Xue, W.C.

Tests of new type of precast sandwich panel with FRP connectors

Abstract eng:
Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels (PCSP) are constructed with internal and external concrete wythes, insulating layers and connectors (usually metal or Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) connectors), etc. among which the connector is the key component. FRP connector shows much better thermal efficiency than metal connector. In 2007, our team developed a new type of FRP rod connector. A series of tests were carried out to investigate physico-mechanical properties of the connector, including pull-out tests, shear tests and accelerated aging tests of the connector, as well as out-of-plane monotonic loading tests and in fire-resistant tests of PCSPs with the connectors. Test results revealed that pull-out specimens of FRP connector failed by spalling of concrete. Double shear specimens failed due to longitudinal shear of connectors followed by a secondary transverse shear failure. A life-span of 100 years of the connector can be reached according to its degradation characteristics in alkaline environment. PCSPs under out-of-plane monotonic loading tests failed in bending and behaved in a ductile manner with a ductility coefficient larger than 6.0. All the tests demonstrated that the FRP rod connectors had good mechanical properties, durability and fire-resistance. It should be mentioned that the PCSPs with the new type of FRP rod connectors have been used in dozens of buildings in China.

Contributors:

Li, Z.J.

Publisher:

Taylor and Francis Group, London, UK

Conference Title:

Insights and Innovations in Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation

Conference Title:

Sixth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation

Conference Venue:

Cape Town, South Africa

Conference Dates:

2016-09-05 / 2016-09-07