Seismic performance of prefabricated high-strength concrete tube column–steel beam joints

Abstract

This study proposes a new type of fabricated hybrid frame structure, which is a prefabricated high-strength concrete tube column–steel beam joint hybrid frame structure. A series of six full-scale cruciform prefabricated high-strength concrete tube column–H-shaped beam joint specimens was tested under cyclic loading to investigate the seismic performance of the new fabricated hybrid frame structure. We designed the connection in the manner that the capacity of beam was higher than that of the column. The cracking pattern, failure modes, energy dissipation capacity, and strain profiles of the specimens were obtained and discussed. The test results showed that some specimens collapsed due to ring plate tearing failure and weld fracture, while other specimens collapsed due to column flexural failure. Shear connectors (i.e. shear studs and shear reinforcement) could ensure the reliable transmission of shear force, and the compound stirrups can effectively improve bearing capacity and joint ductility. The stiffness degradation of specimens was smooth with a linearly decreasing trend because of the prestressed reinforcement. The new joints could be applied in a seismic region.