Experimental test on beam to column of partial strength composite connections using trapezoid web profiled steel sections

Abstract

The use of partial strength or semi-rigid connections has been encouraged by Eurocode 3 and studies on the matter known as semi-continuous construction have proven that substantial savings in steel weight of the overall construction. The objective of this paper is to present the performance of the strength, the rotational stiffness, and the ductility of the composite connections and non-composite connection using trapezoidal web profiled steel (TWP) sections. Eight full scales testing of beam-to-column connections comprised of four specimens for composite and four for non-composite connection with different geometrical configurations have been carried out. The tests results showed good agreement between the experimental and the predicted values. The test also concluded that composite connections have higher moment resistance, higher stiffness, and less ductile compared with the non-composite connections. The size of TWP steel section should be limited to 500mm deep for both composite and non-composite connections.