Response of pre-cast reinforced composite sandwich panels to axial loading

This paper summarises the results of an experimental and numerical study of precast reinforced composite sandwich panels. Full-scale tests were carried out to determine their axial strength capacity. Load–deformation response, strains variation across the insulation layer, strains in shear connectors, crack appearance and propagation under increasing load were recorded and analysed. A brief review of previous research works undertaken on the load bearing capacity of reinforced concrete solid walls is presented. Test results and finite element analysis (FEA) results were compared with calculated values based on current ACI design practice and other available design formulations developed for solid walls to determine if these empirical formulae are also applicable for sandwich panels. A semi-empirical formula was proposed to better fit the experimental and the FEA results.