Evaluation of doubler plates effects on shear bearing behavior of RCS connections

Passing three decades of research and studies on composite frames made of continuous steel beam and concrete column (RCS frames), its has been proven that these frames show good performance in high-risk seismic zones. Presenting an appropriate arrangement from RCS connection components has always been a matter of concern for the engineering community. In the draft of ASCE 2015 code concerning RCS connectins, in a list proposed for the components of this connection, refer is made to the double plates placed in the web of the steel beam. This article would investigate the effect of double plate thickness placed in the web of the steel beam, on the performance of RCS connection and using a finite element modeling framework which has been previously validated through laboratory studies, would demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages associated with application of these plates. The results of this investigation show that the use of double plates, would considerably increase participation of the mechanisms corresponding to the internal and external concrete panel zones in the strength of the connection.