FLEXURAL ANALYSIS OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE SANDWICH PANELS WITH TRUSS CONNECTORS

A closed form elastic continuum approach was modified to account for discrete truss connectors to estimate service load deflections and bending stresses of non-loadbearing semi-composite sandwich panels. Predictions of maximum deflections and bending stresses were compared to finite element results and experimental data. Close agreement was found between the two analytical approaches, and both methods produced conservative predictions as compared to experimental data. Sensitivity analyses indicate the presence of unidentified additional shear transfer mechanisms in actual panels that are not fully represented in the elastic models. However, the theory holds promise for design and for understanding the behavior of semi-composite sandwich panels.