Experimental evaluation of a vertical heat bridge insulation system for the structural performance of multi-residential buildings

This research aims to evaluate the impact of thermal bridge solutions on the structural performance of wall connection components in multi-residential buildings. After incorporating an H-type reinforcing system that utilized stainless steel and a UHPC shear key, four experiments were conducted under static loading conditions, employing an I-shaped specimen with dimensions of 800 mm x 600 mm x 200 mm. Furthermore, to properly evaluate the damage state and crack propagation of a structure under shear load, the specimens with, and without SK and UHPC were developed and tested to determine fracture pattern and shear strength. The experimental results showed that specimens with the UHPC and shear key contributed 2.5 and 3.1 times improvements in maximum loading capabilities, respectively. Additionally, the experimental findings were validated by performing simulations using the LS-DYNA program. This numerical analysis provides an additional understanding of the mechanical response of the building components.