Abstract
In this study, a new type of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) composite wall panel, composed of the UHPC body and expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation arranged within a grid pattern in the middle, is proposed. Six UHPC wall panel specimens with varying diameter and volume ratio of embedded EPS bars, and setting or not of reinforcement layer were prepared and tested to investigate the flexural behaviour of the new UHPC composite wall panels. The test results revealed that this new composite wall panel has superior anti-cracking and flexural performances. All specimens exhibited a single or a few main localized cracks, accompanied by multiple closely-spaced microcracks. The ultimate flexural capacity of composite wall panels without reinforcements was enhanced by the increase of the diameter and volume ratio of EPS bars to some degree, and the deformation ability of which was significantly improved by the introduction of EPS bars. The diameter and volume ratio of EPS bars was independent on the initial flexural stiffness of composite wall panel yet. Besides, there were abundant load fluctuations in the nonlinear hardening stage of load-deflection curves for specimens without reinforcements, owing to the appearance of multiple internal force redistributions caused by EPS bars. Finally, the calculation method of peak bending moment for the composite wall panel was proposed considering the contribution of EPS bars.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
