Experimental and numerical investigation of a novel PBL connection between the RC frame and corrugated steel plate shear wall

The implementation of corrugated steel plate shear walls (CSPSWs) in reinforced concrete frames (RCFs) requires complex connection details. In this study, a novel connection using a perfobond leiste (PBL) was proposed to provide more reliable CSPSW-RC connections. A series of static shear tests was first conducted to investigate the mechanical properties and failure modes of the proposed PBL connection. A finite element (FE) model was then constructed and verified using the results of the static test to better understand the seismic performance of the proposed connection. Empirical equations for the ultimate and yield capacities of the connection were then derived based on the test and FE analysis results. Finally, a monotonic pushover FE analysis was conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of the connected CSPSW-RCF structure according to CSPSW thickness. The results of the analysis show that when the lateral capacity of the CSPSW was less than the yield capacity of the proposed PBL connection, the connection basically remained in the elastic state and the CSPSW was able to reach full-section yield, indicating that the proposed connection was effective.