Experimental study on seismic behavior of SRC deep beam-to-CFST column frames

Abstract

In order to investigate the seismic behavior of composite frames consisting of SRC deep beams and CFST columns, six specimens were fabricated and tested. The impacts of the beam-to-column linear stiffness ratio, axial compression ratio, and beam-to-column connection type on the seismic behavior of the composite frame were studied. The crack patterns and deformations of all specimens were observed in detail, and the seismic indicators such as hysteretic behavior, skeleton curve, stiffness degradation, ductility, and energy dissipation were investigated. The experimental results indicated that the beam-to-column linear stiffness ratio and axial compressive ratio had a significant influence on the seismic performance of the composite frames, whereas, the influence of the beam-to-column connection type was relatively minor. Moreover, a simulation study was performed using ABAQUS, and the results obtained from the FEM were in good agreement with the experimental results. In addition, a detailed analysis of the energy dissipation on the structure, component, and material levels according to the FEM results was conducted; the results confirmed that the steel tubes were the main components contributing to energy dissipation.