Seismic behavior of composite RCS frame systems

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into; the seismic performance of a composite moment resisting frame system that consists of reinforced concrete columns (with an embedded steel shape for erection purposes) and composite steel beam-reinforced concrete slab sections. Quasi-static reversed cyclic loading was performed on six two-thirds-scale subassemblage specimens. Various detailing options were evaluated to provide full moment connection in both orthogonal framing directions at the beam-column joints. With appropriate joint detailing, specimens exhibited a desirable beam plastic hinge mechanism with stable hysteretic response. Composite beam sections maintained near full composite behavior beyond code based drift limits with good energy dissipation characteristics and were able to undergo large plastic rotation magnitudes. This framing system may represent a viable alternative for low-to-mid-rise structures in high seismic risk zones.