Compressive behaviour of double skin composite shear walls stiffened with steel-bars trusses

Abstract This research investigates the compressive behaviour of double skin composite (DSC) shear walls stiffened with steel-bars trusses. Eight specimens were fabricated and tested. The test focused on the parameters including, the welding spot spacing-to-thickness ratio (b/t) of the steel plate and plate slits. The reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls were also tested as comparative specimens. The experimental results indicate that the decrease in the welding spot spacing-to-thickness ratio or the steel plate with slits can improve the buckling capacity of the DSC shear wall. The maximum capacity of DSC shear wall stiffened with steel-bars trusses is larger than that of the RC shear wall. Meanwhile, the finite element model (FEM) is established and validated in comparison with the experimental results. The parameters, including the welding spot spacing-to-thickness ratio, shape factor (the horizontal spacing of welding spot-to-the vertical spacing ratio, namely b/a), initial geometric imperfection coefficient (β) and material strength, are analyzed. The buckling capacity and maximum capacity of the DSC shear wall are enhanced by decreasing the shape factor or the initial geometric imperfection coefficient or increasing the material strength. The formulas are put forward to calculate the buckling capacity and maximum capacity of DSC shear wall, whose results correspond well to the tested and simulated ones.