Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Novel I-Shaped GFRP Connectors for Insulated Precast Concrete Sandwich Wall Panels

Abstract

Insulated precast concrete sandwich wall panels (IPCSWPs) are widely used in the thermal resistance systems of buildings. This paper proposes a novel I-shaped glass fiber-reinforced plastic connector for IPCSWPs. The connector is anchored in the concrete panels with steel rebar passing through reserved holes at the ends of the connector. Featuring large stiffness, bearing capacity, and low thermal conductivity, this type of connector is expected to benefit passive houses with thick insulation layers. Quasi-static in-plane shear tests were conducted to assess the performance of the connector. The relationship between failure modes, load-bearing capacity, and key parameters, such as insulation thickness and shear directions of the connector, were investigated through testing of 16 individual specimens. In addition, finite element analysis of the specimens was established using ABAQUS to simulate the tests. The results of finite element analysis were predominantly consistent with the results of the experiments. Parametric studies are conducted to supplement the tests. To enable the engineering applications of the connector, a series of formulas for the estimation of stiffness and bearing capacity of the connector were derived through theoretical analysis of testing and finite element analysis results.