Parameter study on composite frames consisting of steel beams and reinforced concrete columns

A host of tests and numerical analyses for frames consisting of reinforced concrete columns and steel beams (RCS) have been conducted in the US and Japan over the past decades. Most results have revealed the superior performance of these structures relative to that of traditional concrete and steel frames. However, few studies could be found about composite frame structures consisting of high-strength concrete columns confined by continuous compound spiral ties and steel beams (CCSTRCS), which requires the development of an accurate finite element model of composite CCSTRCS frames. The validity of the proposed model is examined by comparing with the test data presented in reference studies. With the proposed model, an extensive parametric study is carried out to investigate the behavior of composite CCSTRCS frames. Simplified hysteretic lateral load versus lateral displacement models are proposed for such composite frames.

► An accurate finite element model of composite CCSTRCS frame is developed.
► An extensive parametric study is carried out to investigate the behavior of composite CCSTRCS frame.
► Simplified hysteretic lateral load versus lateral displacement models for such composite frames are proposed.