System analyses using the computation tool developed in this project will be performed to document the performance limit states of composite systems, leading to the development of new design recommendations for non-seismic and seismic design of composite beam-columns.
Parametric studies to determine simplified expressions for the equivalent rigidities of composite beam-columns will be conducted. The effect of different assumptions and the effect of over- and under-predictions of the member stiffness on the system behavior will be studied. This will result in the development of simplified expressions for the equivalent rigidity of composite beam-columns to be used in frame analysis.
A large series of parametric studies on the behavior of various composite frames in areas ranging from low to high seismicity will be conducted. Following the procedures proposed by the ATC-63 project, system behavior factors (R, Cd, and Ωo) will be developed for composite structural systems.