Composite Connections 23.1 Introduction 232 Connection Behavior Classification 23.3 PR Composite Connections Roberto Leon 234 Moment-Rotation (No) Curves aeeeerCiaed Eminnmenat 23.5 Design of Composite Connections in Braced Frames Engine, Geol ltt 236 Design for Unbraced Frames Tel Adlanta CA References 23.1 Introduction The vast majority of ste! buildings but today incorporate a floce system consisting of composite beams, composite joss or trusses, stub girders, or some combination thereof [2]. Traditionally the strength and stifines of the flor slabs have only been used for the design of simply-supported Tlexura members under gravity loads, i. for members bent in single curvature about the strongas ofthesection, In thiscase the members ae assumed tbe pin-ended, the cross-section is assumed to be prismatic, and the effective width of te slab is approximated by simple rule. These assumptions allow fora member-by-member design procedure and considerably simplify the checks needed for strength and serviceability limit states. Although most structral engineers recognize that ther some degree of continuity inthe flor system because of the presence of reinforcement to contol crack widths over column lines, this effec is considered iff to quantify and thus ignored in design The effect ofthe flog slabs has also been neglected when assessing the stength and sf of frames subjected to lateral loads for four principal reasons. First, thas been assumed that neglecting the additional strength and stifies provided by the flor slabs always results ina conservative design Second, a sounl methodology for determining the Mf curves for these connections fa prerequisite if thei effect going to be incorporated into the analysis. However, there is scant data avatlable in onder to formate reliable moment-otation (M9) curves for composite connections, which all typically into the partly restrained (PR) and partial strength (PS) category. Third, ficult to incorporate into the analysis the non-prismatie composite cross-section that results when the member is subjected to double curvature as would occur under lateral loads. Finally, the degre of composite interaction in floce members that re part of ateral-load resisting sjtemsin seismic areas is low, with most having only enough shear wansfer capacity to satisfy diaphragm action. Research during the past 10 years [2] and damage to sto frames curing recent earthquakes [22] have pointed out, however, that there sa ned to reevaliate the elect of composite action in modern frames, ‘The later are characterized by the use of few bents to resist lateral loads, with the ratio of umber of gravity to moment-resisting columns often as high as 6 or more. In these cases the (1900 CRC Pres LICagaregate effect of many PR/PS connections can often add up to a significant portion ofthe lateral resistance of a frame. For example, many connections that were considered as pins in the analysis {e., connections to columns in the gravity load system) provided considerable lateral strength and stifiness to steel moment-resisting frames (MRF) damaged during the Northridge earthquake. In these cases many of the Fully restrained (FR) welded connections failed early in the load history, but the frames generally performed well. It has been speculated thatthe reason for the satisfactory performance was that the numerous PR/PS connections in the gravity load system were able to provide the required resistance since the input base shear decreased as the structure softened. In these PR/PS connections, much ofthe additional capacity arises from the presence of the flor slab which provides a moment transfer mechanism not accounted for in design. Inthis chapter general design considerations for a particular type of composite PR/PS connection willbe given and illustrated with examples for connections in braced and unbraced frames. lnfor- ‘mation on design of other types of bolted and composite PR connections i given elsewhere [22]. (Chapter 6 of [29)). The chapter begins wth discussions of both the development of M-# curvesand the effect of PR connections on frame analysis and design. A clear understanding of these two topies is essential to the implementation ofthe design provisions tha have been proposed for this type of ‘onstruction [25] and which will be illustrated herein, 23.2 Connection Behavior Classification ‘The first step in the design ofa building frame, after the general topology, the external loads, the ‘materials, and preliminary sizes have been selected, isto carry out an analysis to determine member forces and displacements. The results of this analysis depend strongly on the assurnptions made i constructing the structural model. Until recently most computer programs available to practicing engineers provided only two choices (cig or pinned) for defining the connections stifness. In realty connections are very complex structural elements and their behavior is best characterized by 1M-6 curves such as those given in Figure 23.1 for typical steel connections to an A36 W24x55 beam, (Mpsean = 4824 kip-in). In Figure 23.1, Mon Corresponds to the moment atthe column face, While Gln corresponds othe total rotation ofthe connection and a portion of the beam generally taken as equal to the beam depth. These curves are shown for illustrative purposes only, so that the different conneetion types can be contrasted. For each ofthe connection types shown, the curves ean be shifted through a wide range by changing the connection detail, ie, the thickness of the angles in the top and seat angle case. ‘While the M9 curves are highly non-linear, atleast three key properties for design canbe obtained from such data. Figure 232 illustrates the following properties, as wells other relevant connection characteristics for a composite connection: 1. Initial stilfines (ie), wich will be used in calculating deflection and vibration petfor- ‘manice under service loads, In these analysis the connection will be represented by a linear from the beginning, and ke ‘will be assumed constant, the latter needs to be defined as the secant stiffness to some predetermined rotation, linear rotational spring, Since the curves are nor 2, Ultimate strength (M,, ona), which will be used in assessing the ultimate strength of the frame, The strength is controlled either by the strength ofthe connection itself or that of the framing beam. In the former ease the connection i defined as partial strength (PS) and in the latter as full strength (FS) 3. Maximum available rotation (6), which will be used in checking both the redistibu: tion capacity under factored gravity loads and the drift under earthquake loads. The (1000 by CRC Pre LC00 Top ne sorta FIGURE 23.1: Typical moment-otation curves for steel connections. M a bn) Range ot moment rotation Senavior «200 Rotation (ax 10) °y 10 20 30 4 oy FIGURE 23 Definition of connection properties for PR connections, required rotational capacity depends on the design assumptions and the redundancy of the structure. Tis often useful also to define fourth quantity, the ductility (1) ofthe connection. Thisisdefined asthe ratio ofthe ultimate rotation capacity (Q,) tosome nominal “yield” rotation (@,). Itshould be understood thatthe definition of6 is subjective and needs to account forthe shape ofthe curve (i. hhow sharp is the transition from the service to the yield level — the sharper the transition the more valid the definition shown in Pigure 23.2). In the design procedure to be discussed in this chapter, the initial stifness, ultimate strength, maximum rotation, and ductility are properties that will need wines, tobe check by the structural (1000 by CRC Pr LC