Experimental Investigation on Demountable Steel-Concrete Composite Reduced Web Section (RWS) Connections Under Cyclic Loads

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents an experimental study on demountable steel-concrete composite reduced web section (RWS) connections for use in seismic areas. Four composite connection specimens were subjected to sagging and hogging moments to investigate the performance of RWS connections under reversible actions. For such purpose, a single opening was made near the beam-column joint. Focus was made on the effects of perforation location and composite beam-slab action induced by bolted shear studs within the protected zone. Results indicate that employing RWS connections for seismic retrofit is a viable solution capable of achieving a performance similar to that observed for RWS connections in new buildings. Notably, a Vierendeel mechanism is generated, hence allowing for plasticity development in the beam, All RWS connections were capable of achieving an interstory drift larger than 4%, thereby complying with the performance targets set by ANSI/AISC 358 − 16, ANSI/AISC 341 − 16 and EC8. Moreover, deformation of the stubs was slight enough to allow for dissasemblage after the tests, indicating that the proposed solution could enable for reuse and retrofit after earthquakes.