Intermediate connections in reinforced concrete composite structures

As the knowledge of the behaviour of intermediateconnections in composite structures isconsideredveryimportant since it affects the stability and load transfer atthese very critical regions, and since very little researchesconcerning this area are available, the aim of this study wasto cover the behaviour of intermediate connections incomposite frames.Connections between composite columns and each of steeland composite beams were investigated experimentally andtheoretically.Four real concrete and steel specimens (compositeconnections consists of composite column and steel beam) weretested experimentally and then modeled numerically using threedimensional finite element analysis. The results were comparedand showed very close agreement.A wide programme of tests and variables was thenprepared and tested using three dimensional finite elementprogramme in a try to cover all the weaknesses and increaseboth the flexural and shear capacities of the connections andto investigate the behaviour of such connections underdifferent loading conditions. These variables were:Using different stirrups quantity all over the compositecolumn, using inside bearing plates, using face bearing plateswith variable thickness, positions, using confined plates