Research on seismic design method of a beam-column joint in reinforced concrete space frame

Abstract

Abstract Earthquake action is multi-dimensional and random. Under bidirectional horizontal direction loading, the seismic capability of beam-column joints in reinforced concrete (RC) frame may be lower than the design capability under unidirectional main direction loading. Detailed calculation methods for the shear bearing capability and shearing performance of RC space joints in frames under bidirectional horizontal direction loading have not been reported. In this work, the shear mechanism and internal force calculation method of an RC space joint under bidirectional horizontal direction loading are analyzed. Furthermore, a shear capacity calculation model is established based on the strut-and-tie model. The prediction of the shear capability in this work are in good agreement with the reported experimental results. This study provides a design method for the seismic design of RC space frame joints, and provides a supplement for the seismic design method of RC space frame with “strong joints and weak members”, when they are subjected to bidirectional horizontal direction loading at the same time.