Performances of precast concrete composite double wall systems with discontinuous steel members as shear connector

This study conducted an experiment and numerical analysis to investigate structural performances of precast concrete-steel composite double walls (PSDWs) with discontinuous steel connectors (DSCs) subjected to out-of-plane loading, where those DSCs are uniquely adopted for better stability in erection, safe installation, better formwork to resist lateral pressure induced by fresh cast-in-place (CIP) concrete, and subsequent improved composite action, not for strength design purpose. Total six specimens were fabricated for shear and flexural testing, where the connection details between two precast concrete (PC) wall panels to secure composite performances with CIP concrete were set as a key testing variable. The flexural and shear behaviors and crack patterns of the test specimens were compared and analyzed in detail, and the behavioral characteristics of PSDWs were identified through nonlinear sectional analysis and detailed finite element analysis. The test and analysis results all showed that the DSCs can provide significant improvement in the flexural performance of PSDWs; however, it is recommended not to reflect their contribution for conservative design. In addition, it appeared that the shear behavior of PSDWs can also be significantly enhanced by DSCs, but shear resistance of DSCs is not fully reliable unless the DSC members are continuously placed in the longitudinal direction.