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 wer e, 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 connectio n ail 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 membe rs subjected to horizontal loading are illustrated. Moreover, the seismic p erformances of the specimens in terms of yielding and of maximum strength c apacity as well as of displacement ductility are assessed. Finally, the acc uracy of a European code calibrated upon monotonic loading is provided and other local characteristics of the composite substructure behaviour with lo w partial shear connection are commented upon.