Investigation on Structural Behavior of Metallic Foam Sandwich Panels as Steel Plate Shear Wall

Steel Plate Shear Wall (SPSW) system consists of steel infill plates connected to the boundary elements. It possesses excellent initial stiffness, high ductility, redundancy, stable hysteresis loops, and energy absorption capacity. These properties enable steel plate shear walls to be preferred choice for the lateral load-resisting system to resist high wind and seismic forces. Metallic foam sandwich panels (MFSPs) consist of thin metal facing sheets attached to a lightweight core which would exhibit high stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption capacity which could be used in place of conventional steel infill plates. This paper examines the structural performance and development of MFSP-SPSWs, focusing on recent global research. Experimental and numerical studies confirm their effectiveness in resisting lateral loads, with validated analytical models showing strong predictive capabilities under varied geometric and material conditions. It also highlights the role of MFSPs in improving seismic performance. Studies on cyclic loading reveal the significance of design parameters such as plate aspect ratio, column flexibility parameter, and axial loads in influencing energy dissipation and deformation capacity. Moreover, investigations on metallic foams show potential for structural use, offering high strength-to-weight ratios and favorable cyclic hardening properties, through full-scale applications remain limited. The integration of MFSPs in SPSWs is shown to enhance structural efficiency, weight reduction, and resilience in both seismic and non-seismic contexts. MFSP- SPSWs present a promising solution for next-generation lateral load resisting systems, with continued research needed to refine design practices and expand practical implementation.