Development of sandwich panels combining fibre reinforced concrete layers and fibre reinforced polymer connectors. Part II: Evaluation of mechanical behaviour

Abstract

a b s t r a c tIn the first part of this paper the authors describe an innovative sandwich panel that comprises Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) connectors and two thin layers of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC). This second part of the paper reports the investigation performed by the authors based on the numerical simulation of these sandwich panels. The simulations use the Finite Element Method (FEM) software implemented by the second author (FEMIX). Through linear static analyses and consideration of Ultimate Limit State loading scenarios, parametric studies were performed in order to optimise the arrangement of the GFRP connectors and the thickness of the SFRSCC layers. Moreover, models considering a specific nonlinear behaviour of SFRSCC were also constructed in order to simulate the progressive damage of the panel induced by cracking. In the scope of the nonlinear analyses, emphasis is given to parameter estimation of fracture modelling parameters for the fibre reinforced concrete based on both inverse analysis and the fib Model Code.

Development of sandwich panels combining fibre reinforced concrete layers and fibre reinforced polymer connectors. Part I: Conception and pull-out tests

“…8a). The thickness of the SFRSCC layer of 60 mm was determined from finite element numerical simulations (described in the companion paper [18]), and considering practical manufacturing restrictions indicated by the precasting company that is partner of the present research project. The distance between the connector and the bottom surface of the SFRSCC layer was kept constant and equal to 15 mm to enable the passage of SFRSCC in these regions during the casting process.…”

“…Then, an experimental program of pull-out tests is reported, with assessment of the feasibility and relative effectiveness of the suggested connections between GFRP and SFRSCC. For a better understanding of the structural behaviour of the panels, the companion paper [18] centres efforts for assessing the best solutions for the geometry of the panel and arrangement of GFRP connectors, through parametric analyses. The parametric studies include both linear and nonlinear numerical analyses of the panel subjected to the combined action of axial loadings and wind pressure.…”

Pull-out behaviour of Glass-Fibre Reinforced Polymer perforated plate connectors embedded in concrete. Part I: Experimental program

“…In the technology of precast concrete sandwich panels, composite action between the two outer concrete layers is most usually provided by shear connectors [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. In a previous work the authors of the present paper proposed an innovative solution for precast sandwich panels comprising outer layers made with Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC) and connectors of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) [9,10]. These panels consist on two outer concrete layers, a thermal insulation material in the core, and GFRP connectors that are used to tie the SFRSCC layers together and keep the panel intact during the stripping, transporting, erecting and under service conditions (Figure 1).…”

“…These panels consist on two outer concrete layers, a thermal insulation material in the core, and GFRP connectors that are used to tie the SFRSCC layers together and keep the panel intact during the stripping, transporting, erecting and under service conditions (Figure 1). Based on the results of numerical analyses of panels under ultimate limit state, Lameiras et al [10] suggested that, for housing façade panels, the SFRSCC layers could be as thin as 30 mm.…”

Pull-out behaviour of glass-fibre reinforced polymer perforated plate connectors embedded in concrete. Part II: Prediction of load carrying capacity

“…In the recent past, the authors proposed the use of an innovative type of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) connector for concrete structural sandwich panels [1,2], hereinafter referred to PERFOFRP. It consists of perforated GFRP plates, as shown in Figure 1Figure 1, that materialize the connection by means of mechanical interlock between the GFRP plate and the concrete dowels originated from the embedment of the connector into the concrete layers.…”