Investigation of Effect of Using Braces in Composite Frames Consisting of Reinforced Concrete Columns and Steel Beams (RCS)

Reinforced concrete column-to-steel beam (RCS) composite connections have been introduced as a structural system since a couple of years ago. Optimally combining metallic and concrete-made structural elements, this system takes advantages of both systems. There are two types of these connections, including through-beam and through-column connections. In the present research, once finished with verifying a finite-element model, a parametric study (considering a cross-braced frame) was performed and the results were compared in terms of strength, cracking, failure stages of the model, and ductility. Results of the present research were indicative of higher strength and force corresponding to the first crack in braced composite frame. Furthermore, the use of bracing resulted in enhanced ductility of the system.