Seismic behaviour of steel beam to circular CFST column assemblies with external diaphragms

This paper presents experimental and analytical studies on the seismic behaviour of steel I-beam to circular CFST column assemblies with external diaphragms. In the experimental study, four specimens, i.e. two exterior joints and two interior joints in a frame structure, are tested under constant axial loads on columns and cyclic vertical loads on beam ends. The specimens are designed to be strong column-weak beam for exterior joints and strong beam-weak panel zone for interior joints. The failure modes of local buckling on beams and shear deformation of the panel zone are observed in the test. The seismic performance of the beam to column assemblies is assessed by analysing the load-displacement hysteretic curves, the energy dissipation ability and the ductility of the load-displacement skeleton curves. In the analytical study, finite element models of the four test specimens are developed to predict the hysteretic behaviour and the stress distribution. The nonlinear mixed hardening model and the concrete damaged plasticity model are used to define the material properties of steel and concrete, respectively. The steel to concrete interfaces are modelled by hard contact with friction. The fidelity of the model is verified by comparing the prediction with the experimental data. The stress distribution of model components, including steel beams, steel tubes, and concrete cores are illustrated. The results indicate that failure modes have significant effects on the characteristic of stress distribution. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.