Finite element analysis of steel-concrete-steel sandwich beams with novel interlocked angle connectors subjected to impact loading

The steel–concrete–steel (SCS) sandwich structures are increasingly adopted to improve the impact resistance of the buildings or infrastructures owing to their good structural performances. Recently, the SCS sandwich beams with interlocked angle connectors (SCSSB-IACs) have been developed, and their performances under impact loading have been experimentally studied. This paper presents detailed numerical analyses of the SCSSB-IACs subjected to impact loading and reveals its response mechanisms. The Finite Element (FE) models of the SCSSB-IACs were established using LS-DYNA, and the FE predictions showed a good agreement with the impact test data. The impact process as well as distribution and evolution of bending moment and shear force, stress and strain were discussed. Furthermore, the internal energy histories of the SCSSB-IACs were revealed by FE analyses. Numerical results indicated that the majority of impact energy was absorbed by the concrete and bottom faceplate, and the deformation of the SCSSB-IACs was dominated by a flexural manner. Finally, parametric studies were performed to reveal the effects of impact momentum, energy and location on the response of the SCSSB-IACs.