Shear resistance and deflection prediction of steel–concrete–steel sandwich panel with headed stud connectors

Abstract

Bending tests were conducted on eight specimens to investigate the mechanical behavior of steel–concrete-steel (SCS) sandwich panels with headed studs, taking into account the effects including loading mode, steel plate thickness, concrete core thickness and connectors spacing, and one sandwich panel was used as a control specimen. The failure characteristics and crack patterns of the specimens were recorded and the vertical displacement in the span was measured. The test results were used for the validation of the finite element model (FEM). Further parametric studies of the FEM yielded the effect of steel plates on the load-bearing capacity of the sandwich structure. Analytical models applicable to the initial stiffness and shear resistance of specimens with headed studs were proposed. The shear strength considered the effect of steel plate and pin action. The deflection calculation models of the sandwich panel were obtained based on the energy method and were in good agreement with the load–displacement response curves obtained by FEM results. The research results of this paper will have an impact on the large deformation and ultimate strength prediction of sandwich protective panels.