Behaviour of composite substructures with full and partial shear connection under quasi-static cyclic and pseudo-dynamic displacements

Six full-scale steel-concrete composite substructures with full and partial shear connection representing half bay within a moment-resisting frame were built and tested both in a quasi-static cyclic and pseudo-dynamic regime. The specimens embodied two composite beams with full shear connection and four companion beams with two different degrees of partial shear connection all with exterior rigid joints. Tests were conducted in a set-up purposely designed to impose to specimens reversed horizontal displacements in a low-cycle high amplitude regime. The characteristics of the test apparatus ready for different structural members subjected to horizontal loading are illustrated. Moreover, the seismic performances of the specimens in terms of yielding and of maximum strength capacity as well as of displacement ductility are assessed. Finally, the accuracy of a European code calibrated upon monotonic loading is provided and other local characteristics of the composite substructure behaviour with low partial shear connection are commented upon.