System Behavior Factors for Composite and Mixed Structural Systems

National Science Foundation
Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems
NSF Grant No. CMMI-0619047
October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2009

BACKGROUND

Composite beam-columns have been demonstrated to be robust, tough, and ductile structural members. They are common in low- to high-rise construction in Japan and China; however, they are less common in the United States. The primary reason for their lack of use are major gaps in the provisions due to a lack of coordinated prior research, as well as complexities in construction that may be mitigated through additional research and coordination.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Facilitate the use of composite systems in buildings between 5 and 20 stories and in areas of low, moderate, and high seismicity.

Provide updated design formulas and practical guidelines for the analysis and design of composite structures.

Develop system performance factors (e.g., R, Cd, and Ωo) for composite braced and unbraced structural systems.

Substantially upgrade the computational models available for analyzing complete composite systems and provide detailed documentation to help researchers pursue similar studies.

Co-Principal Investigators