Experimental Tests of Composite Joints Subjected to Hogging and Sagging Bending Moments

Experimental investigations on the behaviour of composite steel-concrete beam-to-column joints are presented. The undertaken subject is related to the design of multi-storey buildings that are not only subjected to common actions including persistent design situations, but that could also be exposed to accidental situations (such as explosion, fire, or impact) resulting in local damage to the structure. At this stage of the investigations, two separate experimental arrangements are considered, which allow the behaviour of joints under negative (hogging) and positive (sagging) bending moments to be modelled. The aim of the experimental tests is the observation of possible failure modes of the joints and a comparison of results expressed in terms of joint moment-rotation characteristics. Analysis of the joint properties for different load situations would ultimately allow for the formulation of recommendations for engineering practice.