Abstract
In a hybrid panel with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bottom skin and ribs, and deflection hardening cementitious composites (DHCC) top layer, it is very important to provide good shear connection between these various components in order to increase the load carrying capacity of the resulting hybrid slabs and a larger increment of deflection before the occurrence of the structural softening of this panel. The effectiveness of the proposed hybrid sandwich panels strongly depends on the performance of the shear connectors. The efficiency of indented shear connectors in improving the flexural performance of hybrid sandwich panels is here demonstrated. Since the efficiency of indented shear connectors in the hybrid sandwich panels is unknown, efforts are made in this paper in investigating the shear performance of hybrid slabs. A special focus is given on the indented shear connector’s behavior, considering different shear span ratios in ranges of 2.00, 1.39, and 0.77. In this regard, six hybrid sandwich panels were manufactured and experimentally tested under different shear loads. Then, the results are interpreted comprehensively. The results obtained show that the GFRP rib thickness and height, and shear span ratios influence the damage events and the structural performance of the hybrid sandwich panels. Moreover, it was observed that using indented shear connectors in the hybrid slabs, regardless of the shear span ratios, provides high load capacity, high stiffness, and large residual deflection.
Highlights
During the last decade, application of sandwich panels has increased in civil engineering applications, due to high strength to weight ratio, easy installation, and good acoustic and insulation properties [1]
The results indicated that the stiffness of the connection at glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) ribs/deflection hardening cementitious composites (DHCC) layer significantly affects the ultimate load and residual load capacity of hybrid slabs
In the present study, the main aim is to investigate the structural performance of hybrid slabs under shear loadings with special focus on the behavior of the shear connection provided by indented connectors materialized in the GFRP ribs
Summary
Application of sandwich panels has increased in civil engineering applications, due to high strength to weight ratio, easy installation, and good acoustic and insulation properties [1]. The behavior of this deck was experimentally and numerically assessed In this system the concrete top layer was connected to the steel perforated shear connectors, and shear stresses were transferred to the bottom GFRP skin. In the present study, the main aim is to investigate the structural performance of hybrid slabs under shear loadings with special focus on the behavior of the shear connection provided by indented connectors materialized in the GFRP ribs. In this context, six hybrid slabs with different lengths are investigated
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