Effect of steel fibres on reinforced concrete beam-column joints under reversed cyclic loading

Abstract

The vibrations produced by earthquakes cause large horizontal forces in beam-column joints. If these forces exceed the limit values that the joints can withstand, severe irreparable damage might occur. Experimental and analytical studies were conducted to determine the energy dissipation capacity and ductility of beam-column joints by using the “Self-compacting Concrete” (SCC) and “Normal Concrete” (NC) mixes containing various quantities of steel fibres. Test results were compared with the results obtained using the test specimen made of normal concrete. The test results reveal similar behaviour of normal concrete and self-compacting concrete with regard to energy dissipation capacity. The use of steel fibres is known to increase ductility. This study shows that this behaviour is more prominent in the case of 1 % fibre volume ratio.