The reliability of the connection between PSP wall panels and the steel frame requires a comprehensive consideration of the wall panel's inherent characteristics and the load-bearing characteristics of the steel structure. PSP wall panels are mostly composite materials, with a specific range of inherent stiffness and deformation resistance. However, the steel frame will experience some displacement under load. Therefore, the connection design must simultaneously provide stable fixation and a certain degree of deformation adaptability to avoid cracking or loosening of the wall panel due to mismatched loads between the two.
From the perspective of proper force transmission, bolted connections are a commonly used and reliable method. These connections typically utilize pre-installed connectors within the wall panel, which are then bolted to the purlins or columns of the steel frame. This allows for direct transmission of wind loads and deadweight from the wall panel to the steel structure. However, the bolt specifications must match the load-bearing requirements of the wall panel and the steel structure, and the bolt holes must be located away from weak areas within the wall panel to prevent localized stress concentration and damage to the wall panel structure.
Elastic connection joints offer advantages in addressing steel structure deformation and are particularly suitable for steel structures with large spans or those subject to thermal deformation. This type of joint incorporates elastic gaskets or rubber washers between the wall panel connector and the steel structure. When the steel structure experiences slight displacement due to temperature fluctuations or loads, the elastic components absorb some of the deformation, reducing rigid compression on the wall panel. Furthermore, the elastic connection reduces vibration transmission, improving the stability of the wall panel in vibrating environments. This effect is particularly evident in buildings located near major traffic arteries.
Embedded joints are suitable for applications requiring higher connection strength, such as PSPC wall panel connections on high-rise exterior walls. During construction, the connectors are pre-embedded during the steel frame fabrication phase. The wall panels are then secured to the embedded parts via welding or bolts during installation. This method creates an integrated load-bearing system between the connection point and the steel structure, significantly improving pullout and shear resistance. However, the positioning accuracy of the embedded parts must be carefully controlled. Excessive deviations in the pre-embedded parts can directly affect the smoothness and connection reliability of the wall panel after installation. Therefore, strict control of the embedded part positioning dimensions is crucial during steel fabrication.
Anti-corrosion treatment of the joints is also a key factor affecting reliability, especially in highly corrosive environments such as humid and coastal areas. Bolts, embedded components, and connectors must all be treated with hot-dip galvanizing and anti-corrosion coatings to prevent rust on metal parts, which can weaken the connection. Furthermore, gaps between the wall panels and the steel structure should be filled with weather-resistant sealant. This not only prevents moisture from penetrating and corroding the joints, but also further enhances the joint's sealing and integrity, minimizing the impact of the external environment on the connection.
The impact of installation process standards on joint reliability is also crucial. For example, when bolting, the tightening torque must be carefully controlled. Too loose a tightening torque can lead to loosening, while too tight a tightening torque can damage the wall panels or cause plastic deformation of the bolts. When welding, the weld height and length must meet design requirements to avoid defects such as cold welds and leaking welds. Furthermore, when installing the wall panels, appropriate expansion joints must be reserved to accommodate the joint's deformation capacity to prevent temperature fluctuations from causing excessive internal stress between the wall panels and the steel structure, which could damage the joint connection.
For different building scenarios, the choice of joint type must be flexibly adjusted based on actual needs. For example, in industrial plants, where high vibration loads are likely, elastic bolt-combined joints are preferred. For residential exterior walls, where aesthetics and sealing are more important, joints using embedded components and sealant are more suitable. Regardless of the joint type chosen, load calculations and on-site trial installation verification are required to ensure that it can stably withstand various loads throughout the building's lifecycle, while also adapting to normal deformation of the steel structure and ensuring the long-term reliability of the PSPC wall panel connection to the steel frame.
