Mechanical characterization of a polyurethane-cement hybrid foam to be used for seismic protection of nonstructural components

A preliminary study on the possible use of a new hybrid material in seismic protection of partitions and infills is presented in the paper. The mechanical properties of a polyurethane-cement hybrid foam are investigated. The mechanical characterization, including compressive, tensile and shear tests is conducted according to ASTM standard methods for cellular plastic materials. The compressive tests show a brittle behavior of the hybrid foam. The material exhibits larger strength in tension than in compression. The shear resistance values are similar to those of other building materials generally used for nonstructural components, i.e. cellular concrete and bricks. Finally, by comparing the physical properties of the hybrid foam with those of bricks and cellular concrete it is possible to highlight that the lightweight features of the former, associated to appreciable mechanical properties, make it suitable for building nonstructural components, also in seismic zones.