Mechanical performance and design method of two-side-connected SPSW reinforced on free edges

Abstract

In this study, a two-side-connected steel plate shear wall (SPSW) reinforced by cold-formed steel (CFS) strips on free edges is proposed. This structure has several advantages, including the ability to avoid additional bending moments on the frame column, convenient layout, and lightweight structure with good assembly effects. To understand the mechanical performance of the novel structure, horizontal reciprocating tests were conducted on two specimens; one was a two-side-connected SPSW reinforced on free edges without a frame and the other with a concrete-filled steel tube frame. The results showed that the two-side-connected SPSW reinforced on free edges still possessed good bearing and energy dissipation capacities. Finite element (FE) models were established, and the numerical analysis results were compared with the test results. Based on the verified FE model, a parametric analysis was performed, leading to the derivation of formulas for calculating the minimum stiffness ratio and buckling bearing capacity. Additionally, formulas for the yield bearing capacity and ultimate bearing capacity were derived based on the calculation formula for the buckling bearing capacity. To improve the design efficiency, a simplified truss model (STM) was proposed. The stress–strain relationship of the equivalent truss was established based on the aforementioned bearing capacity calculation formulas. The STM calculation results were compared with the test results, indicating a high level of accuracy and significantly improved calculation efficiency.