Experimental Study of Composite Steel Plate Shear Wall with Flush End-Plate Connection

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the structural performance of steel plate shear wall (SPSW) with flush end-plate beam–column connections and infill precast reinforced concrete (precast RC) panels. Two single-span two-story SPSW specimens, including unstiffened SPSW (NBRP) and precast RC panel restrained SPSW (Con-BRP), are first tested, followed with a parametric study by finite element method. Precast RC cover panels are installed on both sides of the infill steel plate and are disconnected from steel frame. Test results indicate that the use of precast RC cover panels increases the load carrying and energy dissipation capacities of the SPSW structure, but decreases its ductility. It is also effective in reducing the inward flexural deformation of columns. Moreover, the stiffening effect of the infill steel plate on the beam–column connections remains, which is a result of the precast RC cover panel’s resistance to the local buckling and the tears of the infill steel plates. The influence of the gap size between the precast RC cover plate and frame members on the failure mode of the specimen Con-BRP is also investigated, based on which a maximum gap size is recommended. Conclusions are drawn that SPSW structure with flush end-plate beam–column connections and precast RC cover panels fully exploits the strength of infill steel plates and exhibits excellent structural performance.