Design, simulation and test on the shape optimization of a steel shear key (SSK)

•A steel shear key (SSK) is proposed for connecting precast shear walls.•The SSK is featured with optimized boundary shape and plug weld connection.•An optimization algorithm is developed to improve the computational efficiency.•Quasi-static cyclic tests were conducted to verify the performance of S...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation 2020-02, Vol.151, p.107127, Article 107127
Main Authors: Shen, Shao-Dong, Pan, Peng, Ye, Bin-Bin, Ren, Jun-Yu, Gong, Run-Hua
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Buckling
Cyclic testing
Design
Ductility
Energy dissipation
Fillet welding
Prefabrication
Quasi-static cyclic test
RC precast shear wall
Reinforced concrete
Reinforcing steels
Shape optimization
Shear strength
Shear walls
Simulated annealing
Simulation
Steel shear key
Stiffness
Weld connection
Welded joints
Welding
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Summary:•A steel shear key (SSK) is proposed for connecting precast shear walls.•The SSK is featured with optimized boundary shape and plug weld connection.•An optimization algorithm is developed to improve the computational efficiency.•Quasi-static cyclic tests were conducted to verify the performance of SSKs. Prefabricated reinforced concrete shear walls are widely used because of their stiffness, strength and convenient form of construction, despite their low ductility and energy dissipation capacity. For ease of transport, large shear walls are commonly divided into smaller sections and assembled on site. Steel shear keys (SSKs) can replace wet joints connecting the wall sections while increasing the ductility and energy dissipation of shear wall systems. Here, we present an improved SSK design and a practical installation method for connecting shear walls. The SSK shape is optimized through an Improved Simulated Annealing method to enhance the cycle fatigue performance. Fillet welding and plug welding are combined to save the installation space and delay the out-of-plane buckling. Quasi-static cyclic tests were performed to investigate the SSKs with the welded connection, which exhibited satisfactory energy dissipation capacity. The combined welding method provided a strong SSK–wall connection while significantly delaying out-of-plane buckling.
ISSN:0263-2241
1873-412X
DOI:10.1016/j.measurement.2019.107127