RCS Moment Frames in High Seismic Zones in the United States

Abstract

The research on composite moment connections for seismic applications is examined to propose an update of the Guidelines for Design of Joints Between Steel Beams and Reinforced Concrete Columns, published by the ASCE in 1994. These guidelines were developed based on limited experimental data and restrict composite moment frames to zones of low to moderate seismicity. Recent experimental data, however, support their use in high seismic regions. A database of full‐scale connection tests is included, accompanied by a comparison between strength measured experimentally vs. the calculated joint strength. Results from this comparison show good agreement.