Experimental Study on the Flexural Behavior of Insulated Concrete Sandwich Panels with Wires As Shear Connectors

Composite structural elements can serve dual purposes of transferring the load and insulating the buildings. This paper presents and discusses the results of experimental study carried out to understand the flexural behavior of prototype precast insulated concrete sandwich panels using truss-shaped continuous shear connectors. Experimental study consisted of four prototype concrete sandwich panels tested under four-point bending simulating one-way slab action. Panel thickness and size of wire mesh used as reinforcement in concrete wythes are the major parameters considered. Test results indicate that the truss-shaped shear connectors are effective to achieve composite action of the panels until failure. Test results also indicate that the panel thickness affects the flexural load carrying capacity, and size of wire mesh affects the ductility. Experimental and analytical studies are required in this area towards developing guidelines for design of concrete sandwich panels for field applications.