Seismic resistance of composite beam-columns in multi-storey structures. Part 2: Analytical model and discussion of results

Abstract The observations and results from an experimental investigation of the seismic resistance of partially encased beam-columns given in the companion paper are used to assemble and verify analytical models incorporating the salient behavioural features of the test specimens. The analytical models, which employ either the commonly used bilinear kinematic hardening constitutive relationship for structural steel or the more advanced multi-surface plasticity model, are shown to achieve good agreement with the experimental results, while remaining sufficiently economical for application to larger structures. The relative performances of both material models are compared, the seismic resistance of partially encased beam-columns as identified by the experimental investigations is evaluated and the implications of the use of such structural elements in the earthquake-resistant design of multi-storey structures is discussed.