T-stub response and loading rate

Recent studies have drawn the importance of ductility in enabling structural resistance mechanism against progressive collapse. In steel and steel and concrete composite structures, experimental studies have pointed out the central role of the beam-to-column joints in the mechanisms of force transmission towards the undamaged part of the structure. The Università di Trento was recently involved in a European research project aimed at the development of new design concepts against accidental actions, for steelconcrete composite frames. In the framework of these activities, the Authors performed an experimental study focused on the influence of loading rate on the beam-to-column joint performance. The study comprises tests on T-stubs modelling a flush end-plate beam-to-column bolted connection. Both the column flange and the end-plate T-stub responses were investigated. In this paper, the main features of the experimental program and of the tests’ results are described and discussed.