Behavior of composite semi-rigid beam-to-girder connections

Advancements in design technology and construction materials have allowed composite floor systems to become longer and shallower. As a result, serviceability considerations rather than strength considerations have started to control designs. Partial continuity in composite floor systems has been suggested as a means by which the serviceability aspects could be improved. A new beam-to-girder connection referred to as a composite semi-rigid beam-to-girder connection is investigated as a possible method to provide partial continuity in floor systems. Four of these connections are evaluated experimentally and analytically to determine their behavior and the feasibility of their use in typical composite floor systems. The results indicate that these connections would improve serviceability aspects of the floor system and would improve the general efficiency of the floor design.