Experimental Investigation of the Seismic Performance of the Joint between a steel encased in reinforced concrete column and a reinforced concrete beam

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Structural Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

10.22060/ceej.2026.23556.8181

Abstract

In recent years, the use of steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) columns, including composite connections, in high-rise structures has increased significantly. One of the key issues in connection design is the proper detailing of the interface between the steel section embedded in the concrete column and the reinforced concrete beam. This study experimentally investigates the seismic performance of the connection between a reinforced concrete beam with a transition steel part (TP) and an SRC column, and compares it with other types of connections. Three experimental specimens were constructed: (i) a reinforced concrete beam (RC)–column joint, (ii) an reinforced concrete beam–steel reinforced concrete (SRC) column joint, and (iii) an reinforced concrete beam with a transition part (TP)–SRC column joint. All specimens were subjected to cyclic lateral loading on the beams and axial loading on the columns. The main experimental parameters include the effects of the steel section on load-bearing capacity, ductility, and stiffness, as well as the influence of the transitional part on ductility and stiffness. The results indicate that the incorporation of the TP substantially enhances the performance of the beam–column joint. Specifically, lateral load capacity increased by 1% and 15% in tension, and by 20% and 8% in compression, compared to the reinforced concrete beam–column and reinforced concrete beam–SRC column specimens, respectively. Additionally, ductility improved by 44% and 24%, respectively, compared to the same specimens. The results highlight the effectiveness of the TP in enhancing the load-bearing capacity and ductility of RC beam–SRC column joints.

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Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume 57, Issue 12
in progress
March 2026

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