Composite joints subject to reversal of loading—Part 1: experimental study

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the tests on composite beam-to-column joints subject to reversal of loads. The first phase of the tests consisting of six beam-to-column joint specimens subject to negative moment was reported earlier [J. Construct. Steel Res. 2000; 56: 117–50]. In the current phase, eight cruciform composite joint specimens were tested under reversal of loads so that one side of the beam-to-column connection was under negative moment and the other side under positive moment. The beam-to-column steelwork connections were made of bolted end plate with or without an extended haunch section. The columns were either bare steel or reinforced with doubler plate or partially encased with concrete. The moment-rotation relationships for the joints were obtained experimentally. Detailed test observations and results were reported. Analytical assessments of the ultimate moment and initial elastic stiffness of the joints tested are provided in the companion paper [J. Construct. Steel Res. 2003; doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2003.08.011].