Developments of double skin composite walls using novel enhanced C-channel connectors

Abstract

The developments of double skin composite (DSC) walls with novel enhanced C-channel connectors (DSCW-EC) were reported. Followed axial compression tests on prototype walls were carried to evaluate structural performances of this novel DSC composite structures. The testing program consists of five specimens and focused on the layout of the novel enhanced C-channel (EC) connectors, which include the web direction of C-channels, steel-faceplate thickness, vertical and horizontal spacing of Cchannels. Crushing in concrete core and buckling of steel faceplate were two main observed failed modes from the compression tests. However, elastic or plastic buckling of the steel faceplate varies with designed parameters in different specimens. The influences of those investigated parameters on axial compressive behaviors of DSCW-ECs were analyzed and discussed. Recommendations on the layout of novel EC connectors were then given based on these test results and discussions. This paper also developed analytical models for predictions on ultimate compressive resistance of DSCW-ECs. Validation against the reported test results show that the developed theoretical models predict well the ultimate compressive resistance of DSCW-ECs.