Behaviour of Square Tubular Columns in Connection to I Beams with Welded Reverse Channel under Experimental Tests

This article presents some results of the experimental monotonic bending tests on the behaviour of the tubular columns and the reverse channel, effected based on a parametric variation of the most significant characteristics of the tubular profiles. The parameters considered are the thicknesses and the widths of the tubular columns faces, the filling with concrete and the axial load. The experimental tests program, included in the framework of the Doctoral Program Thesis in the scientific domain of the Steel Composite Structures, were performed on a test layout, corresponds to a framed structure, in the Structural Mechanic Laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Coimbra. The objective is to determine the characteristics of the nonlinear cyclic behaviour of the principal components of the tubular columns and the reverse channel, in this shape of joints. These components are related to the tubular columns walls, and to the web and flanges of the reverse channel yielding, crushing or instability, when submitted to bending, shear, compression and tension. The results of this experimental tests allow correlate the parameters considered with the structural behaviour of the connection, defined by the resistance, the stiffness, and the rotation capability.