Parametric studies of behaviour of composite beam-column flush end plate connections subjected to low probability, high consequence loading

Abstract

In Australia, the design for both reinforced concrete and steel structures caters well for gravity, wind and seismic loading. The seismic loading only make available for 500 year return period. Currently, many discussions about structures should be design for low-probability, high-consequence event such as 2500 year return period. This paper reports the results of experimental studies of the structural performance of composite beam-column flush end plate connection under various loading. Experiments consisting in the application for both static and cyclic load to composite steel and concrete slab, focusing on the effect of end plate connection, the effect of headed stud shear connectors and the influence of loading hysteresis. The experimental results are compared with the three dimensional finite element model using ABAQUS followed by a series of parametric studies. The analyses showed that the specimens with static loading offer sufficient strength and ductility without prominent damage compared with the specimens subjected to seismic loading