Composite columns consisting of hollow steel tubes filled with high strength concrete with compressive strength exceeding 10000 psi (69 MPa) are being used in high-rise buildings. Connecting steel beams to these columns at each floor level has attracted attention. The relatively thin plate thickness of the steel tube prohibits connecting steel beams directly to the tube, especially in seismic areas. The focus of this project is to develop a new connection detail for connecting steel beams to composite columns. After envisioning various possible connection details, a through column connection detail is suggested. A combination of analytical and experimental investigations was used to identify the force transfer mechanism and to study the role of different connection components in resisting joint forces.
