Design of Wythe Connectors for Concentrated Out-of-Plane Loading of Insulated Walls

Authors

Ammar Al-Maabreh, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Fray F. Pozo, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Marc Maguire, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 2023

Citation

Al-Maabreh, A., Pozo-Lora, F. F., Maguire, M. (2023) "DESIGN OF WYTHE CONNECTORS FOR CONCENTRATED OUT-OF-PLANE LOADING OF INSULATED WALLS" PCI/NBC 2023, Columbus, OH.

Abstract

Partially composite concrete insulated wall panels must be designed to handle different types of loading, including out-of-plane concentrated loads. Currently, there is a lack of information that describes and helps engineers analyze the mechanics of axial load transfer for insulated wall panels for concentrated out-of-plane loads that may occur from lifting, handling, or floor/roof reactions. Such loading generates axial and shear forces in the wythe connectors, making it important to choose the type and quantity of connectors in the design process. This paper aims to develop a better understanding of out-of-plane point load mechanics on concrete sandwich wall panels. A parametric study is carried out by considering several factors, including the geometry of the composite insulated wall panel, distribution of the shear connectors, the total interlayer stiffness of the wythe connectors, concrete compressive strength, and boundary conditions. Moreover, a design equation is developed to predict the wall's effective width for this load action. This work will help to simplify the design of insulated walls by providing a general analysis technique to determine the required number and location of the shear connectors.