Abstract
A full-scale experimental program was used in this study to investigate the structural behavior of novel insulated concrete sandwich wall panels (SWPs) reinforced with grid-type glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) shear connectors. Two kinds of insulation-expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) with 100 mm thickness were incased between the two concrete wythes to meet the increasing demand for the insulation performance of building envelope. One to four GFRP shear grids were used to examine the degree of composite action of the two concrete wythes. Ten specimens of SWPs were tested under displacement control subjected to four-point concentrated loads. The test results showed that the SWPs reinforced with GFRP grids as shear connectors developed a high degree of composite action resulting in high flexural strength. The specimens with EPS foam exhibited an enhanced load-displacement behavior compared with the specimens with XPS because of the relatively stronger bond between insulation and concrete. In addition, the ultimate strength of the test results was compared to the analytical prediction with the mechanical properties of only GRFP grids. The specimens with EPS insulation presented higher strength-based composite action than the ones with XPS insulation.
Highlights
Insulated concrete sandwich wall panels (SWPs) generally consist of the inner/outer concrete wythes and the insulation between the concrete wythes
At the initial loading stage for the XPS1-3 specimens, the in-plain shear forces were resisted by the shear strength from the glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) grid(s) at each shear span as well as by the interface adhesion between the XPS foam and the concrete
The SWPs reinforced with GFRP grids as shear connectors hold an enhanced flexural capacity by developing a high degree of composite action
Summary
Insulated concrete sandwich wall panels (SWPs) generally consist of the inner/outer concrete wythes and the insulation between the concrete wythes. Various types of insulated concrete SWP systems have been developed to increase both the thermal and structural efficiency. In line with the increasingly growing demand for energy-efficient buildings throughout the world, insulated concrete SWP systems have been drawing more attention. These systems have been applied to various building structures, such as residential and office buildings, cold storages, and industrial buildings. They have been more commonly used for the exterior wall, but they have been used for the interior wall. There are various insulation materials, including fiberglass, rock wool, and polystyrene.
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