Comparison of finite element analysis and experimental results of composite steel connections subjected to low to moderate seismic activity

Australia is classified as ‘low-risk, high-consequence’ region due to the number, magnitude and frequency of earthquakes experienced within the past 40 years. However, the utilisation of effective seismic resistance design for Australian buildings remains limited, thus leading to the construction of composite structural systems and connections which are susceptible to failure caused by seismic activity. Therefore, this paper presents a comparison of seismic resistance results obtained from both finite element analysis models and experimental results undertaken by previous researchers for; fully welded, double web angle joint, top and seat and double web angle joint, and concrete filled steel tube (CFST) to steel beam connections. The performance of these connections will be discussed in terms of aspects such as, the hysteric behaviour, load vs displacement behaviour, moment resistance capacity and stiffness in order to determine the connection type which effectively overcomes seismic loads and stresses when subjected to low to moderate seismic activity loading conditions, replicated via cyclic loading.