Composite semi-rigid construction

Semi-rigid composite connections are traditional steel frame connections in which the additional strength and stiffness provided by the floor slab has been incorporated by adding shear studs and slab reinforcement in the negative moment regions to the column. Significant increases in both the strength and stiffness of simple connections can be achieved by providing some continuous slab reinforcement over the column lines. Semi-rigid composite connections provide a large amount of ductility and extra reserve capacity. A structure designed as semi-rigid composite provides a very high degree of protection against progressive failure. The failure mechanisms for these connections are well understood and design procedures to prevent them have been developed.