prediction of shear strength in scs panels with one-end welded bp shear connector using numerical modeling and gene expression programming (gep)

Steel-concrete-steel (scs) sandwich structures, comprising steel faceplates and a concrete core, are valued for their strength and durability. among various shear connectors, one-end welded box-profile (bp) connectors have shown strong potential in resisting interfacial shear forces. however, no precise formula exists to estimate their shear strength, especially considering the overlap ratio. this study addresses this gap by developing a predictive model for the shear strength of these connectors. using the taguchi experimental design, 18 numerical models were created, varying connector width, thickness, concrete core strength, and overlap ratio. finite element simulations, validated against experimental push-out tests, analyzed load-slip behavior and failure modes. a gene expression programming (gep) algorithm was applied to derive an equation linking shear strength to geometric and material properties.the resulting equation demonstrated high accuracy, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.919 and lower error metrics compared to existing methods. by incorporating overlap ratio effects, this model provides engineers with a more precise tool for designing safer and more efficient scs systems. the findings enhance the understanding of bp connector mechanics and offer a cost-effective approach for optimizing scs structures in various structural applications.