ABSTRACT
In the framework of the component method, adopted by Eurocode 3 to assess the connection moment-rotation characteristics, any joint can be decomposed into a set of springs known as components. These components are assembled in a mechanical model, used to predict the behaviour of any joint geometry, provided that the response of all the required components is fully characterized. The behaviour of joints in steel rectangular hollow sections filled with concrete is frequently governed by the deformability of the column face loaded out of plane in bending. Therefore a good estimate of the joint moment-rotation response relies on the knowledge of this component behaviour, yet to be fully characterized. Based on previous work under monotonic loading, the objective of this paper is to present an experimental study that contributes for the understanding of the behaviour of these joints under cyclic loading This paper describes an experimental study performed at the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Coimbra, that consists of a series of four tests on extended or flush end plate connections under cyclic loading. A description of the tested geometries is initially made, along with the test setup and load application method. This is followed by a detailed description of the instrumentation of the specimens. Finally, some of the available results are presented, focusing on the moment-rotation curves and joint ductility characteristics.
