Semi-rigid composite frames with perfobond and T-rib connectors Part 2: Design models assessment

This paper proposes a new design and construction system for composite semi-rigid portal frames. The system uses a perfobond shear connector and a T-rib connection element for composite action. Tests confirmed that the connector’s structural behaviour is compatible with the proposed structural solution [Ferreira LTS, de Andrade SAL, da S Vellasco PCG. A design model for bolted composite semi-rigid connections. In: Stability and ductility of steel structures. Elsevier; 1998. p. 293–306; Ferreira LTS, de Andrade SAL, da S Vellasco PCG. Composite semi-rigid connections for edge and corner columns. In: Eurosteel, 2nd European conference on steel structures. 1999]. Based on these results this paper presents two design models for bolted composite semi-rigid connections based on simple force paths. The models’ performances were validated through comparisons with experimental results in terms of moment–rotation curves, as well as initial stiffness and rotation capacity [da S Vellasco PCG, de Andrade SAL, Ferreira LTS, de Lima LRO. Semi-rigid composite frames with perfobond and T-rib connectors — Part 1: Full scale tests. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 2005 [submitted for publication] doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2006.04.011; Ferreira LTS. Avaliação de ligações semi-rígidas mistas aparafusadas. Ph.D. thesis. Civil Engineering Department, PUC-RIO, 2000 [in Portuguese]. [4]]. Finally, an evaluation of the actual stresses present in the tested composite frames and design models is presented based on experimental strains obtained in the connection and composite section key points.