Axial compression behaviour of all-composite modular wall system

Abstract The structural behaviour of modular wall systems made from pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymer profile and composite sheathings was evaluated experimentally and numerically. Full-scale wall panels were tested under axial compression to investigate critical design parameters including presence of wall sheathing, connections between sheathing and frame, width of the panel, and frame configurations. The results showed that the failure of the wall panels, where top and bottom plates are extended throughout the width, is governed by the lateral deformation of the plate due to their low transverse strength and stiffness. Finite element (FE) results of the composite wall systems with extended studs showed that they are ten times stiffer and stronger than the walls with extended plates. This study demonstrated the high potential of fibre composite materials for the modular wall systems.