Seismic Performance of Panel Connectors with Steel Frame Based on Autoclaved Lightweight Concrete (ALC)

This paper proposes new prefabricated autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC) connectors which allow limited sliding. The seismic performance of the proposed connectors and a traditional connector (L-hooked bolt) were investigated in depth. Three specimens of full-scale steel frames with ALC panel and connectors were subjected to horizontal low-cyclic loading. The failure modes, hysteretic behavior, strength and deterioration of stiffness and energy-dissipating performance of all specimens were analyzed and discussed. The experimental results indicated that the frames of the new connectors were more reliable than the traditional connector. The energy-dissipating capacity of the specimen frames with new connectors increased by 23.0% and 24.4%, and deterioration of stiffness increased by 10.6% and 13.0%. The new ALC panel connectors not only increased elastic stiffness in the early stage, but also provided some stiffness in the elastoplastic and plastic stages. Using relevant construction measures, the frames with new connectors displayed good cooperative behavior and safety reliability. To summarize, the new ALC connectors tested showed excellent performance in resisting seismic loading and had good assembly efficiency and could provide a basis for the development and application of a new type of ALC steel frame connector.