Experimental behaviour of composite beam-column flush end plate connections subjected to low probability, high consequence loading

![CDATA[Current design of reinforced concrete and steel structures in Australia typically caters well for gravity, wind and seismic loading of a 500 year return period. However, there has been much discussion about whether structures should be designed for low probability, high consequence events such as a 2500 year return period earthquake. This paper presents experiments on composite beam-column flush end plate connections subjected to low probability, high consequence loading. The earthquake actions were determined using the new draft earthquake code DR0403, Standard Australia (2004). Considerable savings were apparent when moving from pinned connection to a semi-rigid connection. Not only in terms of weight savings but more importantly the ability to reduce the floor-to-floor heights, which can considerably reduce the cost of services and facades and subsequently mass and inertia of the structure. This can also result in more lettable floor space due to reduced column sizes and the possibility of adding another floor for the same total height compared with the pinned connection. Due to the great uncertainties in predicting earthquake actions in Australia, and the fact that the standard 1 in 500 year event is very minor and causes no damage to properly designed structures it is highly recommended that the higher earthquake loading level be given more emphasis in the future, to reduce the likelihood of building failures and damage due to earthquakes.]]