iii

STUDY ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF STEEL-CONCRETE

COMPOSITE FRAME SUBJECTED TO LATERAL
LOADS
 iv

ABSTRACT

This project presents an extended study on steel encased portal frame, which utilizes
the shear connectors in the specimen to improve ductility and ultimate load carrying

capacity. In theory, the shear connectors can effectively increase the overall strength

and enhance the load carrying capacity of the specimen. To investigate this

behaviour, the authors conducted cyclic static load test on three portal frames. These

specimens had shear connector of spacing variation as 75mm, 100mm and 125mm

which were tested at the rate of ±0.2 ton per cycle. It was observed that as the

spacing of shear connector decreases, the ultimate load carrying capacity increases.
 v

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

TITLE:
Pg. No.
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii

ABSTRACT iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v
LIST OF FIGURES
vii
LIST OF TABLES viii
LIST OF SYMBOLS viii

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER 2
1. Introduction to literature review 2
2. Literature review 2

CHAPTER 3
OBJECTIVES 8

CHAPTER 4
MATERIALS USED
1.
Concrete Mix Design 9
2.
Steel Required 13
 vi

CHAPTER 5

EXPERIMENT METHODOLOGY

5.1. Design and fabrication of the steel casing 16

5.2. Casting of concrete 17

5.3 Raft footing 19

5.4 Welded development rod 20

CHAPTER 6
EXPERIMENTAL TESTING AND RESULTS

6.1 General testing parameters 22

6.2 Testing and results of bare frame 23

6.3 Testing and results of sp-75 26

6.4 Testing and results of sp-100 29

6.5 Testing and results of sp-125 32

CHAPTER 7
COMPARISON OF RESULTS
7.1 Comparison of experimental results 35

CONCLUSION 36

REFERENCES 37
 vii

LIST OF FIGURES
TITLE PAGES

Fig 5.1 General schematic diagram of specimen 16

Fig 5.2 Welded shear connectors 17
Fig 5.2(a) Specimen after painting 18
Fig 5.3 Reinforcement details of raft footing 19
Fig 5.3(a) Welded development rod 20
Fig 5.3(b) CFST frame with raft footing 20
Fig 6.1 General test setup and arrangement 21
Fig 6.2 Test setup of specimen bare frame 23
Fig 6.3 Bare frame hysteresis curve 24
Fig 6.3(a) Bare frame backbone curve 24
Fig 6.3(b) Failure of bare frame 25
Fig 6.4 Test setup of specimen SP-75 26
Fig 6.5 SP-75-1 hysteresis curve 27
Fig 6.5(a) SP-75-1 backbone curve 27
Fig 6.5(b) Failure of SP-75 28
Fig 6.6 Test setup of specimen SP-100-1 29
Fig 6.7 SP-100-1 hysteresis curve 30
Fig 6.7(a) SP-100-1 backbone curve 30
Fig 6.7(b) Failure of SP-100 31
Fig 6.8 Test setup of specimen SP-125 32
Fig 6.9 SP-125 hysteresis curve 33
Fig 6.9(a) SP-125 backbone curve 33
Fig 6.9(b) SP-failure of SP-125 34
Fig 7.1 Comparison of backbone curve of SP- 75, SP-100 35
And SP-125
 viii

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE-1 Specimen specification 22

LIST OF SYMBOLS

SP-75: Specimen with shear connectors spacing 75mm

SP-100: Specimen with shear connectors spacing 100mm

SP-125: Specimen with shear connectors spacing 125mm

 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTIO
N

The beam column joint is the crucial zone in a reinforced concrete moment resisting
frame. It is subjected to large forces during severe ground shaking and its behaviour
has a significant influence on the response of the structure.

Over the years, various methods for resisting the seismic load have been explored with
regards to materials, geometry and design. In the recent years, a new branch has been
observed to have caught the attention of various researchers, which is “Concrete filled
steel tubes”, under this category, experimentation with shear studs has shown a lot of
promise with respect to load carrying capacity and ductility.

Although this research has a progressive trend, it has been focused on being used as
columns and beams. It has been proven by plenty researchers that these members
successfully increase the ultimate load carrying capacity and ductility as compared to
the traditional RCC members thus confirming the fact that, these members can be
effectively used in cyclic loading conditions. As it is known that the „Beam Column
joint‟ is the most critical portion and likely to fail during a seismic loading of the
structure, thus in this study we combine these two concepts and explore the combined
effect of steel encased beam column joints.

Here, in this study the spacing of shear connectors is varied and the changes in the
results for the same load increments were observed and compared for each specimen.

1
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

1. INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE REVIEW

The study of previous research work is essential in identifying the problem to be
investigated and to detect the research gap in a specified field of study. The following
literatures are studied to identify the design to be analyzed.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Riyad S Aboutaha (2000) :

In this experiment, the frame system which consists of steel tubed reinforced concrete
columns and ordinary reinforced concrete beams with headed bars. Two full-scale
steel tubed columns, and two full scale beams with and without headed bars were
experimentally investigated. Steel tubed columns investigated in this study exhibited
high ductility and energy dissipation when subjected to large lateral displacements,
and constant axial loads up to 0.36 Agfc’.

Amit H. Varma et al. (2002)

In this paper, the behavior of square concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) beam–columns
made from high strength materials was investigated experimentally in this paper. The
effects of the width-to-thickness ratio, yield stress of the steel tube and the axial load
level on the stiffness, strength and ductility of high-strength CFT beam–columns
were also studied. They have concluded that, the accuracy of the fiber-based models
depends on the accuracy of the uniaxial stress–strain curves and cyclic hysteresis
rules for the steel and concrete fibers of the CFT cross-section.

Hsuan-Teh Hu et al. (2005)

In this experiment, the concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns subjected to an axial

compressive force and bending moment in combination. Constitutive models were
2
 analyzed using the nonlinear finite element program ABAQUS compared against
experimental data. The cross sections of the CFT columns are categorized into three
groups, i.e., ones with circular sections, ones with square sections, and ones with
square sections stiffened with reinforcing ties. Confining effect provided by the
square CFST column is less than circular CFST columns, while square CFST
columns stiffened with reinforcing ties provides the same confining effect as circular
CFST columns.

LIU Jingbo et al. (2008)

In this experiment, Seismic behavior of concrete-filled steel tubular frame to RC

shear wall high-rise mixed structures. Objective of Paper is to evaluate the behavior
of mixed structures consisting of CFST columns under various real earthquake
records and investigate the consistency of CFST frames with RC shear walls under
earthquake. Two building models with 30 storey height were analyzed
experimentally. The test results showed that this type of structural system exhibited a
favorable behavior under earthquakes.

Fei-Yu Liao et al. (2009)

In this study, experimental investigation on four test models which includes circular
CFST columns and RC shear wall mixed structure subjected to constant axial load
and cyclic lateral load. The test parameters included axial load level in the composite
column and height width ratio of the RC shear wall. The effects of these parameters
on the ductility, rigidity and dissipated energy of the specimens were investigated. It
was found that all the tested specimens failed in a shear-dominant mode. The
ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the specimens decreased with an increase
of axial load level or decrease of height width ratio.

Walter Luiz Andrade de Oliveira et al. (2009)

3
 In this study, an experimental analysis of the confinement effects in steel-concrete
composite columns regarding two parameters: concrete compressive strength and
column slenderness. Sixteen concrete-filled steel tubular columns with circular cross
section were tested under axial loading. The tested columns were filled by concrete
with varying compressive strengths, and different length/diameter ratios. According
to the study, the load capacity of the composite columns increased with increasing
concrete strength and decreased with increasing length/diameter ratio. Ultimate load
carrying capacity of column is calculated and compared by 4 code provisions: the
Brazilian Code NBR 8800:2008, Eurocode 4 (EN 1994-1-1:2004), AINSI/AISC
360:2005, and CAN/CSA S16-01:2001. They concluded that, the Brazilian Code was
the most conservative, while Eurocode 4 presented the values closest to the
experimental results.

Qing Quan Liang et al. (2009)

In this the accurate constitutive models for normal and high strength concrete
confined by either normal or high strength circular steel tubes are proposed in this
paper. Extensive studies are conducted to examine the accuracy of various confining
pressure models and the effects of the tube diameter-to-thickness ratio, concrete
compressive strengths and steel yield strengths on the fundamental behavior of
circular CFST columns. It was found that increasing the tube diameter-tothickness
ratio reduces the ultimate strengths of CFST columns as well as xial ductility
performance and increasing the concrete compressive strength proportionally
increases the ultimate axial loads but reduces the section and axial ductility
performance of CFST columns.

Wenda Wang et al. (2010)

In this paper, discussion and method on performance based seismic design for
concrete-filled steel tubular structures. A high rise concrete-filled circular tubular
frame structure was analyzed to verify the design procedure. One model of 15 storey

4
 height was analyzed by Static pushover analysis. A pushover numerical example
show that the CFST frame structure exhibited lateral stiffness to resist the lateral
force after it reached plastic stage partly.

Khaloo. Alireza et al. (2011)

In this paper, seismic performance of structures with CFST columns and steel beams.
This paper presents performance of structures with CFST columns and steel beams
under lateral loads. Three models of 3, 5 and 10 storey were analyzed by Static
pushover and dynamic time history analysis. Results show that frames with CFST
columns have more strength, ductility and energy absorption than frames with
ordinary RC columns.

M.R. Bambach et al. (2011)

In this experiment, nominally identically sized stainless steel tubes, tested experimentally under
members subjected to transverse impact while members were restrained axially and rationally at
their ends. Comparisons between the performances of the two materials are made. The influences
of axial pre- load, rotational restraint at the member ends, axial restraint, metal material
properties and concrete filling, are investigated. They concluded that, Stainless steel provides
significant energy absorption capability benefits over steel, where fully restrained stainless steel
members absorb on average 1.8 times more energy than nominally identical steel members, due
to enhanced material properties

Ketan Patel et al. (2012)

In this study, behavior of CFST, RCC and steel building subjected to lateral loading.
In this paper, comparative study of concrete filled steel tube (CFST), R.C.C. and
Steel building is done. Three models of 10, 20 and 30 storey were analyzed by
response spectrum analysis. Result shows CFT building is good in load carrying
capacity with small cross section of column.

Rui Wang et al. (2012)

5
 In this study, the impact performance of concrete filled steel tubular (CFST)
members. A series of tests were carried out to obtain the failure modes and the time
history of the impact forces under lateral impact. A finite element analysis (FEA)
model was developed, in which the strain rate effects of steel and concrete materials,
interaction between the steel tube and the core concrete, as well as the confinement
effect of the outer steel tube provided to the core concrete were considered. It was
concluded that, axial load has an obvious effect on the lateral deflections of CFST
members under lateral impact.

Y.F. Yang et al. (2012)

This paper studies the behavior of thin-walled concrete filled steel tube column
subjected to concentrically partial compression. A series of tests was carried out to
investigate the effects of sectional type, length-todiameter (width) ratio, partial
compression area ratio and bearing capacity of partially loaded CFST column. It was
shown that the CFST columns under concentrically partial compression generally had
reasonable bearing capacity and ductility. They have concluded that,a simplified
model for predicting the bearing capacity of partially loaded CFST columns with L/D
less than 6 was suggested, and generally, the predictions using the simplified model
are conservative to some extent and are reasonably acceptable.

Yu-Feng An et al. (2012)

In this study, the behavior of slender thin-walled concrete filled steel tubular (CFST)
columns under axial compression. Parametric studies were carried out and the
ultimate strengths from tested results and design codes were compared and discussed.
The reliability analysis method was used to calibrate the existing design formulas
given in DBJ/T13-51- 2010, ANSI/AISC 360-05 and Euro code 4. They have
concluded that, design formulas for compression strength of very slender CFST
columns provided by DBJ/T13-51-2010, ANSI/AISC 360-05 and Euro code 4 satisfy
the reliability require in the parameter limits.

Darshika k. Shah et al. (2014)

6
 In this paper, load deformation characteristics of composite columns and critically,
numerical finite element analysis using software package ANSYS is carried out. The
main parameters of FEA are circular and square column with varying grades of
concrete. It is concluded that the deformation of the column is decreasing 10-15%
with increasing grade of concrete. It is observed that, deformation decreases with
increasing grade of concrete, but for higher grades of concrete decreasing in
deformation is less and stress concentration is more at the edges of square column
while in circular column, due to confining effect, stress concentration is equal
throughout the whole section.

Asha B.R et al. (2015)

In this experiment, comparison of seismic behavior of a typical multi-storey structure

with composite columns and steel columns. The objective of paper is to compare
seismic behavior of multi-storey framed structures consisting of Steel beam, RC slab
and Concrete Filled Steel Tube (CFST). Two models of 13 storey height was
analyzed by Equivalent Static Lateral Force Method. They have concluded that, base
shear and storey overturning moment induced by the seismic forces are reduced by 22
to 28% for composite columns.

Yongtao Bai et al. (2016)

In this paper, numerically studied about collapse capacity of high-rise SMRF using
CFST columns of various width-thickness ratio subjected to successive earthquakes.
It was found that the long period component of earthquakes obviously correlates the
first-mode period of high-rises controlled by the total number of stories. With the
equivalent flexural stiffness, thin‐walled CFST columns are capable of improving the
collapse margin for more than 60% of the high‐rise SMRFs under identical
earthquakes.

Sruthi K et al. (2017)

In this study, comparison of seismic behavior of a typical multi-storey structure with

7
CFRP wrapped CFST columns and I section encased CFST columns. The present
study deals with seismic behavior of high rise buildings by response spectrum
analysis with different types of composite columns. Two models of 13 and 45 storey
height were analyzed by Response spectrum analysis. They have concluded that,
storey displacement is reduced up to 17% and drift is reduced up to 18% in composite
columns compared to RC columns.

CHAPTER 3

OBJECTIVES

This project focuses on the application of steel encased concrete frame with shear
connectors at different spacing. It is expected that the ductile properties observed in
steel encased frames would also be applicable to the joints.

Since, during the literature survey it was found that, there was no previous research on
steel encased beam column joint and frames, this study focuses on the same to fill the
research gap that was observed. It is also predicted that this type of construction will
enhance the safety of the structure during an earthquake while evacuation, thus
making this arrangement advantageous for seismic prone areas. These objectives can
be summarized as follows,

 To formulate the experimental testing of steel encased concrete beam-

column joint using shear connectors.

 Determining the ultimate load carrying capacity, ductility which are

the parameters taken into consideration.

8
 CHAPTER 4

MATERIALS USED

1. CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Specification of proportion

a. Grade designation- M25

b. Type of cement- OPC 53 grade
c. Maximum Nominal size of aggregate- 20mm
d. Minimum cement content: 300kg/m3 ( As per IS456 Table 5 page 20)
e. Maximum water cement ratio: 0.50
f. Workability: 75- 100mm

Test details for materials:

a. Cement used: OPC 53 grade

b. Specific gravity of cement: 3.15
c. Specific gravity:
d. Coarse aggregate: 2.74
e. Fine aggregate: 2.68 (M sand)

Target Mean Strength:

f’ck = fck + 1.65 x standard deviation

= 25 + 1.65 x 4
= 31.56N/mm2

Water Cement Ratio:

As per IS 456 Pg. 20 Table 5
𝐖
= 𝟎. 𝟓
𝐂

9
Selection of water content:
Aggregate size = 20mm (Pg. 3 of IS10262:2009)
Maximum water content per cubic meter of concrete =186kg
(As per table -2 in IS10262:2009)

Slump of 100mm water content = 𝟏𝟖𝟔 +

𝟔
𝐗 𝟏𝟖𝟔 = 𝟏𝟗𝟕 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐞
𝟏𝟎𝟎
NOTE: 3% for 25mm increase in slump

Calculation of cement content:

Water cement ratio = 0.50
𝐖
= 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎
𝐂

𝟏𝟗𝟕
𝐂= 𝟎.𝟓𝟎
C =394kg/m3

Mix Calculation:
Volume of Concrete = 1m3

Volume of Cement 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟏

𝐗
=
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎

𝟑𝟗𝟒
= 𝐗 𝟏
𝟑.𝟏𝟓 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎

= 0.125m3

Volume of water
𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏
= 𝐗
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎

𝟏𝟗𝟕 𝟏
= 𝟏 𝐗 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎

= 0.197m3
10
Proportion of volumes of coarse aggregate and fine aggregate

Zone II for M-sand (As per IS Code 383:1971 Table 4 page 11)

Volume of coarse aggregate

= 0.62
Volume of fine aggregate = 1-0.62 = 0.38
Volume of all aggregate
= 1- (0.125+0.197) = c = 0.678m3

Mass of coarse aggregate

= c x Volume of coarse aggregate x specific gravity of coarse aggregate x 1000

= 0.678x 0.62x 2.74x 1000

= 1152 kg

Mass of fine aggregate

= c x Volume of fine aggregate x specific gravity of fine aggregate x 1000
= 0.678 x 0.38 x 2.68 x 1000
= 690 kg
Mix design ratio for M25:
Cement: Fine aggregate: Coarse aggregate: Water

Cement:

Composite frame (for 3 specimens)

(Columns) = 394 x 1 x 0.075 x 0.075 x 2 x 3 x = 14.63 kg

1.1
= 7.31 kg
(Beams) = 394 x 1 x 0.075 x0.075x1x 3 x 1.1
Total = 22 kg

11
RCC frame (for 1 specimen)

(Columns) = 394 x 1 x0.075 x0.075x 2x 1.1 = 4.88 kg

(Beams) = 394 x 1 x 0.075 x0.075 x 1.1 = 2.43 kg

Total = 7.3 kg

Foundation (4 specimens):

= 394 x 1.6 x 0.56 x 0.1 x 1.1 x 4 = 156 kg

Total = 185 kg

Fine aggregate:

Composite frame (for 3 specimens)

= 22 x 1.75 = 39 kg
RCC Frame (for 1 specimen)

= (4.88 + 2.43) x 7.5 = 7.3 x 1.75 = 12.78 kg

Foundation (4 specimens)

= 156 x 1.75 = 273 kg

Total = 325 kg

Coarse aggregates:

Composite frame (for 3 specimens)

=22 x 2.92 = 64.64 kg

RCC frame (for 1 specimen)

= 7.3 x 2.92 = 21.32 kg

12
Foundation (4 specimens)

= 156 x 2.92 = 455 kg

Total = 542 kg

Water:

Composite frame (for 3 specimens)

= 22 x 0.5 = 11 litres

RCC frame (for 1 specimen)

= 7.3 x 0.5 = 3.65 litres

Foundation (4 specimens)

= 156 x 0.5 = 78 litres

Total = 93 litres

4.2 STEEL REQUIRED:

Calculations for metal Sheet: (G.I. Sheet)

Column dimensions = 1.1 m x 0.075m x

0.075m Beam dimensions = 1m x 0.075m x

0.075m

For column,

= [(1.1 x 0.075 x 3) + (0.9 x 0.075)] x 2 = 0.585 m2

For beam,

[(1 x 0.075 x 3) + ((1-0.15) x 0.075)] = 0.28875 m2

Area of sheet required = 0.585 + 0.28875= 0.87375m2 X 6 specimens = 5.2425 m2

13
 Calculations for rods:

For 75mm spacing,

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐥𝐭. 𝟏
= = 𝟏𝟑 𝐧𝐨′ 𝐬 𝐱 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐬 = 𝟐𝟔𝐧𝐨′ 𝐬 = 𝟐𝟔 𝐱 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟓𝐦
𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐭. = 𝟏𝟑𝒏𝒐′ 𝒔 = 𝟏𝟑 𝐱 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟕𝟓𝐦

𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 = 𝟎.𝟎𝟕𝟓

Development lt. rod in beam = (1-0.0375-0.0375) + 0.3 + = 1.525 m

0.3 For two specimens, total length of the rod= 4.45 x 2 = 8.9m

For 100mm spacing,

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐥𝐭. 𝟏
= = 𝟏𝟎 𝐧𝐨′ 𝐬 𝐱 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐬 = 𝟐𝟎𝐧𝐨′ 𝐬 = 𝟐𝟎 𝐱 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓 = 𝟏. 𝟓𝐦
𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟎. 𝟏

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐭.

= 𝟏
= 𝟏𝟎 𝐧𝐨′ 𝐬 = 𝟏𝟎 𝐱 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓
𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟎.𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝐦

Development rod in beam = (1-0.0375-0.0375) + 0.3 + 0.3 = 1.525 m

Total length of rod for one specimen = 3.775m

For two specimens, total length of rod = 3.775 x 2 = 7.55 m

For 125mm spacing,

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐥𝐭. 𝟏

𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 = 𝟎.𝟏𝟐𝟓
= 𝟖 𝐧𝐨′𝐬 𝐱 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐬 = 𝟏𝟔𝐧𝐨′𝐬 = 𝟏𝟔 𝐱 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓 = 𝟏. 𝟐𝐦

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐭. 𝟏

𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 = 𝟎.𝟏𝟐𝟓 = 𝟖 𝒏𝒐′𝒔 = 𝟖 𝐱 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝐦

Development rod in beam = (1-0.0375-0.0375) + 0.3 + 0.3 = 1.525 m

Therefore, Total length of rod required for one specimen = 3.175m

For two specimens = 3.175 x 2 = 6.35 m

Total length of rod = 8.9 m + 7.55 m + 6.35 m = 22.8 m

14
 CHAPTER 5
EXPERIMENTAL
METHODOLOGY

5.1. DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF THE STEEL CASING

As mentioned above, the variable parameters in this study were the spacing of
shear connectors, which was 75mm, 100mm and 125mm. These spacing were
decided based on the Eurocode – 4 which specifies the minimum spacing of 6D
and maximum spacing of 25D (where D is the diameter of the shear connector).

Fig 5.1 General schematic diagram of specimens

All the steel used for this study was GI sheet. The steel plate was 1.2mm thick;
this was done to reduce the percentage of steel used and make the specimen as a
„Thin walled structure’. Fig 5.1 shows the general geometry of all the three
specimens.

The steel casing was made into a C-shape first such that one face of the
specimen is open, this was done for the ease to weld the internal shear rods, once
the shear rods were welded in place, a rod

15
16
was placed in the beam with development length of it going into the columns.
Then the open face was closed by welding a steel plate. This steel plate was also
connected with inner shear rods via welding as well. The steel plate was welded
fully along the edges to ensure maximum strength as well as to avoid concrete
slurry spillage while filling.

5.2. CASTING OF CONCRETE

Once the steel mould was ready, a high workability M25 concrete confirming to
IS-10262:2009 and IS-456:2000 was poured from the column openings into the
steel encasement. The maximum aggregate size was 12mm, this size was used to
avoid blocking of the concrete due to aggregates getting stuck in spaces.

The specimen was kept upside down and the concrete was poured and the
casing was tilted and manually shaken to help the concrete to compact properly
along with regular tamping with a 16mm rod.

Fig 5.2. welded shear connectors

17
Along with the main specimens, their individual companion specimens were
also cast to check the relevant properties. Once the specimens were cast,
regularly the open surfaces of the concrete were cured till the 28th day to ensure
strength gain during this period.

These specimens were also provided with 16mm holes which were 50mm above
the opening on both the columns. These holes were later used to connect them
to the base plate for providing fixed support when the lateral load was given to
the specimen.

Fig 5.2(a). specimen after painting

18
5.3 RAFT FOOTING:

Fig 5.3: Reinforcement details of raft footing

Fig 5.3, shows the reinforcement details of raft footing which is

connected to the concrete filled steel tube (CFST) frame.

19
 5.4 WELDED DEVELOPMENT ROD:

Fig 5.3(a): welded development rod

Fig 5.3(a), shows the development rod of diameter 8mm and with length
200mm is bent in L-shape and welded to the frame which is connected to
the raft footing.

Fig 5.3(b): CFST frame with Raft footing

20
 CHAPTER 6

EXPERIMENTAL TESTING AND RESULTS

The experiment was assembled in such (Fig 6.1) a way that the deflection could
be measured at the top surface of the specimen column and at the middle surface
of the specimen column.

Fig 6.1: General Test setup and arrangement

A total of 3 specimens and their control specimens were cast and subsequently
tested.

21
 Table 1 – Specimen Specification

No. of No. of
Spacing of studs Assigned Name
Specimens Control

- Bare frame 1 1
75mm SP-75 1 1
100mm SP-100 1 1
125mm SP-125 1 1

6.1. GENERAL TESTING PARAMETERS

The nature of loading which was static, since the loads were not given based on
time intervals. The test was carried out in a load control condition, i.e. the
deflection was observed for a given load. All the connections were fixed at the
beginning of the experiment and the specimen was fastened to the baseplate and
all the uplift was arrested.

22
6.2. TESTING AND RESULTS OF BARE FRAME

This was the first specimen to be tested; It encountered quite a few problems
including uplifting of the specimen, thus causing rotation.

Fig 6.2: Test setup of specimen bare frame

The hysteresis curve and the backbone curve for the loading cycles were plotted
as shown in Fig 6.3 and 6.3 (a).

23
 HYSTERISIS CURVE
15

10

5
Load(KN)

0
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60

-5

-10

-15

Deflection(mm)

Fig 6.3: bare frame Hysteresis curve

BACKBONE CURVE
15

10

5
Load(KN)

0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60

-5

-10

-15

Deflection(mm)

Fig 6.3 (a): bare frame Backbone curve

As it can be seen from the Fig 6.3, that the graph gradually slips towards the x-
axis and it tested till the load of 11 KN with a corresponding deflection of
46.67mm.
24
The slipping of the hysteresis curve shows that the specimen was gradually
dissipating the energy via deformation. Similarly, the failure can be seen in Fig
6.3 (b).

Fig 6.3 (b): Failure of bare frame

25
6.3.TESTING AND RESULTS OF SP-75

This was the second specimen to be tested; it had the shear connector’s spacing
of 75mm. It encountered quite a few problems including uplifting of the
specimen, thus causing rotation. Also as it had lower spacing of shear
connectors and due to experimental difficulties, it could not be tested till its
ultimate load capacity.

Fig 6.4: Test setup of specimen SP-75

The hysteresis curve and the backbone curve for the loading cycles were plotted
as shown in Fig 6.5 and 6.5 (a).

26
 Fig 6.5: SP-75-1 Hysteresis curve

Fig 6.5 (a): SP-75-1 Backbone curve

As it can be seen from the Fig 6.5, that the graph gradually slips towards the x-
axis and it tested till the load of 15 KN with a corresponding deflection of
35.02mm.

27
The slipping of the hysteresis curve shows that the specimen was gradually
dissipating the energy via deformation. Similarly, the failure can be seen in Fig
6.5(b).

Fig 6.5 (b): Failure of SP-75

28
6.4.TESTING AND RESULTS OF SP-100

This specimen was the third to be tested; and it had the shear connector’s
spacing of 100mm. This specimen was tested till the failure point, i.e. ultimate
load capacity of the specimen. Here, it was ensured that there would be no uplift,
thus it was possible to take better readings.

Fig 6.6: Test setup of specimen SP-100

The hysteresis curve and the backbone curve for the loading cycles were plotted
as shown in Fig 6.7 and 6.7 (a).

29
 Fig 6.7: SP-100-1 Hysteresis curve

SP-100 BACKBONE CURVE

20

15

10

5
Load(KN)

0
-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40

-5

-10

-15

-20

Deflection(mm)
Fig 6.7 (a): SP-100-1 Backbone curve

As it can be seen from the Fig 6.6, that the graph gradually slips towards the x-
axis and it tested till the load of 14.03 KN with a corresponding deflection of
28mm.

30
The slipping of the hysteresis curve shows that the specimen was gradually
dissipating the energy via deformation. Similarly, the failure can be seen in Fig
6.7 (b).

Fig 6.7(b): Failure of SP-100

31
6.5.TESTING AND RESULTS OF SP-125

This specimen was the fourth to be tested; and it had the shear connector’s
spacing of 125mm. This specimen was tested beyond the failure point, i.e.
beyond ultimate load capacity of the specimen. Due to testing beyond failure
point it was possible to see the degradation behaviour.

Fig 6.8: Test setup of specimen SP-125

The hysteresis curve and the backbone curve for the loading cycles were plotted
as shown in Fig 6.9 and 6.10(a).

32
Fig 6.9: SP-125-1 Hysteresis curve

Fig 6.9 (a): SP-125-1 Backbone curve

33
As it can be seen from the Fig 6.9, that the graph gradually slips towards the x-
axis and it tested till the load of 13 KN with a corresponding deflection of
38.99mm.

The slipping of the hysteresis curve shows that the specimen was gradually
dissipating the energy via deformation. the failures can be seen in Fig 6.10 (b).

Fig 6.9(b): Failure of SP-125

34
 CHAPTER 7

COMPARISON OF RESULTS

7.1 COMPARISON OF EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

All the three specimens were not tested till failure, thus we need to curtail at
certain load to have an accurate comparison.

BACKBONE CURVE COMPARISON

20

15

10

5 bare frame
Load(KN)

75mm spacing
0 100 mm spacing
-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50
125mm spacing
-5

-10

-15

-20

Deflection(mm)

Fig 7.1: Comparison of backbone curves of SP-75, SP-100 & SP-125

In the above fig 7.1with respect to the negative loads we can observe that, the
area under each curve is in ascending order, which confirms the fact that lesser
shear connector spacing increases the ductility of the specimen. Thus it can also
be said that with increase in shear connector spacing the specimen gets more
brittle.

35
 CONCLUSION:

1. As the spacing of shear connectors decreases the ultimate load carrying

capacity increases due to the enhancement in confinement effect.

2. As the spacing of shear connectors decreases the ductility increases which is

evident from the large plateau in the load deflection curves obtained for the
specimens with different spacing of shear studs.

3. The encasement avoids the spalling of the concrete, which can increase the
safety for the people who are evacuating.

4. It is speculated that the ultimate load carrying capacity increases due to the
confinement effect of the steel.

5. The member takes load even after the concrete inside is crushed which could
be observed from the load cells and LVDTs.

6. The encasement avoids the spalling of the concrete, which can increase the
safety for the people who are evacuating.

7. It is speculated that the ultimate load carrying capacity increases due to the
confinement effect of the steel

8. Steel welds should be avoided near the beam column joints.

36
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37
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38