Performance of connected precast lightweight sandwich foamed concrete panel under flexural load

Abstract

This paper investigates the structural behaviour of two connected Sandwiched Precast Lightweight Foamed Concrete Panel (PLFP) in term of their load bearing capacities and failure modes. Three (3) connected PLFP panels were cast using foamed concrete as the wythe and polystyrene as the core layer. Each connected panel were cast from two single panels connected using L-bar connection. The panels were strengthened with steel bar reinforcement embedded in both wythes which were connected to each other by the steel shear truss connectors. The connected PLFP panels were tested under flexural load. A single PLFP panel was cast as a control panel and tested under axial load. The results were analysed in term of the panel’s ultimate load, crack pattern and mode of failure. Results showed that the two connected PLFP panels were able to sustain slightly lower ultimate load compared to single PLFP panel. Crack at 45 degree angle at top half of panel and small crack at surface between joint of the connection were observed.