Shear strength of steel–concrete–steel composite panels. Part I—testing and numerical modelling

Bi-Steel™ is a system of double skin steel–concrete–steel construction. Units comprise of steel plates connected by an array of transverse friction welded shear connectors and filled with concrete. The experimental and numerical analysis of the shear strength of each friction weld subject to push out load is discussed in this paper. Finite element analysis using non-linear discrete element models has been used to examine the local behaviour of concrete filled panels. Results from finite element analysis have been compared with experimental data for accuracy and behaviour trends. Conclusions drawn indicate the presence of several possible failure modes in the shear connection.