Lateral performance of CRCS connections with tube plate

This paper presents experimental and analytical studies to evaluate the cyclic behaviour of Circular Reinforced Concrete column Steel beam (CRCS) connections. Two 3/4-scale CRCS specimens are tested under quasi-static reversed cyclic loading. Specimens were strengthened with a tube plate (TP) and a steel doubler plate (SDP). Furthermore; nine interior beam-through type RCS connections are simulated using nonlinear three-dimensional finite element method using ABAQUS software and are verified with experimental results. The results revealed that using the TP improves the performance of the panel zone by providing better confinement to the concrete. Utilizing the TP at the panel zone may absorb and distribute stress in this region. Results demonstrate that TP can be used instead of SDP. Test records indicate that specimens with TP, with and without SDP maintained their maximum strength up to 4% drift angle, satisfying the recommendation given by AISC341-2016 for composite special moment-resisting frames.