Overview of U.S.–Japan Research on the Seismic Design of Composite Reinforced Concrete and Steel Moment Frame Structures

Abstract

Extensive research over the past 15 years has led to improved models and criteria for seismic design of composite steel–concrete moment frames and their components. Much of this research has been conducted through the U.S.–Japan Cooperative Research Program on Composite and Hybrid Structures. Research on reinforced concrete and steel moment frame structures includes (a) tests and analyses of over 50 composite beam–column connections, (b) tests and analyses of two composite frames, and (c) performance-based seismic design and simulation studies of prototype composite frame buildings. These projects, together with prior research, demonstrate that composite frames can be designed with seismic deformation capacity and toughness comparable to traditional steel or reinforced concrete construction.