Behaviour of reinforced joints between steel beam and L-shaped wide limb composite column

Abstract

Specially-shaped composite columns have attracted more and more attention from either industry or academia, due to their benefits for improving efficiency of use and design of indoor space. This paper presents a research programme on the seismic behaviour of an innovative joint between steel beam and L-shaped wide limb composite column (LSWL-CC). Two full-scale cyclic loading tests are introduced, with failure modes, cyclic behaviour, ultimate capacities, rotation performance, ductility, and energy dissipation being clarified. By using SolidWorks, a parametric model of the joints between steel beams and LSWL-CCs is established, and effects of various parameters are analysed by finite element (FE) analyses through ABAQUS. The FE model is validated against the test results. Furthermore, effects of geometry of the RVPs and the column axial compression ratio on the stiffness, bearing capacity, plastic zone and ductility of the joints are analysed. It is found that, triangular RVPs can make the joints possess similar seismic performance compared with the specimens using trapezoid RVPs. It is suggested to locate the RVPs within the width of the flange in case of the beams and columns having identical width. In addition, optimised geometry of the RVPs with a curved edge may lead to better deformation performance for the joints. Specifically, length of the RVP is suggested to be 1.0~1.2 times height of the beam, its height shall be 1/4 ~ 1/3 of the steel beam height, and its thickness shall be 1.2 times that of the beam flange. The research outcomes may provide valuable information for further research on structures with the L-shaped columns and the joints, and may promote their practical application.