9520295 Wright This research project will investigate the seismic response of exterior frame connections in composite (steel-concrete) structures. The connections will consist of a steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) column and a composite beam (steel beam and concrete slab). Transverse steel beams, steel decking and a floor slab will all be part of the test subassemblies to more closely simulate composite connections as they would be constructed in the field. The primary experimental variables will be the moment strength ratio between the SRC column and the composite beam, and the type of confinement reinforcement used in the SRC column in the joint region of the connection subassembly. Within the joint perimeter hoop reinforcement will need to be composed of as many as four pieces that are lap spliced as they pass through the steel beam webs. For some of the specimens a fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) will be used in the connection region to enhance the bond along the splice lengths. The FRC will add some internal confinement to the concrete in the connection and should slow the deterioration of the concrete shear mechanisms in the connection. Post test analytical studies will be used to simulate the measured connection behavior and to help develop an analytical model that could be used for further parametric studies. The analytical modeling will be coordinated with prior and current U.S. research projects concerned with modeling the dynamic response of composite frame structures. This is a project supported under the year 1 program of the Civil Infrastructure Systems (CIS), solicitation NSF 94-154. ***
