Seismic performance evaluation of the GFRP-PB tubular connector–lightweight aggregate sandwich wall panel structural system

The connector is a critical component in prefabricated lightweight sandwich wall systems, directly influencing seismic performance and structural durability. This study presents a novel Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics-Parallel Bars (GFRP-PB) tubular connector, and investigates its seismic behavior within a composite structural system comprising a steel frame and external lightweight aggregate concrete sandwich wall panel. The seismic response was evaluated through quasi-static cyclic tests and finite element simulations. Key parameters, including panel composition, and node configuration, were analyzed to assess the influence on seismic behavior. Finite element simulations further examined the effects of varying the thicknesses of inner and outer wythes and insulation layer on seismic performance. The novel GFRP-PB tubular connector can work synergistically with lightweight aggregate concrete sandwich panels and steel frames. Compared to a pure steel frame, the new lightweight aggregate concrete sandwich panels enhance the initial stiffness of the structural system by 216.3 %. The addition of sliding nodes led to larger, fuller hysteresis loops and improved energy dissipation, while the ultimate load capacity was elevated by 35.5 %. A moderate increase in leaf plate thickness contributed to further stiffness enhancement and seismic resilience. These findings offer technical support for performance-based seismic design and facilitate the adoption of GFRP-PB connector-integrated lightweight aggregate sandwich wall systems in modular construction. • LWAC sandwich panels significantly enhance stiffness and seismic performance. • GFRP-PB connectors increase initial stiffness by 295.6 % and strength by 53.6 %. • Sliding node design boosts energy dissipation and delays crack propagation. • GFRP-PB and LWAC act synergistically to improve shear transfer efficiency.