Cyclic loading tests and finite element analyses on performance of ring beam connections

A novel ring-beam connection is proposed for steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns and reinforced concrete (RC) beams, avoiding difficult design and complex construction. The seismic performance of this ring-beam connection is investigated through experimental tests and finite element analysis (FEA). Four reduced-scale specimens were tested under cyclic loading to examine the effects of longitudinal reinforcements, stirrups and different anti-shear parts in the ring-beam connection. The results from tests show that the ring-beam connections with an appropriate design have a good seismic performance and satisfy strong connection weak beam requirement effectively. As further investigation, finite element analyses are carried out, and the analyses results agree well with the experiments.