calculate: Click calculate to get instant results including maximum stress, deflection, and safety assessment with 3D visualization.

What is ACP Panel Deflection?

ACP deflection refers to the bending or deformation of an Aluminum Composite Panel when subjected to external loads, primarily wind pressure. When wind acts on a building facade, the ACP cladding panels experience pressure that causes them to bend inward or outward from their original flat position. This bending displacement, measured in millimeters, is called deflection.

The maximum deflection typically occurs at the center of the panel and depends on several factors including panel dimensions, thickness, support conditions, and the magnitude of wind load. According to facade engineering standards, the permissible deflection is usually limited to span/60 or span/100 depending on aesthetic and structural requirements.

Why Calculate ACP Deflection? Importance in Facade Design

Calculating ACP panel deflection is critical for safe and aesthetically pleasing facade design. Here's why every architect, structural engineer, and facade consultant must perform deflection analysis:

Structural Safety: Excessive deflection can cause panel failure, especially under high wind loads during cyclones or storms. Proper calculation ensures the ACP cladding system can withstand design wind pressures.
Visual Appearance: Visible bending or oil-canning of facade panels creates an unprofessional appearance. Deflection limits ensure panels remain visually flat and uniform.
Joint Integrity: Large deflections can stress panel joints and sealants, leading to water leakage and weatherproofing failures in the curtain wall system.
Code Compliance: Building codes like IS 875 (India), ASCE 7 (USA), and EN 1991 (Europe) require facade systems to be designed for specified wind loads with deflection limits.
Stiffener Design: For large span panels, deflection calculations help determine if aluminum stiffeners are needed and their required size and spacing.

ACP Panel Stress Analysis & ALPOLIC Technical Standards

This calculator uses plate theory equations based on ALPOLIC technical standards for aluminum composite panel design. The stress and deflection are calculated using coefficients α (deflection) and β (stress) that vary based on panel aspect ratio and support conditions.

Key Formulas:

• Deflection: δ = α × (P × a⁴) / (E × t³)
• Stress: σ = β × P × (a/t)²
• Permissible Stress: σp = 15.5 kg/mm² (Aluminum 3000 series)
• Permissible Deflection: a/60 to a/100 (based on application)

Aluminum Stiffeners for ACP Panels

When ACP panels exceed recommended span limits or when deflection exceeds permissible values, aluminum stiffeners are attached to the back of the panel to provide additional rigidity. Common stiffener profiles include:

Hollow Rectangular Tube: Most common profile, offers good moment of inertia with lightweight construction. Typical sizes: 25×38mm, 38×50mm with 1.5-2mm wall thickness.
C-Channel Section: Used when one-sided access is required for fixing. Easy to bond with structural silicone or VHB tape.
I-Beam Profile: Provides maximum stiffness for large span panels. Used in high wind zones and tall buildings.

Applications of ACP Cladding & Facade Design

ACP (Aluminum Composite Panel) is widely used in modern architecture for:

Commercial building facades
High-rise curtain wall systems
Shopping mall exteriors
Airport terminal buildings
Corporate office buildings
Hospital & healthcare facilities
Signage & canopy structures
Interior wall cladding

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum span for ACP panels without stiffeners?

For 4mm ACP panels with 4-side support and moderate wind loads (1.5 kPa), the maximum recommended span is typically 1000-1200mm. For larger spans, aluminum stiffeners are required to control deflection.

How do I determine wind load for my building?

Wind load depends on basic wind speed (from wind zone maps), building height, terrain category, and topography. Consult IS 875 Part 3 for India, ASCE 7 for USA, or EN 1991-1-4 for Europe. Typical facade wind loads range from 1.0-3.0 kPa.

What is the permissible deflection limit for ACP facades?

The industry standard permissible deflection is span/60 for general applications. For high-end architectural facades requiring flat appearance, span/100 or even span/150 may be specified.

Which ACP thickness should I use - 3mm, 4mm, or 6mm?

4mm ACP is the most common choice for external cladding. 3mm is used for interior applications and signage. 6mm provides extra rigidity for large panels or high wind zones and is often used in tall buildings above 50 meters.

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Loading 3D Calculator...

Enter Panel Dimensions: Input the short side (a) and long side (b) of your ACP panel in millimeters. These are the unsupported span dimensions between fixing points.
Select ACP Thickness: Choose from standard aluminum composite panel thicknesses - 3mm, 4mm, or 6mm based on your project requirements.
Choose Support Condition: Select how your ACP cladding panel is supported - 4-sides fixed, 3-sides fixed, or 2-sides fixed (opposite edges).
Set Wind Load: Enter the design wind pressure in kPa based on your building location, height, and local wind zone as per IS 875, ASCE 7, or EN 1991 standards.
Configure Stiffeners (Optional): Add aluminum stiffeners (hollow tube, C-channel, or I-beam profiles) for larger panels to reduce deflection and stress.
Calculate: Click calculate to get instant results including maximum stress, deflection, and safety assessment with 3D visualization.

Panel Configuration

Material Properties

ACP Panel Deflection Calculator - Complete Guide

How to Use This ACP Deflection Calculator

What is ACP Panel Deflection?

Why Calculate ACP Deflection? Importance in Facade Design

ACP Panel Stress Analysis & ALPOLIC Technical Standards

Aluminum Stiffeners for ACP Panels

Applications of ACP Cladding & Facade Design

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum span for ACP panels without stiffeners?

How do I determine wind load for my building?

What is the permissible deflection limit for ACP facades?

Which ACP thickness should I use - 3mm, 4mm, or 6mm?

Panel Configuration

Material Properties

ACP Panel Deflection Calculator - Complete Guide

How to Use This ACP Deflection Calculator

What is ACP Panel Deflection?

Why Calculate ACP Deflection? Importance in Facade Design

ACP Panel Stress Analysis & ALPOLIC Technical Standards

Aluminum Stiffeners for ACP Panels

Applications of ACP Cladding & Facade Design

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum span for ACP panels without stiffeners?

How do I determine wind load for my building?

What is the permissible deflection limit for ACP facades?

Which ACP thickness should I use - 3mm, 4mm, or 6mm?