The composite properties of stressed-skin panel (SSP) systems are characterised by the interaction -composite action - and the portion of the sheathing acting with the joists - the tributary width. A discussion on the tributary width forms the focus of this paper. An analysis, which has been conducted considering the pattern of the strain distribution in the sheathing(s), is presented. It uses laboratory data of a major research project conducted at the University of Technology, Sydney, between 2002 and 2007 (Gerber 2007). This analysis indicates that under strict conditions, in particular structurally glued interlayers, a large portion of the sheathing contributes to the structural behaviour of SSP structures. A better use of the mechanical properties of the panels is also achieved. This paper also presents an analysis on the effects of discontinuities in the sheathing. It has been identified that such event causes a significant reduction of the sheathing contribution.
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