Development of sandwich panels for multi-functional strengthening of RC buildings: Characterization of constituent materials and shear interaction of panel assemblies

Abstract This paper presents an experimental and numerical study aiming at the development of a sustainable multifunctional composite sandwich panel for rehabilitation reinforced concrete (RC) buildings from 1960s to mid-1980s. The panel, which was designed structural, thermal acoustic refurbishment building facades, comprises three main components: (i) thin outer layers Recycled Steel Fibre Reinforced micro–Concrete (RSFRC) that fulfil strength, ductility durability requirements panel; (ii) lightweight core made polystyrene provides insulation; (iii) internally distributed glass fibre polymer (GFRP) connectors join different providing adequate structural behaviour system. mechanical characterization tests highlighted viability using RSFRC production facade panels, as relatively high post-cracking tensile capacity obtained layers. Pushout pullout were carried out on intermediate-scale specimens representative solution assessing overall panels analysing influence type insulation layer (expanded/extruded cores, with surface finishing), anchoring conditions (25 35 mm embedment depth) diameter GFRP (8 12 mm). These showed diameters 8 12 mm are able ensure shear load transfer between layers, exhibiting better when combined anchorage depths 25 35 mm, respectively. part this aimed modelling failure mechanisms observed interface polystyrene, showing good agreement results, important conclusions being drawn regarding cohesion friction angle these materials.