Seismic performance and load-bearing behavior of light and small sandwich prefabricated composite walls: Experimental investigation and numerical simulation

To investigate the seismic performance of light and small sandwich prefabricated composite walls, quasi-static tests were conducted on three specimens with varying concrete-facing thicknesses. The results indicated that all specimens exhibited a bending-shear failure mode, with failure loads of 57.37 kN, 60.99 kN, and 61.96 kN, and maximum horizontal displacements of 21.00 mm, 22.02 mm, and 23.90 mm, respectively —all meeting seismic design requirements. As the concrete thickness increased, the specimens demonstrated enhanced deformability, bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity. The load was primarily resisted by the vertical rebar on both sides and the concrete at the wall foot. Furthermore, based on finite element orthogonal parametric analysis, the primary factors controlling flexural and shear capacity were identified, leading to the development of a modified formula for shear capacity. By comparing it to the CEB-FIP 2010 and ACI 318–19 design codes, it was confirmed that the modified formula yields conservative and safe predictions. • Three light and small sandwich prefabricated composite walls with varying concrete face thicknesses were designed and fabricated, and quasi-static testing was conducted to analyze their seismic performance. • The test analyzed wall damage, hysteresis, stiffness degradation, rebar and concrete strain, and residual displacement to assess performance. • A parametric study identified key factors affecting wall behavior and led to corrected formulas for shear capacity prediction.