ModPalma: Conceptualization of a novel date palm midribs prefabricated enclosure wall panel

Abstract

Despite the environmental and economic benefits of prefabrication, its applications in Egypt remain limited due to the lack of trained builders and manufacturers. However, prefabrication is actively adopted in traditional date palm midribs handicrafts industries such as furniture and light partitions. This paper launches novel versatile utilization to revive market of date palm midribs industry. Innovated date palm midribs-based prefabricated enclosure wall panel, ModPalma, is a stud frame panel made entirely from midribs without supporting timber frame. Conceptualization of ModPalma was conducted through reflecting design fundamentals of lignocellulose-based commercial wall panels on traditional prefabrication techniques employed by common craftsmen. Constructional efficiency was assessed by building a full-size panel and Finite Element Method structural analysis of the executed details. The completed free-standing panel, built by craftsman with usual tools, indicated the high sturdiness, durability, workability and coherence of the design. The digital structural analysis showed that design was safe under loads exceeding allowable axial and transverse loads of standard Structural Insulated panels. Further research is to address enhancing the panel's structural and thermal performances, as well as investigating economic feasibility and marketing strategies needed to reintroduce ModPalma as cost-efficient and clever alternative to conventional wall panels.