An experimental study on cyclic behaviour of reinforced concrete connections

Abstract

Beam-column joints are considered critical regions within the structural system — especially under seismic loading — requiring careful design. Results from tests on four exterior reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column subassemblages are presented in this paper as part of an experimental investigation on the behaviour of RC beam-column connections under reversal cyclic loading. The influence of joint transverse reinforcement rate and concrete compressive strength on the RC beam-column connection behaviour was investigated. It is concluded that concrete compressive strength is the major factor that governs the joint shear capacity. The experimental results also indicated that joint transverse reinforcement affects the load-displacement response of such connections.Key words: cyclic loading, seismic analysis, reinforced concrete structures, beam-column connection.