Cyclic behavior of column-to-column connections in novel prefabricated H-shaped steel beam to CFST column joint

Abstract

This paper presents a novel form of prefabricated H-shaped steel beam to concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column joints. The behavior of such novel beam-to-column joints was investigated through cyclic loading tests on four joint specimens. The examined parameters included the thickness and the yield stress of the column steel tube, and the distance between the transfer sleeve and the flange of the steel beam. The hysteretic behavior, failure modes, flexural stiffness and capacity, and energy consumption of the joint specimens were discussed in detail. Particularly, the effectiveness of the proposed column-to-column connections, which are critical sections of the proposed joints, in transferring bending moments between column segments was evaluated. The test results indicated that the proposed beam-to-column joints exhibited great flexural capacity and energy dissipation capacity. It was also found that the thickness and yield stress of the steel column tube significantly affect the flexural capacity of the column-column connection and the shear deformation of the panel zone. Finally, accurate finite element model was developed for the prediction of main mechanical properties, such as initial stiffness, yield strength, and maximum strength.