Numerical investigation of cover plate in RCS connections

Abstract

Due to the growing popularity of Reinforced Concrete column with Steel beam (RCS) moment frame system in recent years, there are a great number of publications about the performance of this structural system. In this study, 15 RCS joints with practical details were investigated using a veri ed nite element method. Joint details of the models included cover plate, additional bearing plate, Steel Doubler Plate (SDP), and joint stirrups. The results showed that Cover Plate (CP) could be used instead of the combination of SDP and joint stirrups; it improved the joint performance by increasing the con nement of joint region and contributing to joint shear strength.