Dynamic characterization of a 3-D full scale steel-concrete ...

Main moment resisting framesSecondary beams3.5 m 3.5 mFigure 1. 3D view of the prototype building.Partial-strength beam-to-column joints were designed to provide suitable structuralperformance in terms of both static and dynamic behaviour. To this aim, an end plateconnection was chosen to guarantee predictable and efficient behaviour against seismicactions (Braconi et al. 2003a).Columns are partially encased composite steel-concrete columns (Braconi et al.,2003b), with hot-rolled HEB sections to guarantee significant structural efficiency as wellas improved resistance to fire. The cast concrete and corresponding reinforcement areinterrupted in correspondence to the joint. A pair of stiffening plates, set horizontally andwelded to the column, guarantee full exploitation of the panel's post-critical resourceswhen subjected to the shear forces transmitted by the beams. The stirrups, external to thecentral area of the joint, are spaced, within the critical length of the joint, as per currentstandards. The slab is fitted with the necessary reinforcing bars to activate transfermechanisms between beams and columns (prEN 1998-1, 2002).2