Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 1 Author: F. Lopes, Santiago, A., L. S. D. Silva, Iqbal, N., Veljkovic , M. and Silva, J. G. S. Year: 2014 Title: Sub-frames with reverse channel connections to cft composite columns –experimental evaluation Journal: Advanced Steel Construction Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Pages: 16 Start Page: 111 Short Title: Sub-frames with reverse channel connections to cft composite columns –experimental evaluation DOI: 10.18057/IJASC.2015.11.1.7 Keywords: Full-scale tests, Heating-cooling curves, Reverse channel connection, Concrete filled tubes, Robustness. Abstract: This paper presents the experimental results of the investigation on the coupled joint-structure behaviour of the composite sub-frame, using the reverse channel connections between an I-beam and the concrete filled tube (CFT) columns. This experimental programme includes seven full-scale tests: three tests at ambient temperature and four tests under heating-cooling curves. The parametric study was dedicated to: temperature-time curve and channel wall thickness (8, 10 and 12 mm). The main objective of these tests is to provide experimental information on the behaviour of the reverse channel joints and its influence on the structure under a heating-cooling fire. The restraining effects from the unaffected part of surrounding structure induce highly variable loading histories on the joints during fire; therefore the investigation on coupled joint-structure behaviour should lead to a realistic prediction of progressive collapse of the structure. Author Address: ISISE - Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Pólo II, 3030 Coimbra, Portugal