Experimental behavior of connection between composite columns and reinforced concrete flat slab

Abstract The combination of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns and reinforced concrete flat slabs provides a suitable structural solution that can be used to replace traditional structures in high-rise buildings. The connection between the CFST column and the RC flat slab is an important factor for this construction system to operate efficiently. In this study, a new form for the connection between the CFST column and the RC flat slab has been proposed. This connection has more constructability, where the steel tube is cut at the level of the slab to prevent the separation between the slab and the concrete inside the steel tube as the slab reinforcement is allowed to continue in the connection zone. The joint zone is strengthened with rebar rings to compensate for the loss in confinement caused by cutting the steel tube at the slab level. In addition to using longitudinal rebar in the joint zone to bear part of the vertical load and to ensure bending rigidity. The behavior of the proposed connection was investigated by testing three sets of small-sized samples. In addition, an equation based on the outcomes of the second set of tests has been carried out to determine the joint bearing capacity for the vertical load.