New analytical frameworks for bolted splice connections in concrete-filled composite plate shear walls appear in the Journal of Structural Engineering. This research was published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, or ASCE. These wall systems, referred to as SpeedCore, use a mix of concrete and steel plates to shorten project schedules by eliminating traditional reinforcement or formwork requirements. While bolted splices offer significant efficiency over complete joint penetration field welds, their performance under seismic loads has historically presented design challenges.
The study offers calculation methods for determining how these connections rotate and their total capacity for bending. The study, titled “Behavior and Design of Bolted Splice Connections for C-PSW/CF Walls,” analyzes previous large-scale testing to create 3D models and component-based evaluations. Authors updated a rotation method focused on the center point. This provides engineers with improved techniques to measure shear force for non-standard fasteners like threaded rods and blind bolts.
Accurately modeling the interaction between the concrete infill and the steel fasteners is essential for high-rise structural integrity. The findings enable engineers to better understand how connection flexibility impacts the lateral stiffness of the entire building system. By incorporating these validated empirical models, professionals can establish more reliable safety parameters when planning high-rise construction.
The researchers emphasize that defining the moment-rotation relationships for these connections is a necessary step for industry-wide adoption of faster assembly techniques. For insurers and structural engineers, these developments represent a move toward more predictable seismic performance in tall structures utilizing composite shear walls. The study offers specific design recommendations intended to limit stiffness reductions, ensuring that the speed advantages of SpeedCore do not compromise long-term stability.
Image is an illustration created with AI for general context
