Final answer:
Stressed skin panels are a construction material that can serve as load-bearing elements and the external surface. Their span refers to how far they can extend without support, and the depth to span ratio indicates the panel's thickness related to its length. Typical ratios range from 1:24 to 1:30 for roofs and 1:20 for floors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stressed skin panels, also known as structural insulated panels (SIPs), are a form of construction material used in lightweight but strong building applications. These panels are named for their ability to distribute loads across their surface due to a combination of skin material and core structural support. This allows the panel to act as both the load-bearing element and the external surface.
The span of a stressed skin panel refers to the distance it can extend without additional support. The depth to span ratio is a measure used to describe the thickness (depth) of a panel relative to the distance it spans. While this ratio can vary depending on the specific materials and application, a common guideline for stressed skin panel construction is a depth to span ratio of 1:24 to 1:30 for roof panels and 1:20 for floor panels. This means that for every unit of depth, the panel could span 24 to 30 units in length, maintaining structural integrity and support without additional beams or columns.