LAUSR

Abstract Recently, gravity base offshore platforms consisting of novel steel-concrete-steel (SCS) sandwich ice-resistant walls with J-hook connectors have been developed for the Arctic oil & gas production. This paper made pioneer studies on compressive behaviours of SCS sandwich composite walls with J-hook connectors (SCSSWJ) at the Arctic low temperatures through a nine-specimen testing program. The low temperatures ranging from 20 to −80 °C, thickness of steel faceplate, spacing of connectors, and concrete strength were selected as key parameters in this experimental study. The test results revealed the failure modes and load versus shortening/strain behaviours of the SCSSWJ at low temperatures. These studied parameters were found to have significant influences on the compressive behaviours of this novel SCSSWJ. Including experimental studies, this paper also developed theoretical models to predict the ultimate compressive resistance of SCSSWJ at the low temperature environment. The validations of predictions against results of nine reported tests confirmed that the theoretical models were capable of provide reasonable but conservative estimations on the compressive resistance of such novel SCSSWJ.