An investigation of laser-welded corrugated-core sandwich beams and plates stiffened with concrete

Date
2000
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

This thesis focuses on the behavior of a corrugated-core sandwich panel with a concrete top layer under normal loads applied to the concrete face. This sandwich panel is composed of two steel face plates separated by a corrugated sheet welded to them at its crests and troughs. A concrete layer is placed on the top face of the sandwich panel, utilizing shear connectors to ensure composite action. The objective of this study is to examine the structural behavior of these composite panels. This thesis intends to provide design capabilities for applications in which this type of sandwich panel is well suited, e.g., emergency bridge repair, building floors, or fire walls. The panels are analyzed using both elementary beam theory (for narrow panels) and the classical theory of orthotropic plates. In order to complete the theory, the bending stiffnesses in the various directions are determined by structural analysis. To verify the theory, extensive experimental testing has been performed on the sandwich panels. It is found that compression of the core accounts for a majority of the deflection in the relatively thick specimens tested here. Measured deflections are compared with those obtained theoretically, and after corrections are made for core compression, they are in fair agreement.

Description
Degree
Master of Science
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Civil engineering, Mechanical engineering
Citation

McCullough, Shawn Rita. "An investigation of laser-welded corrugated-core sandwich beams and plates stiffened with concrete." (2000) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17358.

Has part(s)
Forms part of
Published Version
Rights
Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
Link to license
Citable link to this page