Experimental investigation of composite shear panels under cyclic loading

The paper reports the experimental investigation of composite shear panels, composed of steel columns incorporated in concrete panels by means of headed shear studs, under reversible cyclic loading. Results are presented for push-out tests on small specimens and for whole panels. The response of two composite panels is compared to that of a conventional reinforced concrete panel of similar design parameters, serving as control. The results indicate that while ductility of the composite panel with unmodified connection is somewhat lower than that of the control panel, damage to the panel is substantially reduced. Composite panel with voids at studs’ roots displays enhanced ductility and energy absorption capacity. Other means of enhancing these parameters are discussed. An approximate, simplified analytical model based on push-out tests, yields a good qualitative prediction of panel response with conservative values of capacity, ductility and energy absorption.