Experimental investigations on the lateral performance of foam concrete light steel keel composite wall

The lateral mechanical performance of foam concrete-light steel keel (FCLS) composite walls was investigated through monotonic loading and low cyclic loading tests conducted on eight FCLS composite walls. The effects of the loading method, foamed concrete, steel keel column, self-tapping screw spacing, and keel column spacing on the lateral performance of composite walls were investigated. A four-line restoring force model for foam concrete light steel keel composite walls is established, taking into account the stiffness degradation coefficient and pinch effect. The test results indicate that the composite wall's failure is attributed to the shear failure of threaded screws at channel steel joints, which results in a weakened strength of the steel keel connection, ultimately causing the failure of the shear force. Furthermore, incorporating foamed concrete, truss keel columns, and decreasing the spacing of self-tapping bolts are effective methods to enhance the lateral bearing capacity of FCLS composite walls. The widening gap between the keel columns can lessen the wall's side resistance. It is advisable to consider the core material's filling effect during the design phase to optimize the composite wall's ability to bear lateral loads.