In order to investigate the construction of column-to-beam joints and to understand the effect of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and cross-section of beams and columns on the seismic performance of recycled aggregate concrete-filled light steel tubular frame structure, four new types of assembly joints were proposed in this paper. A low cyclic loading test of six frame specimens was carried out. The failure characteristic, load bearing capacity, hysteresis property, ductility, strength and stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation were analysed. The damage process of the specimen was simulated using the ABAQUS software, and the results agreed well with those obtained from the experiments. The results showed that the construction pathway of the joints exhibited significant influence on the seismic performance of the frame. The proposed reinforced joint (using angle steel and stiffeners) significantly improved the bearing capacity, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube frame. The seismic performance of the steel frame was improved, while the energy dissipation capacity increased by 635.7% using RAC filled in the steel tubes. Finally, by appropriately increasing the size of cross-section on the beams and columns can improve the bearing capacity, stiffness and ductility of the structure.
