Shear and ductility assessment of a prefabricated thermal break system for internally insulated buildings

Abstract

Prefabricated thermal break systems (PTBSs) for external reinforced concrete (RC) joints have been demonstrated to improve the thermal performance of internally insulated buildings. Despite the heat-loss protection, critical discussion remains on the potential of PTBSs to transfer shear and bending forces between RC members to achieve the ductility and strength required for safe seismic design. This study experimentally investigates the hysteretic response of three large-scale wall-slab joints constructed with a proposed PTBS called SLABE-Z8, with particular attention to the shear and energy dissipation capacities. The tested specimens showed sufficient strength, ductility, and ability to dissipate energy in the post-yielding zone, highlighting the potential of SLABE-Z8 in resolving shear strength and design provision issues of insulated joints in earthquake-prone areas.