Load Transfer Mechanism of a Hybrid Beam-Column Connection System with Structural Tees

The composite frame system with reinforced concrete column and steel beam can be improved in its structural efficiency by complementing the shortcomings of the two systems. The system, however, has many inherent problems in practical design and construction process due to the dissimilarities of the materials. Considering these circumstance, this research aims for the development of a composite structural system which connects the steel beams to the R/C columns with higher structural safety and economy. Basically, the proposed connection system is composed of four split tees, structural angles reinforced by a stiffener, high strength steel rods, connecting plates and shear plates. Structural tests have been carried out to investigate the moment transfer mechanism 1Tom the beam flange to steel rods or connecting plates through the structural angle reinforced by a stiffener. The four prototype specimens have been tested until the flange of the beam reached a plastic state. The test results indicated that no distinct material dissimilarities between concrete and steel have been detected for the proposed hybrid beam-column connection system and that the stress transfer through the structural angle between the beam flange and steel rods or connecting plates was very encouraging.