Effect of composite slabs with profiled steel sheeting on the seismic performance of end‐plate connections in prefabricated steel frame cross joints

Abstract Composite slabs play an important role in the seismic performance of prefabricated steel frame beam–column joints with end‐plate connections; however, the combined effects of profiled steel sheet orientation and slab width have not been systematically investigated. In this study, cruciform joints with profiled steel sheet–concrete composite slabs were tested under constant axial compression and low‐cycle reversed loading to examine their seismic behavior. The influences of profiled steel sheet laying direction and slab width on stiffness, hysteretic response, ductility, and energy dissipation were evaluated. Test results indicate that both parameters significantly affect the post‐yield behavior of the joints, while their influence on ultimate flexural capacity is relatively limited. Compared with perpendicular orientation, profiled steel sheets laid parallel to the beam axis provide more effective longitudinal restraint, resulting in improved ductility and energy dissipation. Increasing slab width enhances initial stiffness but may reduce ductility at large deformation levels. An analytical model based on the component method was developed and validated against the test results. The proposed findings provide useful references for the seismic design of prefabricated steel frame joints.