Abstract
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In conventional steel-concrete-steel (SCS) construction, the external steel
plates are connected to the concrete infill by welded shear connectors. This paper
describes an experimental programme in which the response of axially restrained noncomposite
(without shear connectors) SCS protective panels subject to impulsive
loading was studied. A comprehensive parametric study was carried out to investigate
the effects of different types of infill materials, amount of impact energy, and the bond
between the concrete core and steel faceplates, on the performance of the protective
panels. The experimental results showed that the panels developed high load-carrying
capacity through the tensile membrane resistance of the steel faceplates at large
deformation. The panels demonstrated a highly ductile response and were able to
sustain large deformation up to 18 degrees end rotation without collapse. The high
strength and high ductility characteristics of these SCS panels make them an
economical alternative to the existing protective barrier structures.