Abstract：A nonlinear 3-D finite element is presented to analyze the behavior of concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tubular column to steel beam joints. The proposed finite element model is verified by experimental results of both planar and spatial joints. The effect of different loading paths on the behaviour of such spatial joint is analyzed. The full-range load-displacement envelope curve of the joint and the shear-force distribution of panel zone under bi-directional loading are also investigated. The capacity and stiffness of the spatial joints are compared with those of the planar joints. It is found that the capacity of the composite joint is influenced by the loading path. The positive and negative capacities of the spatial joint under bi-directional loading are about 14% and 18% lower than those of the planar joint, respectively.
