Seismic Behavior of Shear Connectors of Steel Vierendeel Sandwich Plate

Abstract

As a new type of floor structure, steel vierendeel sandwich plates are widely applied in large-span buildings with multiple storeys. Shear connectors are important stressed members of such plates. To evaluate the seismic performance of the shear connectors, a full-scale test piece in two different connection forms, namely, A and B, is designed and tested under alternating load. Test analysis of the two connection specimens covers the failure modes, hysteresis curves, and main parameters (e.g., bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation coefficient). The following results concerning type A connection are obtained: First, it exhibits good ductility and long yielding platform; second, elastoplasticity of steel is fully exerted with it; third, it absorbs and dissipates energy well with strong energy consumption; and fourth, when failure occurs, cracks usually happen in the heat-affected zone of the weld in the core zone. The following conclusions about type B are drawn: first, it has large bearing capacity with high stiffness; also, when failure occurs, the ribbed stiffeners crack and flexion deformity happen.