Static and dynamic analytical and experimental analysis of 3D reinforced concrete panels

Abstract

A three-dimensional panel system, which was offered as a new method for construction in Jordan using relatively high strength modular panels for walls and ceilings, is investigated in this paper. The panel consists of two steel meshes on both sides of an expanded polystyrene core and connected together with a truss wire to provide a 3D system. The top face of the ceiling panel was pored with regular concrete mix, while the bottom face and both faces of the wall panels were cast by shotcreting (dry process). To investigate the structural performance of this system, an extensive experimental testing program for ceiling and wall panels subjected to static and dynamic loadings was conducted. The load-deflection curves were obtained for beam and shear wall elements and wall elements under transverse and axial loads, respectively. Static and dynamic analyses were conducted, and the performance of the proposed structural system was evaluated and compared with a typical three dimensional reinforced concrete frame system for buildings of the same floor areas and number of floors. Compressive strength capacity of a ceiling panel is determined for gravity loads, while flexural capacity is determined under the effect of wind and seismic loading. It was found that the strength and serviceability requirements could be easily satisfied for buildings constructed using the three-dimensional panel system. The 3D panel system is superior to that of conventional frame system in its dynamic performance, due to its high stiffness to mass ratio.