Experimental study on seismic performance of pec composite column-steel beam frame with welded T-stub strengthened connections

Seismic performance of innovative Partially Encased Composite (PEC) column-steel beam composite frame was investigated, where the connection was strengthened by the welded T-stub. A ½ scale, two-storey, and one bay composite frame specimen was designed and fabricated for the quasi-static test. Through the experimental observation and measurements, the seismic performance were evaluated, including hysteretic characteristic, lateral stiffness, seismic energy dissipation, and ductility. The plastic damage evolution process and ductile failure mode were clarified. The results indicated that the welded T-stud strengthened connection enhanced the integrity of the frame and led to higher seismic strength and larger lateral stiffness. The plastic hinge was observed away from the beam end due to the welded T-stud and the specimen exhibited an approximately completed hysteretic loop. Without significant decreasing of the ultimate bearing capacity, its overall drift, ductility efficient and equivalent viscous damping ratio were 3.63% (push) / 4.07% (pull), 3.21 (push) / 3.70 (pull) and 0.261 respectively. The proposed structure possesses sound deformation, ductility, and energy-dissipation capacity with the desired plastic failure mode induced by the plastic hinges formed in all beam sections near the T-stud end and column section at the bottom, successively. It was demonstrated an ideal ductile energy-dissipation mode of the frame structure.