Seismic Response Analysis of Steel–Concrete Composite Frame Structures with URSP Connectors

The uplift-restricted and slip-permitted (URSP) connector is a new type of connector used in steel–concrete composite structures that has been proven to improve the structural performance of negative moment regions. Since this connector changes the interface restraint between the slab and steel beam, there is an imperative to study the seismic performance of steel–concrete composite frame systems with this new type of connector. In this study, the dynamic behavior of composite frame structures with URSP connectors under seismic loads was numerically investigated. First, a beam–shell mixed model was used and complex interfaces of different connectors were considered while establishing a numerical model to conduct elasto–plastic time history analysis under various seismic loads. This numerical model was validated with the frame sub-assemblage experimental results of quasi-static cyclic tests. Second, the model analysis results of structures with URSP connectors were obtained and compared with those of traditional structures. Third, dynamic response results including roof displacement, inter-story displacement, and the distribution and failure modes of plastic hinges were analyzed and compared. The comparisons indicated that the arrangement of full-span URSP connectors had a non-negligible influence on the dynamic behavior of the systems. The arrangement increased the maximum inter-story displacement by 31.5% and induced adverse effects in certain cases, which is not suggested in the application of URSP connectors. The partial arrangement of URSP connectors had little influence on the dynamic behavior of the systems, and the frame systems still showed a good seismic performance, which was the same as the traditional composite structural system. These findings may promote the application of URSP connectors in composite structures.