Parametric study of semi-rigid composite connections with 3-D finite element approach

This paper describes the 3-dimensional finite element modelling of composite connection with steel beams and precast hollow core slab. A finite element model to simulate the structural behaviour of the composite beam was described and was used to study the behaviour of a wide range of composite connections to gain a better understanding of the structural behaviour especially the moment–rotation characteristic of the connections. Parametric studies were carried out to investigate the structural behaviour with variations in: size of the beam, thickness of the endplate, thickness of column web, depth of precast hollow cored slab and stud spacing. Through the parametric study, the structural behaviour of the composite connection has been discussed in detail, and recommendations for the design purpose has been made.