Experimental study on two types of newbeam-to-column connections

The new structure consisting of continuous compound spiral hoop reinforced concrete (CCSHRC)column and steel concrete composite (SCC) beam has both the advantages of steel structures and concrete structures. Two types of beam-to-column connections applied in this structural system are presented in this paper. The connection details are as follows: the main bars in beam concrete pass through the core zone for both types of connections. For connecting bar connection, the steel I-beam webs are connected by bolts to a steel plate passing through the joint while the top and bottom flanges of the beams are connected by four straight and two X-shaped bars. For bolted end-plate connection, the steel I-beam webs are connected by stiffenedextended end-plates and eight long shank bolts passing through the core zone. In order to study the seismic behaviour and failure mechanisms of the connections, quasi-static tests were conducted on both types of full-scale connection subassemblies and core zone specimens. The load-drift hysteresis loops show a plateau for the connecting bar connection while they are excellent plump for bolted end-plate connection. The shear capacity formulas of both types of connections are presented and the values calculated by the formula agree well with the test results.