Polycarbonate sheet has excellent strength, when subjected to external impact, it can undergo certain deformation without rupture, and absorb the impact energy, so the weight that polycarbonate sheet can withstand is far more exaggerated than you think. We have done experiments, 12mm polycarbonate plate can withstand the impact of a rifle within 500 metres, but 5mm polycarbonate plate is difficult to bear, so that how much weight can polycarbonate sheet hold is also related to a number of factors such as thickness, construction, support method and span.
Polycarbonate sheet thickness
Generally, the thicker the polycarbonate sheet, the greater its load-bearing capacity. For example, a 1.8 mm thick solid polycarbonate sheet can carry a certain amount of light weight and is typically used for applications with low load requirements, such as small decorative panels.
A 6 mm thick polycarbonate sheet can be used for architectural carports and can withstand relatively high weights, which will satisfy the daily use requirements of typical carports and canopies.
Polycarbonate sheet structure
Solid polycarbonate sheets have a high degree of strength and stiffness and can therefore carry more weight. If it is used on the roof of a building, it can support the weight of rainwater, snow and other loads.
Hollow polycarbonate sheets, such as double or multi-layer sheets, are lighter in weight but have a good load-bearing capacity due to their special structural design. Double and multi-layer construction increases the stiffness and stability of the sheet and is commonly used in greenhouse construction and some roofing projects that require both light weight and some load bearing capacity.
Polycarbonate sheet Support Methods
If the polycarbonate sheet is supported on all sides, it will have a much greater load carrying capacity than if it is supported only at the ends. For example, when used as a floor slab, if the entire perimeter is supported, it can distribute the weight evenly to each support point and is capable of carrying more weight.
The more support points there are, the greater the contact area between the support and the slab, and the better the load carrying effect. For example, when multiple support posts are used to support a polycarbonate sheet, it can hold significantly more weight than if there were only a few support points.
Polycarbonate sheet Span
The smaller the span of the polycarbonate sheet, the more weight it can carry. For example, if the span is only 1 metre, the sheet can support a relatively large amount of weight; however, if the span is increased to 5 metres, the load carrying capacity is significantly reduced and in some cases it may even be difficult for the sheet to support its own weight, requiring additional support structures.
Does the load-bearing capacity of polycarbonate panels decrease over time?
The load-bearing capacity of polycarbonate sheets may decrease over time, and here are the specific reasons why:
Material ageing
Molecular chain breakage: Polycarbonate in the process of long-term use, by ultraviolet light, oxygen, high temperature and other environmental factors, the molecular chain will break and degradation. The integrity of the molecular chain is the basis for ensuring the mechanical properties of the material. After the molecular chain is broken, the strength, toughness and other properties of the material will decrease, and the load-bearing capacity will also decrease.
Oxidation reaction: Oxygen in the air will have oxidation reaction with polycarbonate, forming an oxide layer on the surface of the material, changing the chemical structure and properties of the material. As the degree of oxidation deepens, the material gradually becomes brittle, and cracks and ruptures are more likely to occur during load bearing, resulting in a decrease in load bearing capacity.
Environmental factors
Humidity impact: long-term in a high humidity environment, polycarbonate plate will absorb a certain amount of water. Water molecules into the interior of the material, will destroy the intermolecular force, so that the cohesion of the material is reduced. At the same time, it may trigger hydrolysis reaction, accelerate the breakage of molecular chain, and then reduce the load-bearing capacity.
Temperature changes: Frequent and drastic changes in temperature will cause thermal expansion and contraction of polycarbonate panels. Repeated expansion and contraction will generate stress within the material, and long-term accumulation will lead to defects such as micro-cracks in the material. These defects will become stress concentration points, making the sheet more susceptible to damage when bearing weight and reducing load-bearing capacity.
Wear and Scratch
Surface abrasion: In the course of use, the surface of polycarbonate sheets may rub against other objects, resulting in surface abrasion. Surface abrasion will reduce the thickness of the sheet and the effective bearing area, thus reducing the load-bearing capacity.
